Page:The autobiography of a Pennsylvanian.djvu/477

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COMMENT AND REVIEW



August 3, 1906.

To His Excellency,

The Governor of Pennsylvania,
Harrisburg, Penna.

My dear Governor:

The leases which have been signed with the farmers to secure to the United States the right to maneuver on their farms, contains the provision that the damages done to their crops and improvements will be adjusted by a board to consist of three members: A civilian to be appointed by the Secretary of War, a militia officer to be appointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania, and an army officer to be appointed by me.

I have recommended that the civilian members be paid ten dollars per day for each day the board is in session, which will probably be from October 1st to October 14th, 1906, but so far have not been informed if this would be approved.

I would be very much obliged if you can appoint the militia officer.

It is desired that he be a resident of this locality; familiar with the values of the farms, crops and improvements and also that he be a lawyer.

If you have no such officer in mind, I suggest the name of Captain Fred M. Ott who, I am informed, does combine the desired qualifications and who is the captain of the Governor's Troop, but you, of course, will know much more about this than can I.

Trusting that we may have the pleasure of seeing you in camp before we leave Pennsylvania, with kindest regards,

Very truly yours,
F. D. Grant,
Major-General U. S. Army,
Commanding Camp Roosevelt.

August 9, 1906.

Dr. Martin G. Brumbaugh,

3332 Walnut Street, Philadelphia.

Dear Doctor:

You now have the opportunity to do a fine turn for me and for the man who, above others, is most responsible for your election as superintendent of schools. I refer to Mr. Shoemaker. He is desirous of succeeding the late Judge Hanna. Will you point out to the governor, personally, that Mr. Shoemaker left a bed of sickness to go to the meeting, and had he not been present
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