The Delta independent., 1917-12-28
REPORTS OF DISLoYALTY
UNTRUE-SAYS HARSHMAN
Cory. Colo, December 26. 1917.

wi SOlO.. IJCCtDlbtl -Ns IDl .
To the Delta County Public
In justice to my many friends in
Delta county and to myself, l feel
that the time has come when some
statement should be made by me to
the public concerning the charges
that have been made against me by
certain people in connection with the
effort to get signatures to petition
for my recall from office.
So long as the matter was being
pressed upon my brief record as coun-
ty commissioner, and particularly
the road work in my district, / was
content to ignore the matter, conf
dent that investigation of road mat
ters would disprove the charges. but
it has come to my attention recently
that my patriotism and loyalty to my
country are being attacked for the ap-
parent purpose of furthering the re-
call petition.
Any and all charges made against
me- attacking my patriotism and 10y
atty | most positively and unequivo-
cally deny. | am and always have
been a loyal and enthusiastic Ameri-
can. proud of my country and flag
and the fact that I am an American
citizen, and furthermore, I fully real
ize and am in sympathy with the mo-
tives that made necessary our partici-
patton in the war | am frank to say
that about the time of the declaration
of war | was under a misapprehension
of the circumstances that led us into
the war and like many other of our
citizens | was for a time at a loss to
understand the necessity of our par
ticipating in it. but as the issues be-
came clearer all doubts as to the pro-
priety of our taking part have been
removed from my mind and | have
supported our government in its war
program and expect to do so regard
less of any recall threatened or accom-
plished
If anyone desires to learn other than
through me or through those persons
interested in circulating the petition
for my recall as to my loyalty. would
be only too glad if they would make
inquiry among my neighbors and par
tcularly Of w. E. Steele. Arthur King
or ]. A. Hunsicker. all of Eckert. the
latter of whom is Republican, and all
of whom We're parties to one of the
conversations in which am charged
with having made disloyal statements
Some of the affidavits charge me
with indulging in profanity in OK
pressing myself. I am not given to
the use of profane language and this
may also be verified among my neigh
bors. Mrs. Hinman in her affidavit.
is most unfortunately mistaken as to
my attitude and statements in my
talk with her. for l never dreamed of
treating her other than courteously.
especially so because she was in my
own home, and I certainly am not
given to insulting ladies'. and in Mrs
Hinman | recognize most estimable
lady. even though her affidavit is
working great injustice to me,
| am quite willing to submit the
whole matter to the sober good sense
of Delta county citizens. and only ask
that before they act and put our
county to the expense of an election
costing ii several thousand dollars.
that they inform themselves as to
the actual facts. and having ascertain
ed what the actual facts are. | shall
be content whatever may be their
action. whether favorable or adverse
Yours very truly.
THOMAS ]. HARSHMAN.
Commissioner for Second District