The Mena weekly star., 1918-04-04
BOYCE CONFESSES
 HE WAS AT FAULT
Asserts Is Patriotic Citizen. But Used Words for Which He Deserved More Than He Got--Shows
 No Malice.

Theo. j. Boyce, the linotype opera tor who was taken from The Star composing room last Tuesday night and escorted from Mena because of unpatriotic expressions ascribed to him in affidavit. in letter, published herewith, acknowledges that he was wrong, that he was treated better than was his due in the circumstan- ces, and declares. despite all, that he Is patriotic American citizen and bears no malice. He also asks that his effects be examined as to their character by Messrs. finders and Leonard, the recruiting officers sta toned here and staying at the hotel where he boarded, or by Sheriff Fin ger.
 Mir. Boyce's letter says;
 Hatfield, Ark, March 2S, 1918. Mir V. W. St. John, Mena, Ark.
 "I do not think that the people in Mena who know me best really believe that I am unpatriotic, or that any thing l have said or done since com ing to Mena was Intentionally d;sloyal. In retrospect, however, as best as 1 can remember the discussion, can not deny that 1 made remarks in the heat of argument which could easily be construed as Mrs. Smith states them in her affidavit Since l am in no position or condition to prove any thing, can only deny, most emphati- cally that harbor any feeling of dis loyalty to the United States
 However, in view of the construc- tion placed upon my remarks, there is no question but what got what was coming to me. You have faint idea of my physical and mental condition, and, when say that 1 was more than usually nervous and irritable on last Saturday and Sunday, you can under stand how likely it would be that, in an argument, would say things with out due consideration of their import An American citizen who would promulgate the ideas represented in the affidavit is justly deserving of far more severe treatment than was &C., corded me. The men who "took me outp were much more reasonable than might have been expected. altho, inev- itably, I was given only an ostensible opportunity for explanation or de- fense. There was no real violence done me and very little malicious vim dictiveness shown either in speech or action l did not recognize anyone in the crowd, and am glad of that fact
 T would like for you to have Mir. finders and Mir. Leonard or Sheriff Finger make an inspection of my be- longings, if such has not been done that they may make sure of the pure Y personal nature of the same. Ali have at the shop is pair of over alls with my makeup rule in pocket.
 My keenest regret is on account of having left you in hard shape AL though I know I am not up to the mark my sudden removal would In- evitably cause you more or less incon- venience. l trust that you may soon secure much better operator
 Give my best regards to the boys in the shop and assure them the ref erence in yesterdays article does not in the least cause me to feel that 1 was double-erossed, nor lessen my ap- preciation of their fine treatment and congenial comradeship during my as- sociation with them.
 Thanking you for your kindness to me, including all those you have shown me during my stay with you, and assuring you that am, as I think you believe, loyal American citizen,l remain,
 Sincerely yours,
 "Theo. J. Boyee."