Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-05-14

fun for the old I'd Maine, backed I'D
by the new Sd Maine. to have the
job of seeing that Hughie comes
safely back to the place he likes so
much better than the soil of Canada,
even though he was born on the lat
ter. But, and with capital B, the
danger Of bloodshed is very remote,
although a serious situation might
easily develop.
The correspondence in the case,
giving all the details is very inter-
esting and the gist Of it follows:
Public Safety Chairman's Letter
Wytopitlock. Me-, April 80, 1919.
Attorney General,
Augusta, Me-:
Hughie McGovern, Of Canadian
birth, who was drafted and taken to
Camp Devens, honorably discharged
at close Of war, taken out first
naturalization papers, ETC.. went on
visit to his folks in Canada in
American uniform. When he tried
to cross back at Vanceboro, Me-,
they turned him back, but he got
back here.
Last night Canadian officer came
here after him and took him back to
Canada.
He has made his home here for at
least five years. Now l believe this
rank injustice and believe also we
ought to look after our soldiers.
Will you kindly advise me what is
wanted for information and also
take action as soon as possible.
He has no use for Canada, left it
and was perfectly willing to fight for
| us. I believe now is our time to
protect him against injustice
c. w. FLOYD.
Chairman Public Safety Committee.
Assistant Attorney General
Franklin Fisher on May l wrote Mr.
Floyd asking for full particulars in
the matter and received the follow
ing:
Floyd to Attorney General
Wytopitlock, Me-, May 3. 1919
Attorney General,
Augusta, Me,
In regard to Hughie McGovern
the American soldier taken from
here, as near as l can find out, was
taken by Crandlemire of Vanceboro
q thing he is customs officer)
After he (McGovern) was honorably
discharged at Camp Devens. he came
home here. He has made his home
with John Mix of Drew Plantation
Address Wytopitlock, Me-. and here
in this town seven years. He has
taken out his first naturalization
papers at Bangor, Me. He is OF
Canadian birth and was subject tt
draft there but refused to go back
there and was drafted here. So from
a Canadian standpoint he might be
a draft evader. as 1 understand the
matter. He visited his parents in
Canada in American uniform; was
overhauled by Canadian officers ir
st. John and told not to leave unit
they heard from Washington. HI
however got away and got bach
! home. Crandlemire arrested him ano
took him from here to Vanceboro
Further than that l do not know"
Attorney General to Adjutant Gen.
Assistant Attorney General Fisher
on May S turned over to Adjutant
General George Mel. Presson the
| correspondence with the request thai
the latter see what could be done ir
the matter.
Adjutant General to Gen. Edwards
Adjutant General Presson on MAY
6 wrote to Major General Clarence
r. Edwards, commanding the
Northeastern Department, as fol-
lows:
I -
the attorney general of this State
dated April 80 and May from C. w
Floyd, chairman of the Public Safety
| Committee. Wytopitlock, Me-, from
which you will note that the above
named soldier CHughie McGovern)
having been honorably discharged
from our army. was first detained in
Canada, where he had been on a
visit to his parents and on April %
was arrested at his home in Wyto-
pitlock by Canadian officer and
taken back to Canada
"2. The draft records in this Of
fee show that McGovern entered the
Z. S. military service on, June IS
1918, but as yet we have no records
as to the branch and organization in
which he served while in the army
SO. 1t is requested that this mat
ter be sent forward for investiga-
ton through proper channels"
Gen. Edwards to Adjutant General
NJ. J. More. adjutant general of
the Northeastern Department, on
May 9 wrote to Adjutant General
Presson, for Gen. Edwards, as fol-
lows:
reference to your letter of May 6,
1919. in the case of Hugh McGovern
of Wytopitlock, Me-. lately dis
| charged from the military service of
| the United States. who was arrested
| by Canadian officers and taken back
| to Canada, you are advised that all
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