The Richmond Virginian

Alleged Slackers Held.

C. E. Harris, colored, a notary public of this city, and Mac McKinnon, colored, were before United States Commissioner Bartlett Roper for this district yesterday, the latter charged with making a false affidavit to secure exemption from military service and the former with aiding and abetting McKinnon in the false affidavit. The case of McKinnon was continued, while Harris was held in $1,000 bond. Both went to jail, unable to furnish bond.

McKinnon, it appears, appealed when exemption was refused him by the local board, claiming a wife, one child and an adopted child as dependents. He was supplied with an exemption blank, left the office of Captain Patteson, chairman of the board, found Harris, who accepted the signature of McKinnon's wife, though it had been signed by McKinnon himself. It is further alleged that McKinnon has not supported his wife and that she knew nothing of the exemption papers. A summons has been issued for the appearance of the woman, but she has not been located.

Harris has not made a statement with regard to the case, but it is believed that he accepted the false acknowledgment, fully comprehending the step he was taking. McKinnon when arrested was heavily armed, evidently expecting trouble. This is the first arrest here for violation of the draft law.