The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-07-11
German Army Officer Admitted
Crime and Stands Trial.
POOR AND Wife SUFFERED
Young Soldier Had Taken Blanket and
Pawnsd Il for Is Cents. Which Was
Used for Medicine.

New York. July l1.-Confessing him
self thief. Kurt Friedberg. a young ex
lieutenant In the German artillery, wa:
arraigned In special sessions yesterday
morning for sentence.
Several persons who have Investigate tee
the charges against him interceded fo
the young officer. and there is every
prospect that, although he admits hi:
guilt, he and his pretty little bride will
be safely abroard a steamer on their way
home today.
The crime to which he pleaded guilty
is that Of stealing a blanket which he
pawned for Is cents. This Is cents n,
spent 10 buy medicine for his wife who
just when all their other troubles were
gathering thickest about them. fell IL
and II was feared she would die.
OFFICERS PLEADED FOR THEM
The straightforward story told by the
young officer. and his honest bearing. sc
impressed the Judges In special sessions
that they ordered an investigation OF his
story. Probation Officers Willard and
Graveur have investigated fully all he
told them, and Miss Elliott. the female
probation officer of the court, has ex-
amined Mrs. Friedberg These officers
have raised enough money TO send the
couple back TO their homes. and this
morning will make a strong plea for
Lieut.. Friedberg's freedom.
While Lieut.. Friedberg was a prisoner
In the Tombs, and his bride was being
cared for by Miss Elliott at No. 130 East
Twenty seventh street. Miss Elliott said
yesterday that she had rarely been so
profoundly touched as by the sad story of
the young couple. who only six months
ago were married under the brightest
auspices. and who. coming to this coun-
try TO make their fortune, had met with
the direst Ill luck
Lieut.. Friedberg Is six-footer and
every inch a soldier. He Is a graduate
Of Heidelberg, thirty-four years old
speaks half a dozen languages, and un-
I'll his marriage was a Lieutenant In the
fedl artillery Of the German army He is
a baron. according to his friends here, and
his father is distinguished officer OF the
army. The Friedberg family is a wealthy
one living in Berlin, and Friedbarg until
recently received remttances OF money
from Berlin through the German con-
sulate at No IL Broadway.
MET BRIDE IN BRAZIL.
Friedbarg's marriage was as romantic
as It's history has been tragic. More than
year ago he was sent on a mission TO
Brazil by Emperor William. and while
in Rio Janeiro he met the young woman
whom he has since married. She was
the daughter OF a wealthy German doing
business in Brazil. Before he went back
to Germany, Friedberg married her. There
was another marriage when they got back
to Berlin, which was attended by all the
relatives and friends OF the young Of
fcer.
Friedberg left the army and came with
his bride 10 this city. His reason for
giving up his commission is not known
but at the German consulate X was said
that the reason was not a discreditable
one
The young couple had plenty Of money
during the first few weeks here. They
lived at the best hotels and spent money
freely They met a number OF promi
nent Germans and were warmly well
coined. 1t was Friedbergs intention TO
become teacher OF languages. and when
his money began to run low he started
out to look for employment
The young man could find no one who
needed his services. and was forced TO
move into a boarding house. He spent
all his days looking for work. and sent
home. through the German consul for
his army certificate to help him In his
search. Money that he received from
home enabled him at first to tide over
want.
WIFE DESPERATELY ILL.
All during June Friedberg and his
wife lived in a small room at Mrs. Julia
Engel's. No. 2l0l Crotona avenue. They
were reduced almost TO starvation. His
wife became III and he could get neither
medicines nor a doctor. He could talk
no English
on June "a his wife became so i'll that
he became alarmed about her He hadn't
wen the money TO ride downtown to those
who might have assisted him. Unless
his wife had medicine It was feared she
would die. II was then that he took the
blanket. said TO be worth 81. and pawned
I for Is cents TO get medicine for his
wife
He was arrested few DAYS later at
he home OF Mrs Irene Bauer at No
Is East Forty fifth street His wife
vas i'll at the house then. and Mrs. Bauer
I'D what she could 10 care for her. Fried
'erg was held by Magistrate Zeller in
1000 bail. and when the prisoner ap-
cared day before yesterday in special !
essions the simple recital OF his stories !
xcited the sympathy OF the magistrates |
BY his side was his wife. a pale little |
,oman in black showing the effects Of /
er recent illness. He admitted 10 the /
ldges that he had taken the blanket. |
told the lady l took IL when she |
sked." he said Il had to have money |
, get medicine for my wife I was
esperate"
The justices appointed Lawyer Thomas
'herry 10 defend Friedberg and sus
ended sentence until this morning. when
ne probation officers viii make their re-
orts
Il have never seen n more refined
ouple." said Miss Elliott. the woman
ral,a OF la a rL hlxs |
Id story