New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-12-29
WOMAN USES BAD CHECKS.
Wife of Nee HaUen Doctor is IN
Trouble IN Jersey City.

An arrest that caused surprise. a sensation and
sadness in two cities that of Mrs Elvira Der
gin. wife Of a physician or New-haVeh' C9nh''
who was taken into custody at her home charged
with obtaining money by false pretences- She IS
under indictment in Hudson County. y j, and the
arrest requiston papers DetectlVe ser
Ecant Bennett, Of Jersey City, served the papers
/, was an unpleasant duty for him 10 perform as
he and the prisoner were schoolmates quarter Of
a century ago. when she girl of twelve
years.
Bennett went to New Haven Wednesday, but
Mrs BerGin pleaded for opportunity to see her
husband. who was out making professional calis
IL was evening before he returned. and as she has
son. born five weeks whose health or IRE 'nsh
have been endangered by travelling at night the
officer decided until yesterday before taking
her 70 Jersey City DR. Bergin procured a coach
to convey his wife and the officer to the railway
station. Mrs. Bergin took her infant son with hef
her daughter Hortense Hanley seven years Old
the mother having been married twice. and she
WAS accompanied by her nurse. Mrs. Kelly. Nheh
Dr. Bergn. who married Mrs. Hanley three years
ago attempted to kiss his wife goodby, she are"
back and refused to kiss him.
No l can not kiss you she said You do not
lift me cut OF this trouble
On the arrival at Jersey City, Mrs Berelh hau
luncheon at a restaurant and was taken TO FoIee
Headquarters. where chief Of Police Murphy IN
tcrrogated her. She confessed ;bat when she gave
the check that involved her in the mesheS OF the
criminal law. she knew she did not have the money
in bank to meet it, She was taken the office of
Prosecutor Speer
Her friends in Jersey city did not desert her.
They found a bondsman IN Michael Day, a wealthy
barrel maker who had known her from infancy
lie became the surety. and she was released on
5000 bail Despite the apparent encouragement
when she parted with her husband as soon as she
was released after O'Clock last evening. she con-
Guided return home, and started on the O'Clock
train.
Mrs Bergin the only child of Thomas God
dard, who conducted coppersmith shop in Jersey
City for many years and did a large and profitable
business He lived well, but at his death about ten
years ago left estate that sufficient to per
his daughter to live comfortably on the in
come. She married at the time of her fathers
death young broker named Hanley. and when
he died it was said the estate left by her father
had been increased She left Jersey City about five
years ago and married Dr. Bergin about three
years ago.
About six months ago Mrs. Bergin reappeared in
Jersey city and had casheG four checks made by
her on the Lincoln National Bank of Manhattan.
She secured this accommodation from men who
knew her and her father and supposed that she was
stu in the enjoyment of the income from her
fathers estate She had been depositor at the
bank. but the checks were returned. The holders
of the checks consulted Chief Murphy, who COM
municated with Mrs. Bergin, and she him
check to cover the amount of the four worthless
checks she had cashed about 1880. This check
came back. and Chief Murphy promptly commun!-
Gated with Mrs. Bergin. advising her to settle
forthwith and avoid complications.
The chief presumed that she had the money but
that she woman ignorant OF business
methods who had allowed her bank account to
low, but was solvent She responded to the
chiefs demand ana did that which resulted in the
complaint and indictment. She visited n. B. Cush-
ne oa h6 drnG Of h aTge @S ora aad f
Jersey City. She desired him TO cash a check for
the sl5O0. He referred her to his manager, Ed
ward Grinsade She informed him, he alleges
that she had ample security in the Lincoln Bank
the money to Chief Murphy who paid off the four
She got the money from Gushing three months
ago. The check came back. Efforts made to
settlement. but they failed, and the for
nal complaint was made by Grinsade and the
indictment and arrest followed.
What did YOU do with all your money!" In
Quired Chief Murphy yesterday.
I have 1t all Mrs. Bergin replied. Il have It
in securities
The chief shook his head sadly, for the
suggested speculation and valueless papers as re
minders. Mrs. Bergin has many sympathetic
friends In Jersey City, and II is believed that
successful effort Will be made to effect a settle
ment and have the Indictment against her dis
nisaed.