New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-18
U. S. Agents Hold Robert
E. Oppenheim, Banker,
on Mysterious Charge
MISTAKEN IDENTITY,
PRISONER DECLARES
Will Be Sent TO Ellis Island
To-day-Offcials Refuse
TO Discuss Case

Baron Robert Emmanuel Oppenheim
a wealthy banker ard broker of Lon
don and Paris, who arrived yester-
day on the Noordam OF the Holland
America line, from Falmouth, to com
plete several large financial transac-
tons, was detained for an undisclosed
reason by Federal agents while having
his passport examined before leaving
the ship. During the trip up the bay
he talked freely with reporters saying
he had come here, after an absence OF
six months, 10 conduct business oil MS
clients. and expected to remain only
short while before returning to spend
the remainder Of the winter at MS
chateau at Sorrento, Italy.
When reporters called 10 bid the
baron goodby they discovered that ne
was locked in his room. Two sailors
then appeared mystcriously at either
end of the corridor and informed news
paper men that the baron was not per
mitted 10 speak TO them or leave ms
suite. yes. he's detained, but we
don't know why" they said. No m
formation could be obtained from the
Federal authorities, except the admis-
sion that the orders came from those
higher up" The charge, it is under
stood. is not criminal one.
Mistaken Identity, Says Baron
As reporters were leaving the baron
called out to them ttat he was posi-
tive that il was a case OF mistaken
O. IL. L..
would be released within q few hours
Late yesterday evening offc'sis OF
the line stated that Baron Oppenhelm
had not been released, but that he
would be transported to Ellis Island to-
morrow.
Baron Oppenheim's brother. Eugene
F. f. Oppenheim, who has been assoc,
ated with him in many large financial
"coups." was waiting on the dock TO
meet him. and was thoroughly mysti-
fed over the latter's detention. 81 know
absolutely nothing about II, and feel
sure that it is all terrible mistake
which will be rectitied, with due apollo
gies."
Warren c. Van Slyke friend Of the
detained traveller. and counsel for his
brother, Eugene +. +. Oppenhein, said
last night at his home. | Lexington
Avenue. that the whole affair was moth
ing more than mares nest, and would
be satisfactorily cleared up to-day
NO Criminal Charge"
Il know the Baron Eugene Open
helm very we'll" said Mr.. Van Slyke.
"He is a man Of excellent reputation
and prominence in financial affairs in
France. Unfortunately, his name
sounds German, and that. perhaps. has /
had something TO do with his deten- I
ton here. There is absolutely no
criminal charge against him. He was 4
here in June. and had trouble then .
with his passport. He is a French
subject; nevertheless he had difficulty /.
in getting into England on his way TO p
this country. He was detained on his
arrival through the activity Of some
oyer-zealous immigration Official. and
in the morning. when he has hearing
before the proper authorities, he Viii .
be released. There is no criminal ,
charge involved
Eugene +. r. Oppenhcim, brother :
Of the detained man, was tried and
convicted for conspiracy and violation .
Of the United States banking laws IN
November. 1918. lie was sentenced by
Judge Ray. OF the Federal court in
Syracuse, 20 FIVE years in the Federal
penitentiary AT Atlanta. The Judge
granted a writ of error Appeal was
taken, and he is still out on bail.