The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-08
.DfRGE SISTERS we're
NEVER SPY suspects
Report That Wcfl-Known and Sue
crssful Evangclists We're Held
AS Such without F'oundn tion.

Several week ago the Richmond
Firgin'an published brief news item,
from Newport News, Va. telling OF
Il report reaching that city OF the
alleged arrest of the Misses Berge.
OF Keanshurg and vineland. N j.,
young women who had but short
time previous therto very acceptably
aided in splendid revival OF religion
Mt Trinity Methodist church. In New
port News.
The report indicated that the Misses
Berge had been detained as German
spies. The item was accepted as
authentic principally because the cor
respondent quoted prominent minis
ter friend of these ladies as author
fly for the publication.
1t now appears that there was never
any founda ton for the report vat
reached Newport News and tho the
Misses Berge have never been other
than loyal to the stars and Stripes.
The Misses Perge are known as
singing evangelists and In the ten
years In which they have been en-.
Gagged in the work thev have con-
Quoted many successful meetings,
having always had more calls than
they could all,
Writing the virrinian. In which
they tell of the work for Christianity.
they say that In the last seven years
they have not taken more than two
of three weeks out OF a year for vaca-
ton period so occupied have they
been in carving the Gospel message.
The following clipping from the
Newport News Daily Press gives the
statement OF the Misses Berge In full
TO- - H1tty, ~
Of the virginian:
Denial From The Berce Sisters.
Editor of The Daily Pres, SIR. A
press copy OF your publication issued
some time In August, containing re-
port that we had been arrested as
German spies. has been forwarded 10
US by friends This awful report IL,
of course, absolutely false. Why
such reports should be given credence
lis beyond comprehension of all who
know us and are familiar with out
WORK
Were. II not for the times through
which we are passing, the matter
would not discomfort us in the least,
however. We are determined to dis
cover its source with q criminal pro-
secution for libel. II needs be. Libel
constitutes an act of publishing n1ailt-
cious statements with the intent TO
expose persons to public hatred con-
tempt. or ridtcufe. thereby causing IN
Jury to reputation. business etc me
propagator Of such an report rs liable
to the full penalties Of the law II is
to be emphasized that no one. not
even a newspaper. can publish re-
port or rumor. that has not been Teri-
fed and a refusal to refute or retraet
the published account involves 1t In
ubelous suit and full penalties of the
law which may consist in damages
10 the plaintiff and fine or incareera-
tton. or both to the defendant.
Patriotism does not consist alone IN
waving n flag, but In making the
country righteous for God, and safe
for Democracy. Suffice to say we have
ever been loyal to our country ana
flag.
we suggest that you insert this let
ter in your columns As warning tnat
none dare assume or persume to as
socjate us with dislavalty TO the stars
and stripes, and that none for any
reason circulate idle rurnors other
wise they may be dealt with accord
ing TO law.
Awaiting a copy or your paper con-
! tanning a denial that the rumors are
! false. unfounded- and preposterous
and that the loyalty to our country
and what she sta nds for can not De
eainsaid, we remain.
Yours truly,
/ PFREE SISTERS. a..s
| sinrfng Tsvangsffsts