New-York tribune., 1920-01-09
Mrs. Bergdon
Promises to
Seek Other Son
Mother Brings Dainties to
the Millionaire Fugitive
Draft Dodger in His Cell
on Governors Island
Sorry He Did Not Serve
Denies She Swore at u. S.
Officials, but Calls Phila-
delphia Agents S'Brutes''

Mrs. Emma C. Bergdoll, belligeren,
mother Of two draft-dodgers, an.
nounced yesterday that she would ad
vertise Immediately for her son, Erwin
C. Bergdoll, to give himself up to the
military authorities and stand tria
with his brother Grover.
She made the announcement on Gov.
srnor's Island after a visit to Grover
who is imprisoned in Castle Williams
awaiting a military court-martial on
the charge of desertion.
Released on $4,000 bail, Mrs. Berg
doll came to this city from Philadel-
phia, bringing with her a feather pill
low, some bread and other delicacies
for the son she had vainly endeavored
to shield from the Federal authorities
with revolver and blackjack.
Three-Hour Conference
For three hours she remained
closeted with Grover in the ancient
fort that now serves as a military
prison. When she entered her face
was set in lines OF stern determine
ton. but when she left it was softened
with smiles.
after talking with Grover" she
said, II have decided 60 advertise for
Erwin to como home and give himself
up. I am very happy and much re-
lieved. My boy is in good hands.
They are all gentlemen here and not
brutes like they are In Philadelphia !"
On her arrival at Governors Island,
Mrs. Bergdoll was met by Captain
Bruce r. Campbell, the officer who has
been assigned by the military authori-
ties to defend her millionaire son.
Captain Campbell, according to mill
tary records. is one of. the overseas
officers who have suffered demotion
since their return from the battle
front in France.
Ohio regiment in the Rainbow Division.
with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
At one time he commanded more than
5000 men in battle and was recon-
mended for promotion to colonel on
the field of battle and also was rec
commended for the D. S. NJ Since his
return he was denoted to the rank Of
captain and placed in class three, which
IS said to be equivalent to ruling
that he is not competent to command
a battalion in peace time.
Mrs. Bergdoll arrived on the
o'clock boat, carrying a large black
described what it contained, and said
she was bringing "a little money for
Grover" Captain Campbell advisesd
her to use her influence in getting her
other son, Erwin, to give himself up
and face the music with Grover. She
said she did not know the whereabouts
OF Erwin, but added: "Possibly I might
learn where he is"
Denies Swearing
Asked about reports from Philadel-
phia that she had sworn at Federal
officers when they attempted to arrest
her son, she said: 81 never use bad
language. They called me a bad name.
My mother can prove it. Ny mother is
Mrs. Wilhelmina Barth and is eighty
one years old. She lives with me in
Philadelphia.
II always have arms in my home in
Philadelphia. There are two acres of
ground around the house, and We are
only women there. don't know why
they are charging Grover with deser-
tion. He is not a deserter-only q
draft dodger.
"He was sway on his vacation when
his draft nes3ce was received. He sent
me a postal card saying that he would
answer it, kut they refused to accept
the excuse on the post card. The draft
board then published notice listing
him as deserter. This scared nv son
away.
after this they simply put Erwin
in Class LA for revenge, because Grover
did not come back. Erwin was married
ct the time and his wife was critically
i'll. He owned farm and a machine
shop and was entitled to deferred clas-
sification.
Regrets Sons Act.
THE last time ! saw Erwin was
eight months ago, just after his wife
exciteHSpt over his position"
Afts- Mrs. Bergdoll left her son
Grover n Castle Williams she was
asked il she was not sorry that he
had not become q soldier. dyes, | am
sorry" she replied. She was then asked
why she tried to protect him with q
revolver from the Federal authorities
and replied, "Why wouldn't a mothe.
protect her child?"
She returned to Philadelphia late yes.
terday afternoon. Just before leaving
she said she would visit Grover apair
Monday or Tuesday of next week.
1000 Draft Dodgers
In The II G n:.x:.