Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1920-03-16
WEEDS KANSAS CITY SOLDIER T0 MAKE
 HIM nE''AvE SE::!' ]! ]. r
Ceremony Takes Place While Court Martial is Going
 On

Parsons, Kan, March 15.-Mary
 Helen Downey Beggs, an American war bride, has come to Kansas City to lend her influence in the solution of one of the bitterest tragedies re- sulting from the European conflict. 1 John Beggs, Kansas Cityan, 27 years old, and soldier in the world war, is the husband of Helen ! Downey Beggs. He is now serving a six-year sentence in the federal prison at Fort Leavenworth for a crime described by an army court martial as involuntary manslaughter.
 The civilians who have examined the facts look upon John Reggs' case in an entirely different way. To these civilians it appears that John Beggs, who went through the war in France with a record marked by high honors, is serving prison sen tence because he accidentally killed two German civilians.
 Celebrating Good News. In the death of these two Germans at Seeburg, Germany, there is noth- ing in the review of the evidence to show that the tragedy was due to a willful act. Moreover, there is nothing that shows positively that [ Beggs was the man who killed them At least five American soldiers had been Beggs' commanding officer. bration of a prospective journey to the shores of America.
 But John Beggs, lieutenant, was held for the offense. He was tried by courtmartial and waited six months for a decision. Meanwhile he had been sent to Hoboken while the judge advocates department was deliberating on the case. Nominally a prisoner during this period, Beggs had the sympathy of those whose duty it was to guard him, and there was not one among his asso- ciates who even suspected that he would be compelled to go to prison like common criminal.
 It was during this interim that Beggs met Helen Downey of Brook lyn, N. r., sister of Lieutenant Ernest V. Downey, who once had been Beggs' commanding officer. Here is where romance entered to allay the sting of wartime tragedy.
 Enlisted as Private.
 In France, Downey and Beggs had been companions, Beggs had enlisted as a private, but gained rapid pro- motion. He was top sergeant when his outfit, the 137th infantly, reach- ed France. After the 137th had got into real action, Beggs showed the stuff he was made of and won the admiration of his superiors. In time he was a lieutenant
 D1rinor tho DoIy11av cOrraS- bonded with his sister, Helen, and he often spoke of the rollicking, daredevil Irishman who was his "buddy" She saw the picture of the man whom her brother talked so much about, and in the course of events, Beggs saw the picture of the little sister who held such warm spot in the heart of Lieutenant Downey.
 Then came the tragedy. Downey had gone home with his outfit and was back in civilian life when Beggs got into trouble in Germany. But when Beggs. under guard, returned to New York. Downev was at the dock to greet him, and after Beggs was placed in the stockade at Camp Merritt, Downey visited him and on one of these visits took his sister, Helen, along. She had insisted. She had heard the whole story and her loyalty was unflinching. visited Beggs and on the occasion of one of these visits, Beggs said that when he got out of his trouble he wanted the little girl to marry him. Helen Downey instantly asked John Beggs why they should wait until he had got out of trouble. Why should two hearts that beat as one permit trouble, no matter how serious the trouble. stand as barrier to mar riage that everyone concerned must heartily indorsed?
 So John Beggs got pass one day, and he and Helen Downey went to New York and were married at the city hall. q could be of little assistance to you as sweetheart" said thls phil- osophic girl, who is 20 years old "As a wife I can be of real help. Some one will listen to me- |
 Six months after the courtmartla' Beggs learned his fate. It was to be six years in the prison at Fort He came along, under guard, last November, but he insist ed that the bride should remain with her mother.
 Record Always Good.
 Two weeks ago, however, the wife of the soldier came to Kansas City, Kan. and was welcomed at the home of James L. Beggs. Beggs is city and cousin of John Beggs. A day or two later John Beggs was persuaded to let his wife