Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-05-05
YESTERDAYS Results.

Washington. May 4.-Edward S.
Bailey. law partner of Samuel T. An
sell, corroborated before a house in
committee today Ansell's
Wescott Of New Jersey, knew all
about the story of the pot of gold"
before Grover Cleveland Bergdoil. the
Philadelphia draft dcdger, escaped.
The witness was questioned particu-
larly as to this phase of the case be-
casue of.,the emphatic declaration by
Judge Wescott yesterday that the first
he heard Of the buried treasure was
after Bergdoll had skipped. Mr..
Bailey also .corrborated the Ansell
testimony, denied by Wescott, that the
judge went to the war department to
see the secretary in the prisoners be-
half and remained there some time
without seeing him.
Testifying after Mr.. Ansell had been
subjected to a severe cross examina-
ton by Representative Johnson.
Democrat, Kentucky, a member OF
the committee, MI; Bailey related the
gist OF a conversation In his Office as
10 plans by which the lawyers hoped
to obtain the, release under guard Of
Bergdoll for the purpose Of recover
the late D.. Clarence Gfbboney. Of
Philadelphia, and Judge Wescott took
part. -
wcscott Said Little.
While Gibboney was explaining
how Bergdoll himself had come to
Washington with Judge Romig. his
friend, and had obtained $4,000 in
gold from the treasury department.
which took three or four hours to
count said Mr.. Bailey, Judge Wes
cott sat there and said little. But
certainly. the impression made upon
me was. that the judge knew every
thing about it prior to our conference.
because at no time did he express the
least surprise over the statements by
Gibboney.''
Responsibility for changing military
plans. by which Bergdoll was per-
mitted to stop over In Philadelphia to
visit his mother. instead of proceeding
direct to Hagerstown, Maryland. near
where the money was supposed to be
buried. fell properly upon the
shoulders of Gibboney. Mr.. Bailey de-
clared. 1t as from his mothers home
that Bergdoll escaped.
Mr.. Bailey's testimony had not been
concluded when the hearing was ad
journed over until Monday. Before
leaving the stand. however, he told
the committee Of talk he had with
Bergdoll at the Governors Island
prison. Of the latter's tale OF the gold,
and of the military plans for speedy
trip TO find it. Mr.. Bailey declared
that Gibboney took a personal interest
in the prisoner and promised, in event
of his acquittal, to take him to Phila-
delphia "and try and make man Of
him.
!Anscll Is Target.
In the course Of the long cross ex-
animation of Mr.. Ansell conducted
largely by Mr.. Johnson, direct attack
was made on the lawyer for accepting
employment as counsel for an "in-
famous draft dodger.''
Mr.. Arsell said he was entirely
within his rights and had strictly COM
piled with the highest ethics of his
profession in taking up the Bergdoll
tion.
Mr. johnson insisted that as he had
promised to- stand responsible for the
safe return of the prisoner. the former
acting judge advocate. geneal of the
army was in duty bound to do so. MFR.
Anscn contended. however. that even
If there had been an error of judg-
ment, the request for the mans re-
lease was made in good faith. and that
under military regulations, the au-
thorities, and not the lawyers. were
responsible for his safe keeping.