The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1921-07-27
BEN JOHNSON FURIOUS
WHEN CALLED LIAR
Friends Prevent Hin From Ate
tacking Draft Dodger
Bergdoll's Brother


Washington, July 23.-Tragedy
was narrowly averted during a hear
ing before the Bergdoll investigat-
ing Committee of the House today
when Representative Ben Johnson
Fourth Kentucky District, attempt.
ed to attack Charles A. Braun
Philadelphia, one Of Bergdolls
brothers, who while on the witness
stand, became exasperated at the
Kentuckian's cross-examination and
called him a liar.
Only the quick action Of Rep
.resentative Henry D. Flood. Virginia
prevented serious consequences. No
sooner had Braun uttered liar"
than Mr.. Johnson leaped to his feet
reached in his pocket and started af-
ter Braun.
Women spectators shrieked, bu:
otherwise every one in the commit
tee room seemed paralyzed for a
moment. AS Mr.. Johnson started
past him Mr.. Flood seized the Ken
tuckian's hand, which already was
in his pocket, and held it there.
Wife Pleads With Him
Don't 90 that, Ben," cried Mr..
Flood.
Mrs. Johnson rushed to her hus-
bands side and demonstrated with
him, as he struggled to free him
self. Representative o. R. Luhring,
Indiana, went to the assistance of
Mr.. Flood in holding the irate Ken
tuckian. Mr.. Johnson continued to
struggle, and appeared on the verge
of shaking off those who were de-
tanning him, when Marine Corps
Captain Joined in the tilt, pinning
Mr.. Johnson's arms to his side.
"Let me settle with that dirty,
fiag-hater," shouted Mr.. Johnson, as
he continued his struggles.
"The committee is adjourned"
cried Representative John A. Peters,
Maine, chairman, but his voice was
hardly audible in the uproar. The
crowd of clerks, witnesses and spec
tators broke for the door of the
committee room.
Break Came Unexpectedly
nj p rnn
rushed to Braun's side.
"Come with me-" he said, and
Braun followed him out Of the door
quietly. Rogers accompanied Braun
to the station and remained with
him until he boarded train for
Philadelphia.
Braun wept as he left the Capt.
tol. He told bow he had tried to
keep out of the Bergdoll affair, even
to the point OF changing his name
to escape the stigma placed on the
family honor by Grover.
AS he left the room a shriveled lit
tie fellow. about half Braun's size,
dashed up and, shaking his fist,
cried:
"I'd like to get hold of that big
skunk, your brother"
With a suddenness that amazed
all in the committee room, the storm
broke. Mr.. Johnson had been cross
examining Braun for half an hour.
He was trying to ascertain from the
witness where his wife and children
could be reached at a camp in the
mountains.
Braun at first replied that he did
not know the name of the postoffice.
Later, under cross-examination, he
named the place and spelled it for
the committee reporter.
'"Tell the committee all the facts"
urged Mr.. Johnson. Don't evade
Questions and withhold informa-
ton"
"I am not trying to evade your
questions" answered Braun.
"You are not trying; you are sue
ceeding." countered the Kentuckian.
mo, | am not"
"You are. Why can't> you come
here and tell the TRUTH"
81 am telling the truth"
"You know you are not" Mr.
Johnson asserted.
you're liar" deliberately said
Braun, rising from his chair, and
resting his hands on the table top.
Braun Makes Admission
Then 1t was Mr.. Johnson leaped
TO his feet and made a determined
effort 10 attack the witness.
Braun. who had his name changed
by court order after his brothers
Grover and Erwin had been branded
slackers. had been testifying about
advice he alleged had been given his