The New York herald., 1922-05-08
Burns Detectives We're En-
gagged as Escort for
Convenience
AGENTS ARE ACCUSED
Robertson Says They Posed as
Officers and Only British
Embassy Saved Him.

daughter OF Charles A. Culberson.
United States Senator from Texas.
Alexander E. Robertson, who lives
with his aunt at Bloomfield N. j., has
alleged in court that an attempt was
made to spirit him out of the country
because of parental objection to the
romance.
Chesley W. Jurney, secretary TO
senator Culberson. in n statement is
sued last night in Washington, ad-
nitted tl.at the William J. Burns De-
tective Agency had been employed to
cscort Robertson from this country.
put owing to certain developments
the matter had been dropped.
I'VE did employ the Burns agency in
this case said Mr.. Jurney. But our
action was entirly within the law and
we certainly have committed no criminal
act. By prearrangements he went to
Eoston. but was ut no time under ,luress
or physical pressure and he was per-
fcctly willing to make the trip suggested
by u.s."
John F.. Ellies a detective employed
by the Burns agency in Washington. IS
being held in $4,000 bail by the Grand
Jury OF Newark on charges OF kidnap-
Ing preferred by Robertson, who Is
British subject, and who, after fight
ing throughout the war, came to this
country when he had recovered from
wounds. Since his arrest in Newark,
April 27, Ellis and John Rhuland, an
other detective alleged to be involved in
he case, have been dismissed from the
Burns agency in Washington.
Romance nj College.
Robertson last night made the charge
that Ellis and Rhuland and II. G.. An
derson, head of the Burns agency at
Washington, represented themselves to
him as Federal agents. He declared
that he was going to make this charge
against them TO the proper authorities
ut Washington William J. Burns de-
MICS this.
Robertson, after he came hero in 1919,
went to Austin, Tex. to take an engi
neering course at the University OF
Texas. 1t was there he met Miss Gull
bcrson. who was also student. Decid-
ing marriage would be too expensive for.
him to continue in college, Robertson
procured q Job at AN automobile filling
station and garage. At intervals he saw
Miss Culberson. but the new romance
received setback when the young
woman went to Washington at the re-
quest of her parents and entered the
Holton Arms School.
Six weeks ago Robertson appeared in
Washington on his way to Syracuse,
where he had obtained position with
the Franklin Automobile Company. At
that time he and Miss Culberson decided
to make their affections known to the
veteran Senator and his wife. The ex-
British soldier was told to confer with
Mr. Jurney. who not only is secretary to
the Senator hut also family adviser.
Mr.. Jurney's version of tho interview
and that of Robertson differ.
I'VE closed the matter. however and
he left Washington still unshaken in the
belief he WAS an actual suitor for Miss
Culberson's hand. On behalf of the Gull
bcrson family l am going to give you
the truth Of the entire situation.
Robertson has never earned an hon.
est living since coming to America. He
considered that he had q hold on the
Senator's family when his friendship for
Miss Culberson was returned, and we
felt that the best thing that could be
possibly done would be to give the young
man start In some other country.
while II may seem unusual that we
employed the Burns agency, there IS
nothing remarkable about 1t. We did
not want to handle the matter with the
young man personally. We had to have
some agents. and the Burns people were
available. We were not deporting this
man. He was going of his own free
will and accord and was very anxious
indeed, to make the trip. In fact when
the arrangements were Cancelled in Bos.
ton he raised a strong protest, saying he
lad started the thing and we would have
to finish II.
Giving Him a start.
"Mr and Mrs Culberson were shocked
beyond words when informed of the
situation by Miss Culberson." said Mr..
Jurney. "They tried to reason with
both Robertson and their daughter. but
without success. When questioned as to
his finances, Robertson admitted he had
absolutely nothing. He said he wante J.
chance to make good and would show
his worth.
''He said, particularly. that he would
like to go to Rio de Janeiro or Buenos
Aires. where he felt he could make
good.
eve were not giving him anything or
making any bribe. We offered to pay
his passage to any port he might select
and TO furnish him expense money. For
this advance he was to give us promis-
scry note payable at an indefinite date.
We felt that time would give him start
and relieve us of the annoyance or his
presence.
1T Is a very unfortunate thing that
Senator CuIberson should be annoyed
and embarrassed by the Vaccinations
OF Robertson. / am not interested In the
charges OF impersonating Federal Of
ficers because I do not believe them.
J. would have been q very fine thing II
the proposed trip had been carried out.
But since Robertson's aunt chose to In
terfere we do not care to go further"
Says Girl Warned Him.
Mr.. Robertson at the home OF his aunt
yesterday said he had told the Culberson
family he had no money and had agreed
- make NO more suggestions about
inatrimony until MAY. 1923. He said the
Senator and his wife had adhered to his
request that he be allowed to corre-
spoud with their daughter
After seeing the Senator Robertson
said he obtained employment with the
New York Telephone Company in this
city. where he remained until the eve
ming Of April 90. He said he received
letter three weeks ago from Miss Cul-
Dotsou watnirg him that an attempt was