The New York Herald Newspaper, April 27, 1854, Page 1

TWENTY OTHERS FRIGHTFULLY MANGLED, _—SSSeSeSsoSOOamaa=um» THE NEW YORK HERALD. WHOLE NO. 6455. THE BROADWAY CALAMITY. The Shocking Details of the Destruction of Jennings’ Building. SCENES AT THE RUINS. MIRACULOUS ESCAPES, Thrillingly Interesting Narrative of the Wonderful Rescue of O’Donnell. | wall. His body was not recovered till yesterday after- ‘noon, He was a married man. 5. John A. Keyser, of Hose Co. No. 8. Was taken from the ruins in a horrible condition, his face and body being so dreadfully mutilated as to render recognition almost impossible. «He resided in Houston street, near Broome, and leaves a mother and two sisters to mourn his loss. 6. Andrew J. Schenck, of Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1. His body was taken out of the ruins ina very mangled condition, and conveyed to the dead house of the City Hospital. 7. —— Wilson, an old man, known in the department as the “Old Fireman.’’ He was not a regular momberof any company, but ran with one of the engines. 8. James McNulty, of Engine Co. No. 20. Taken from the ruins on the night of the fire, alive, and conveyed te the drug store on the corner of Barclay street and Broad- way, where he expired after an hour of intense suffering. The deceased was unmarried, and resided at 98 Cedar street, where his body was conveyed. His nearest rela- tive alive is a sister. 9. Dewitt L. Alston, of Engine Co. No. 46. Was taken out about five o'clock yesterday afternoon. The deceased was about twenty years of age, and resided in Thirty- INCIDENTS OF THE TRAGEDY Noble Conduct of the Firemen and Police, PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL PUBLIC FUNERAL OF THE VICTIMS. MEETINGS OF THE FIREMEN &e., &., de. The public heart throbbed heavily yesterday, while ‘the story of the wholesale slaughter of the night before was sweeping over the city. Perhaps npt since the Hague street explosion, a few years ago, has any disaster occurred within the limits of New York which has fallen so sadly upon the public ear, or excited such deep sym- pathy, as this. Without a moment’s warning, one blow deprived many of our gallant firemen of life, and stretched others, with broken limbs and burning flesh, writhing upon a bed of pain. More sad are the reflec- tions upon this affair, when associated with the fact that it was a voluntary sacrifice. These men were not strack down while engaged in their respective avocations, which, calling them to this post, thus led them on to death, but they voluntarily offered up their lives to save property and to stay the flames, evincing that self-sacrificing spirit which alone makes deeds heroic. - The cause of the fire is still unknown, but it is attend- ed with very suspicious circumstances, inasmuch as it broke out in the highest story of the building, where, ‘we understand, no fire was used, and none necessary. ‘The building being old and dry, and filled with combusti- ble material, the fire spread with great rapidity. It was first seen at about 734 o'clock in the evening, and at 834 o’clock one blaze went up from the ground floor to the roof, turning the building into one huge mass of flame. ‘The firemen rushed into the building, while destruction gathered around them, apparently bathing in the very fire. In a few minutes after the commencement of the conflagration, ali hopes of saving the burning building being relinquished, the aim was to prevent the spread of the fire to the adjoining houses. To do this, it was ne- cossary to carry hose pipes to the top of these buildings, where they could be used to most advantage. For this labor two firemen, with* a coil of rope, leaped upon the roof of No. 233, next to that ‘on fire, and sending one end of their rope to the grownd, it was fastened to the hose pipe, which they drew up to the roof. These men were engaged in this work for at least fifteen minutes,during ai] which time the flames were mounting high above their heads, and caroering their way by the force of the wind, frequently the vory fire stretch ing ont its hissing tonguo, wrapped itself around them. ‘This was all performed in the open sight of the immense crowd below, who waited with feverish anxiety the re- snlt of the work. Hundreds turned away thélr garé, an- able to witness the extreme peril of these daring men. ‘The wallof building No. 235, rising high above them, con- fined them to their position. At length the pipe was in their hands, and being sent up to others on the roof of No. 235, these men left their place in safety, and tho crowd below breathed freer when they were gone. This is only one of the many scenes of peril which were witnessed. The fire companies were early on the ground, and soon several streams were pouring wpon the building, but with little effect, so furiously did the flames perform their work. Engine Company No. 21, which suffered so severe- ly by the subsequent accident, sent a stream over the roof of the building, a feat which called forth the hearty cheers of the populace. All the companies worked well, and no doubt by their extraordinary exertions was the conflagration very much limited. The police, headed by their Chief, were on the ground, and did good service, Mr. Matsell, as soon as he arrived atthe scene of conflagration, understood that appre- hensions of danger from entering the building were enter- tained by many, and to satisfy himself an aid was sent in the upper atories as far as he could go, to reconnoiter. He reported there was a heavy safe in the upper stories, and the inside of the building would probably fall when unexpected. The Chief immediately ordered every man ander him to leave the building, and the last body of men had just stepped outside the door sill, when the crash was heard, which was fraught so heavily with death At the time this order was given, the Chief had about ive men in the building, most of whom were no doubt Saved from death by this timely imterference of their commander. Mr. Matsell himself was among the most active on the ground, and had his coat nearly scorched from his back. THE FALLING OF THE WALL. It was after the fire had encompassed the entire build. | ing, and a portion of the firemen had moved through a small alley way to the rear, to work more advantageously, that the wall fell, crushing so many to death, and maim- ing others for life, The iron safe in the fourth story (of | which the firemen knew nothing,) now fell, carrying the wall with it, as ifa trap set for death, and now sprung at the most opportune moment for destractien. The wall n il# descent not only buried those who were on the ground beneath it, but on each floor were several who come Gewa with the crach, and were common sharers im the disaster. The building had a rear extension on each Aoor, two stories high, and the crash carried down all in | Tront of this rear addition, as if knife had cat | the building midway, the fore half falling ¢o the ground and the rear remaining. Thus, it | will be scen there was a dividing line ‘between | the - half of the building falling and-that left | stamding. All across this -line towards the street went down, and only those who were fortunate enough to be on the rear side of this Ie wore saved. Alterman How- ard was standing on the rear, toeing the dividing mark, (80 to speak,) when the falling ruins almost grazed his body, leaving him standing upon the edge of one of the rear floors. Immediately those at hand jumped upon the ruins, amid the smoke and flame, to give to the waferers all ihe relief possible. Sad to relate, in a short time an- other portion of the wall fell, burying the rescuers. ‘The scene at this time it is not im the power of the pen to describe. The plaintive cries of the dying for help, the excitement of the companies outside, the energetic action of the rescuers, all combined to make up a picture to appal the stoutest heart. THE DEAD. 1 Jilliom J. Diegan, member of Hose Company No. third street. His body was first recognized by his bro- ther. 10. John P. O'Donnell, who was. in the ruins eight hours, died about 11 o’clock last night, at the City Hos- pital, after suffering in groat pain. 11. An unrecognized body was taken from the ruins about twelve o'clock last night. In addition to the foregoing, we were told that three more bodies were found, and that one or two still remain beneath the ruins. THE WOUNDED. 1, Matthew Killigan, Engine Company No. 21—slightly burned and bruised. 2. Hugh Hart, Engine 21—slight contusions. 3. Edward Gallespie, Engine 2i—badly burned; severay of his ribs broken. 4. Patrick Feeney, Engine 21—very seriously injured ; was not expected to live. 6. Patrick Waters, Engine 21—thigh broken. 6. Wm. Moran, Engine 21—very seriously burned; re- covery doubtful. : 7. John Newman, Engine 21—slightly burned. 8. Chris. Kratz, Hook and Ladder No. 11—seriously hurt, but not fatally. 9. Rabert Brewster, Engine No. 6—slightly hurt. _ 10. Patrick Gorman, Engine No. 15—slightly buraed ‘about the face. ; 11. Hugh Gallagher, Hose Company No. 25—the safe fell upon his arm, breaking it in one. or two places. His situ- ation for a while was most perilous. The safe lay above him, and was so delicately poised that it was feared it would fall over and crush Gallagher as he lay fastened by his arm. A purchase, after much difficulty, was rigged, the safe raised, aud the man released. 12. Charles Daily, Engine No. 20—siightly injured about the face and hands, 18. John Atkinson, of Hose Go. No. 49—one leg broken. His life was saved by his fire cap. A large beam fell di- rectly across his head, but his stiff cap resisted the pres- sure, and when released he was carried to his home. 14. Peter Curran, Engine No. 40—not badly hurt ; was taken home. 15. Timothy Shanley, Engine No. 15—slightly hurt; was taken home. 16. John B. O'Donnell, Engine No. 42—possibly fatally injured; taken to the hospital. 17. Charles Parks, thigh fractured and body severely bruised. 18. John Lewis, of 21 Hose Company, bruised about the head, and legs burned. 19. Philip M’Hugh, of 15 Engine Company, shoulders bruised. Taken to his home. 20. Thomas Flimmans, 15 Engine Company, legs and arms burned. 21. William Bassett, of Hose Company 64, bruised about the body. 22, Augustus Hoyt, of Hose Company 10, slightly in jured. 23. Charles Wheeler, of Hose Company 26, considera- bly bruised, % addition to the foregoing there-were soveral others, but none of them, so far as we could learn, wer” severely injured, The number of wounded, including these, is estimated at thirty. SCENES AND INCIDENTS. Among the melancholy incidents of this disaster, is the case of John B. O'Donnell, one of the members of Engine Company 42, anda son of Coroner O'Donnell. O'Donnell is about twenty-two years of age, and has but lately joined the Fire Depasément, in which he soon be- came remarkable for intrepidity and daring. He was, we are informed, among the first at the fire on Tuesday night, and was engaged in saving the property, with his brother firemen, when the rear wall fell and buried him under its ruins. This occurred about 9 e’clock, and it was not till 5 the following morning when he was extri- cated. For eight long and painfal hours was he lying under a large beam of timber, while the flames threat- ened every moment to consume him. He was nearly an hour in this position before his cries for assistance were heard, and during that time each minute appeared an age in duration. His first intimation that his friends were near, was @ slight knocking over his head, and never did noise sound more sweet to human ears. ‘(Is that near you?’’ said brother fireman. «No,” replied the poor sufferer; “a little further on; and“for heaven’s sake make haste, or I will be suffo- cated.”” ““Aré wé fear you now?’? said several voices, as an- other knock was given. “Not yet.” “ Now “Yes; you are directly over me. I can’t stand this much longer.’’ A hole was scon cut in the floor over his head, and through it he could be seen envelopod in smoke, while the flames had approached so close to him as to scorch hia clothes. ‘The pipe, give me the pipe at once, or he will be burned to death before our eyes,’’ said one of the firemen, seeing his imminent danger. A stream of water was soon directed upon the advancing flames, and they were driven back at the very moment they throatened to destroy him. As it was impossible to extinguish the fire, on account of its position, it was necossary to play upon it about once in every ten minutes. But daring the whole time of his fearful imprisonment the brave fellow never lost his courage, and not a word of pain escaped his lips. As it was feared, however, that his strength would give way before he could be rescued, a hole was broken through the wall near where he lay, and some stimulants handed to him. His frien ts could now Quick, quick. converse with him without any difficaliy, and they learned that there were four or flve dead bodios lying nesr him. “Ts there any ong else in there beside yourself?” they asked. te “ Yes, four or five,’ he replied, ‘‘and they are all dead. Tecan see {hem from where f am.” While he was lying here his father and brother, hear- ing of the disaster, hastened to the scene, and found their worst fears realized. They arrived about two hours after the falling of the wall, and never left the spot till he was extrieated. We will not attempt to describe their feelings as they saw him, after the most unremitging exertions on the part of the firemen, taken from the ruins horribly crashed and mangled. He was conveyed immediately to the City Hospital, whero he is lying at present in a most critical condition. His face and head are dreadfully burned, and one band is almost severed from his arm. Our readers will recognise a strong resemblance be- tween this case and that of the heroic lad, Tindall, who lost his life by the Hague street calamity. We hope, | however, that the case of O'Donnell will not have the same fatal termination. itpa, |at No, 81 Whitehall street. Leavos a wife and 7 He was taken from the ruins about ton n.'8¥ morning, and conveyed to the dead Hospital. His head was droadfally 18, one child) oeclock yestet house at the City crushed. 2. Michael Flinn, # Y°Y about sixteen years of age. Be wan one of the runner# ot , Hose Car€ No. 68, and lived on the corner of Church and Wa.'Ker streets. 3. Alexander McKay, of Eagin. Company No. 21. Was taken dead from the ruins. He loet . i life in attempting to rescue his brother. He was a sige ™n, about twen- ty-two years of ago, and lived at 54 Mott ‘treet. 4. Daniel McKay, brother of the abave, as‘ member of tho mame company. Was killed by the tai 0 the first | Alexander MeKay, who was found dead under the ra- | ins, lost his life in an ineffectual attempt to save his | brother. When he heard the crash cause! by the falling of the wall, he rushed into the burning building, despite the attempts of the Chief of Police. “What am I doing here, while my poor brother is in there?’ said he, pointing to the ruins. This was the last | that was seen of him till his dead body was found, horribly mutilated, lying beside the remains of his | brother. A fireman named Craig had a mort miraculous escan> He was found wedged in between a pile of cloth o nome boards and it was found necessary to tear off all us MORNING EDITION—THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1854. clothes before he could be relieved. He was then taken into a room in an adjoining house, where he was dreased in a somewhat different suit from that which he had last worn; but he was doubtless too happy im having escaped without injury to pay attention to hia style of dress. Speaking to one of the police captains, soon after he was resoued, he said he never knew he was so fat until he was wedged in so tight in the ruins. One poor fellow who was severely bruised, called on the firemen for heaven’s sake to pour some water upon him, and when they did so, he was beard to exclaim in a perfect ecstacy—‘Oh, how delicious that is!—More, boys, more.” Zophar Mills, one of the officers of the Fire Depart- ment, was precipitated from the fourth to the second story, and nearly fell on the head of the Chief of Police, who was busy with his men in saving the property, Ho was so black with the smoke that the Chief could hardly recognize him. When he perceived that officer he told him that a large number of firemen were under the ruins, and asked him, for heaven’s sake, to set his men to work in rescuing them. It was some minutes, how- ever, before this could be done, as the flames were raging as fierce as ever, and noone could enter the building without incurring great risk. Several escaped from the second story windows by means of ladders, while others Jumped to the pavement, Fortunately, none were in- Jured. Among those who escaped by leaping from a window, was a man named Kirchtner, who saved his life some months before ina similar way, during a fire in Centre street. The appearance of the building after the falling of the rear wall was like that of a vast furnace; but even while it was in this condition the “firemen rushed in with the most daring intrepidity, apparently lost to all sense of their own danger in their desire to save their suffering brothers. The instances of noble and heroic aelf-deyo- tion exhibited here are beyond the praise of mere words. While the men were engaged in clearing the ruins they heard the barking of some dogs, which were confined in one of the rooms. The poor animals were rescued almost uninjured. Among the narrow and almost miraculous escapes was that of Capt. Brennan, who just the moment before the wall fell left the building to get an additional length of hose. Officer Holland, of the Second ward, at the fire in Broadway arrested a fellow called Edward Dougherty, having in his possession some cloths, valued at fifty dol- lars, which he was carrying off for his own benefit. He was taken to the Tombs and committed for trial. The wounded firemen who were conveyed to the hospital seem to have forgotten their own injuries in their anxisty to hear about the fate of thgir friends. ‘Where is Toml— is he saved?” “What has become of Bill?” and other in- quiries were made after their fellow su(ferers by men whose injuries were so severe that one would think eve- rything else would have been forgotten in the sense of their own suffering. One fireman escaped by leaving the buil ling to find his cap, which he had dropped outside in the street, and Harry Howard, alderman of the Sixth ward and assistant engineer, was within a few inches of the rear wall when it fell. THE SCENE OF DISASTER YESTERDAY. Thousands crowded Broadway yesterday, from Barclay street to Park place, anxiously awaiting the result of the search for bodies. The firemen during the entire day la- bored unceasingly, and as each new victim was exca- vated from the ruins, he was carried to the City Hospi- tal, where other crowds convened to catch each new report. The rumors in regard to the dead were many, and va- ried betwean ten and fifty. Some insisted that more were buried than was generally supposed, which gave rise to exaggerated reports. The cause of the disaster was freely discussed among the firemen and citizens; and the general conclusion was, that to the safe in'the upper story was it mainly attributable. Says onie citizen to a fireman—‘ Sir, you are not sufficiently carefu of yourselves; you rush too recklessly into danger. Or- ganize among yourselyes for self-protection, and lot these disasters be less frequent and a fireman’s life less perilons.”” ‘‘ Sir,”” responded the fireman whose bosom friends tay dead beneath the ruins, “we are, a8 @ general thing, sufficiently pra- dent, and our expericve lelLi: us where ase are safe, ond what we may expect of burning building: which we enter. But the real cause of this loss of life is placing thore immense iron safes in upper stories, of which fact we are ignorant, and, therefore, miscalculate our positions. When the law forbids putting these traps in buildings, to spring unexpectedly upon us, our duties will be compasatively safe to what they are at present, and these disasters will be less frequent.’? In this conver- sation, we have the whole, and no doubt the true, cause of the disaster which we now record. Where one of these immense safes, weighing ten or fifteen tons, are in the third or fourth story, there is no security against death in that building, for when once it falls it sweeps every- thing before it. THE SCENE AT THE CITY HOSPITAL. At the City Hospital the scene during the day was affecting in the extreme. Crowds of friends and relatives of the deceased gathered around the gates, to catch the least news bands, sisters for their brothers, and mothers for their sons. Upon inquiring for the lost, how thankfully each learned of safety, how eagerly each clung to the least ray of hope, and how sadly upon them fell the response of ‘‘dead,” we shall not attempt to tell. \ Itis well worthy of remark that all the doctors of the | City Hospital, as soon as the accident occurred, stripped off their coats and went to work nobly and manfully. | Not a physician rested till all the rolief possible was | granted to the suflerers.* OPERATIONS AT THE RUINS LAST NIGHT. | The work of resowe at the plice of disaster was conti nued Iast night, without any apparent abatement in the energy of those engaged. Firemen shouldered the hod, and for hour after hour carried iato the street the rub- bish which covered their companions. A large bonfire, kindled by the firemenand fed by wood | from the rains, blazed during the night, casting a s0- Jemn and lurid glare upon those silently and sadly per- forming their work. A large crowd of citizens all night long were gathered around the spot, as if some strange influence chained them to the place where such an awful ragedy had been enacted. THE LOSS OF PROPBRTY AND INSURANUE. In the Hunatp of yesterday we were unable to give the full particulars of the loas of property and the insurance upon it. We find that tho loss, however, will not much vary from $75,000. The greatest losers were W. T. Jeonings & Co., the ocoupants of tle building entirely destroyel. Their loss is something near $00,000 Mr. Jennings is insured in the following companies :-— National Insurance. .35,000 Aina, Hartford. ....$5,000 Union Mutual.......10}000 Norwich, Conn Clinton . St. Marks’ Rutgers... Merchants’ Lorillard Howard Peoples Aretic Albany Mutual . + +6 997,600 lost about $5,000, insured ital par Messrs. Meade Brothers ha as follows :— Nations! Company New Amsterdam. stated in yosterday’s Herat, Mr. Batchelor is insured | for $5,600 in the Jefferson and Equitable Companies. ‘The building No. 281, occupied by W. T. Jennings, was owned by Professor MoVickar, and was insured for $2,500 in the Peter Cooper Insurance Company; $2,600 in the St. Nicholas, $5,000 in the Lafarge, and $10,000 in the Fapitable. ‘The loss of property, although very great, is neverthe- ; lees insignificant whea weighed with the wholesale loss of life. THE INQUEST. Coroner Hilton will hold an inquest at ten o'clock this rorning, on the bodies of the firemen, and has, we are normed, subpoenaed several builders, masons, and car- penters, to attend and testify in relation to the mode in in reference to | the injured and the dead. Wives came for their hus- | a — — PRICE TWO CENTS. which the building No. 231 Broadway was constructed. PREPARATIONS FOR THE FUNERAL, &c. Paul Julien, the celebrated violinivt, has signified his intention to the Chief kngineer of the Fire Department, to give a concert for the relief of such of the families of the dead as may be in necessitous circumstances. The concert will take place on Monday next, at the Broadway Tabernacle, when it is expected that severa? distinguish. ed artists will volunteer their services. ‘The foremen of the several fre companies-will hold a meeting, this evening at eight o'clock, in the chamber of the Board of Councilmen, to make arsangemonts for the celebration of the obsequies of their late brothess. MEETINGS OF THE FIREMEN. NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT.—BOARD OF ENGINEERS AND FOREMEN. cy years ‘evqning, April 27, at 8 0’ ound of Counciluren, City Hall, for the purpo rainy tl in Broad “4 ir lives at ¢ roadway, om. Tuesday night, April 25. ALFRED CAKSON, Chist ' canes, secetry —— WASHINGTON ENGINE COMPANY NO. 20. Members of the Company are oarnestly requested to at tend ® special meeting on Thursday evening; April 27, at eight oreloek, precisely. By order. H. ROBINSON, ~ C. MONAHAN, J. DONAHOE,’ J. SPITTER, J. ROBINSON, THE LATEST. DEATH OF O'DONNELL. We received information at 1 o'clock this morning that poor O'Donnel expired about two hours before at the City Hospital. His father, mother, and other relatives were with him when he died, + Contittos. THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL. Board of Aldermen—Special Mecting. {orricrau.] WRDNESDAY, April 26, 1854, Present—Nathan C. Ely, Esq., President; Aldermen Brown, Williamson, Blunt, Howard, Voorhis, ‘'rowbridge, Boardman, Wakeman, Covert, Christy, Herrick, C. H. ‘Tucker, Mott, Drake. The Board was convened in pursuance of a call from the acting Mayor, on a request to him, signed by a majori- ty of the members, for the purpose of considering what action is necessary in relation to the calamitous fire and Joas of life on the evening of the 25th inst A preamble and resolution in relation to the calamity, and appointing a special committee of five to inquire into the circumstances of the injured and dead firemen, were received from the Board of Councilen, and unanimous}; concurred in, Whereupon Aldermen Blunt, Howard, Boardman, Yoorhis and Brown were appointed a com: mittee toact ineoncert with the committee from the said Board. PREAMBLE AXD RESOLUTION. By Alderman Bivxt—Wherens it is our painful duty again to record another gad disaster, caused by the oc- currence of alarge and destructive fire in the six story building No. 281 Broadway, whereby the lives of more than nine of our gallant firemen, who are ever ready to risk their lives to save tho persons and property of our fellow ciftxens, were sacrificed, and many others badly injured, while in the discharge of their duty; and whore- as great praike is due to their brother firemen for labor- ing diligently to remove the ruins £0 as to rescue those injured, and to remove the bodies of the dead from tho same—therefore, Resolved, ‘That the Boa-d of Aldermen deeply sympa- thize with tho friends and relatives of those gallant fire- men who wore injurod and deprived of their lives while in tho act of discharging their duty at the late fire; and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the families of the deceased. Which was adopted. On motion of Alderman Boarpaax, and out of respect to the dead, the flags were directed to be raised at half mast on the City Eall to-morrow morning at sunrise, and ecntinue raised until the dead firemen shall be interred. By Alderman Waxkaas—Resolved, That ‘s committee of three be appointed on the part of this Board to confer with therepresentatives and officers of the New York Fire Depar(ment, to make suitable arrangements for the funeral obsequies of the deceased firemen; and that said committee be, and are hereby, authorize: to tender tha use of the City Hall for said purpose. Adopted, aad Al- dermen Waleman, ©. H. Tucker and Herrick appointed such comviltee on the part of this Board, YROM BOARD OF COUNCILMRN. Resolution—That the sum of $1,500 be appropriated for the purpose of defraying the funeral expenses of the deceased firemen, Concurred in. Alderman Waxman moved that the Presidents be added to the two Committee of Arrangemonts. Carried. On motion, the Board then adjourned sine die. D. T. VALENTINE, Clerk, OUR SPECIAL REPORT. The 7: Nathen O. ay, IN BROADWAY. that th Nathgn isq., announced e promnt necting of ia? DELS, was ovavened for the purpose of concurring with the in a reso- lution to provide suftable obsequies for the bodies those persons who had lest their lives in the late calaml- tous fire in Broadway. resolution from the Councilmen was read and una- nimously concurred in; and the chairman armounced tho names of the following’ Aldermen as a committee to con- fer with the Councilmen: Blunt, Howard, Boardman, Voorhis, and Brown. be found in the official report, bore willing testimony to the zealand the untiring excttions of the firemen on the cceosion ot the late disaster. ‘4 Alderman WAKEMAN said if ever there was a time when the Board of Aldermen should show their desire to provide far the living and respect the dead, it was on this occasion. ‘The families of those brave fellows who had rerilled and lost their lives should be remembered. A resolution was then passed, tendering the use of the City Hall for the funeral obsequies of the deceased fire- men, and the Aldermen of the Twelfth, Nineteenth and ‘Twentieth wards were appointed a committee to confer with the Fire Department relative to the proposed ob- requies. EXPENSES OF THR OPSRQUIES. The Board unanimously concurred with the Board of Councilmen in appropriating the sum of $1,500 for the xpenses of the obsequies of the deceased firemen. Alderman BOARDMAN moved, that out of respect to the | deceased firemen, the flags of the City Hall be raised at half mast on Thursday morning, at sunrise, and so con- aue until after the funeral ceremoni Alterman BLUNr seconded the motion, which was una- ously adopted. The Board then adjourned. Board of Councilmen—Specia! Session. OFFICIAL. Wepsespay, Present—Edwin J. Brown, Esq., Pres ond forty-two members. ‘The PRESIDENT announced that the Board had been convened by the President of the Board of Aldermen, act- ing Mayor, pursuant to a request of members to that efiect, to take proper measures in relation to the recent calamity in Broadway. RESOLUTIONS. Councilman CsaNcy offered the following preamble and | reeolutions :-— Whereas, The recent calamity by the disastrous fire in Broadway, on the evening of April 25, 1854, whereby some ton or more members of the Fire Lepartment were suddenly hurried into eternity, and a large number dan- gerously injured, and perhaps mutilated for life; and whereas, the Common Counell of the city of New York sincerely lament the sudden and untimely death of such members of the Fire Department as were killed at the fire, and as some suitable provision should be made for the relief of the families of said firemen who are in a dis- tressed condition—therefore, Resolved, That a commitice of five be appointed to in- quire into the cireumstances of the injured, and of the tomilies of the dead firemen, and report the most appro priate mode of rendering speedy and effective aid where needed, Resolved, That the Board unite with the ment in the feneral solemnitics of the dec pted, and Councilmen Clancy, Young, Conover, A said committee. the following :-— ‘evolved, That the sum of $1,500 be, and is hereby, appropriated for the purpose of defraying the funeral and otber necessary expenses attending the late calamity hy fire at No. 231 Broadway, whereby several lives were lost while in the discharge of their duties as firemen. Adopted. By Councilman Fxrs—Resolved, That, permission be given to the Chief Engineer of tho Fire Department to use the Couneil Chamber of this Board in which to hold a meeting of the Board of Engincers and Firemen on ‘Thursday, April 27. Adopted. By Councilman Craxcy—That the committee of five now appointed have full power to confer with the fore- men ond representatives of the Fire Department, tomake the necessary arrangements for the funeral, and tender the use of the City all for said purpose. Adopted. Ry the same—Whereas, by reason of the melancholy disaster Which occurred on the 25th inst., in Broadway, by the burning of No, 231, the Fire Department has suf: fered a serious loss in the accidental death of a number d Whereas, the brave members of eaid de- partmont, always frarless in the discharge of their duty, should prompt) ‘oe awarded that respect and honor boy h is due to min a ease of calamity—thorefore, be it Kesolved, That it is recommended by the Common Council of this city, that the citizens therecf close their various places of business on the day hereafter to be ramed for the funeral of said unfortunate firemen; and that the merchants, masters of vessels, and the various hotel keepers, be requested to lower their colors half inact on anid occasion. Adopted. FROM THR BOARD OF AIDERMEN. Regolution—Appointing a committee towonter with the | representatives and oficers of the Fire Department in relation to the funeral, and tendering the use of the City Hall. Coneurred in, ‘The Board then adjourned. From the minutes. ©, T. MCCLENACHAN, Clerk. | The Milwaukie News estimates the pulation | of Miwauble at 86/000, ‘The evtimete ts based upon the number of names contained in a now City Directory. pril 26, 1854. ent, in the chair, A large number of other witnesses will be in attendance. | Alderman Buunt, in moying a resolution, which will | The Trial of Ward for Shooting Professor Butler. | {From the Cineinnatf Gazette, April 27.) | Evssapmearown, Apri) 20, 1854. The trial of M. F. Ward is progressing rapidly. ihe counsel for the State closed their testimony hief yes- terday, and the defence commenceti; and sekionr has such an array of names known to fame beer called in any case, civil or criminal, as were produced in thia case. Jaines Guthrie, Secretary of the Treasur?; Williars Pres- ton, member of Congress, from the Lomisville district; Verkins, member of Congress, from Louisiana; rgeom, Assistant United States Treasurer at St. Jeorge D. Prentice, and a number of other ia- fluential men in this State, appeared and testified to the good eharacter of Mr. Ward. Their united testimony was that he wasa mid, peaceable, quiet, urbane, cour- teous man. How such a man came in such a vondition isa wonder. Rey. Mr. Sehon could hardly find terms to a Pe his high opinion of his natural amlability. do not ik the State have medle out a very strong ease for this latitude. That Butler was shot, and shot by Ward, there is no doubt. Yet nearly every witness testifies that Butler did lay his band on Ward’s shoulder, and some say thut he pushed him baek. The physicians with Butler in his last moments, testify that Butler told them that after Ward called him» liar, he struek Ward, before the shot. After such evidence he will not ‘yc comvicted of murder, perhaps not of manslaughter. ‘The Court have prohibited the publication of the tos- timony, and we shall have a second edition of the- Martha’ Washington affair, with this differeaco—that pablic sentiment here in the country will sustain the ndge, ‘A most affecting scene occurred yesterday in the in troduetion of Mrs. Butler, the wife of the deceased, aia witness for the State. She conducted herself with the Greotest propriety, and there was no affectation of ri Vet the simple story of herself, and the Indy wiih her, produced the deepest sensation. There was scarcely a 1+} eye in the houve. Hard featured old men bowe wept at the relation of his dying request-—at around him would be kind to his wife and baby Ward family were as deeply affected as others. To-day, (Thursday,) will probably close the testimo 1 on cach side, and the’ pleading will commenee, ant ti cose may yet be finished this week. The weather here this weok has been very cold, aa the frosts have been severe. [From the Louisville Courier. } Et, WN, April 21, 1854, Last evening the defendants announced that they had conchided their testimony, but desired court should ad- journ until this morning, in order that (acy might hold a consultation. To-day the commonwealth will bring forward its re- butting evidence, and then thearguments will commence. For the prosecution, R. B. Carpenter, Esq., of Covington, will make the opening speech. This was not the arrange ment at firet, but Mr. C. is forced to Icave town in order to be present at the trial of an important cause in Galla- tin county, next Monday. ‘There is yery considerable anxiety to hear this gentleman, who, aside from the re- attracted to himself no small degree of public notice by the indefatigable manner in which he has concucted the present cause. His ability and ingenuity as an examiner of witnesses is universally conceded, while his extraordi- nary calmness and pertinacity is freqdently remarked. An uble and eloquent speech is anticipated. In the defence Morsrs. Wolf, Helm, Marshal and Crit- tenden will speak; and for the prosecution, in addition to Mr. Carpenter, before mentioned, Messrs. Harris, Gib- sonend Allen, Mr. Harris is very well known as the State Senator from Hardin and Meade couniées. It was my privilege during the past winter, at Frankfort, to hear him on several occasions, and he always impressed | me asa warm, energetic, and passionate speaker—ono who had great power to stir the feelings. Being on his nativo heath, he ought to make a 5} that would tell with the jury. Capiain Gibson is of Louisville, but has recently removed there from Clarke county, 1a., where he figured for many years usa prominent lawyer ind po- tician. address, and a regular graduate of the Military Academy of Went Point, and for seme time served in the army. At the battle of Bueua Vista ho was commandant of a com- pany. Mr. Allen, ‘the Commonwealth’s Attorney, is a cilizen of Breckenridge county, and from the limited op- rortunity I have kad the last few days of judging of his abilities, 1 can but join in the general opinion that he is a most excellent and rigid prosecutor. During yesterday tho deience entered into a justifica- tion of the murder of Prof. Butler, They proved to their eatisfuction that the deceased made an assault upon Matt. Werd, and would have prostrated and perhaps killed him, ad he not shot and thus cnded the aliray. also introduced a witmens to testify that Prof. But: ad told him, whilo upon his dying bed, that he (B.) : Ward first. tatements of this witness ‘0 contradieto: angled and con ‘on, that his test: mony oy ir. John O. Vullocis, editor ot the time the tand yrstercay. testified toa cheek of “Matt. Ward, notice! by him y, that hi ter, the witness had to conerde that the redness might have been produced by rubbing the check with a coarse towel. Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Wa. dence as to whet Matt. Ward's inten started to the school room. Most of their testimony was iegal and excluded from the jury, but not till after it had been given in and had its desired eifoct. After Mrs. R. J. Word had testifie?, there was quite a scene in the court recom, occasioned by her fuiating. Mr. Critlenden conducted the case for the defence yes terday, it having been discovered by the counsel that the injucicious course of Capt. Tom Marshall was operating unfayorably apon the cause. r Some rare developements were made yesterday by wit- nesses forthe defence, concerning the manners and cus- toms prevalent in Lovisville, the fashion of prisoners in Jailend the turnkey playing cards together, the possi- bility of a murderer escaping, (accoriing to Larry B. White,) fifteen minutes not clapsing after he had com- mitted the crime before the Chief of the Police was ad vised of the deed. odacet as prevent, but can only give youa few this morning. 1 present their names and high positions as they were in- troduced to the court:-— Lanl. McCallister, ex-plasterer and man of fortune. Coleman Daniel, ditto and ditto. Ben. W. Pollard, ex-President of the Common Council and candidate for Cierk of the City Court. Judge Walker, editor of the New Orleans Delta, L. P. Crenshaw, nephew of Judge Crenshaw, of the Ap- pellate Court, ex-publisher for Mrs. Lindsay, ¢x-preacher and agent. Geo. B. Hodge, aid to Gov. Powell, with the rank of Colonel, ex-Midshipman in the United States Navy, ex- candidate for Congress. J.8, Lithgow, mechanic and ex-Alderman, mes 8. Spell, Mayor of Louisville, ex-bricklayer, ex- ty Marshall, ex-Uniied States Marshal, and ex-‘soveral distinguished’ positions, But my list swells in mognitudé, and I must close, without an apostrophe to the deity of toadyiam. Enszaneratown, April 22, 1854. nesses as to the character of the prisoner, the defence announced that its testimony was concluded. The re- mainder of the morning hour Was occupied by the com- was a matter of no difficulty to successfully establish the truth of what had been testified (o by the smallest and largest of the achoolboys, and with theaudience, at least, the impression was very gencral that the two grown men (Allen and Gudgell) wlio swore that they were present at the schoolhouse difectly after the affray, and heard the boys say that Butler first struck Ward, were mistaken, (that being the most charitable word it is possible to use.) ‘ihe evidence of a man nemed Barlow, who swore that Prof. B. had made to him a dying statement, to the effect that he had first struck Ward, was assailed at all points, and with what entire success the reader can determine when the full reports are published. Dr. D. D. ‘Thom- son being a contradictory wituess, and tostit to the opposite of Barlow, Mr, Wolfe raised a question as to character, and pronounced before the court that Bar- low wos a8 good ard honorable a man as Dr. Thomson. ‘The utter absurdity of the comparison, after all that general manifestation of derision. Tendicg this matter, a question of a theological na- ture was mooted by Mr. Wolfe, It was based upon the byjothesis that Dr. Thompron was a member of the church, and was thies—Whether or not it is consistent with the duty of members of the church and Sabbath chelce promptly ri inrirueted the Foctor wer it. Allow me to re estion to the considera- 1 Assembly of the Pres- ot to a s suggest this nov tion of the approaching G byterian church, 3 Long before the hour of the afternoon session, the court room was so completely jammed, that it was a matter next to impossibility to move within—the space around the building was entirely filled up by esgor tis. teners, and every window of the house was filled wit lookers on. At linif past one, Mr. Carpenter arose, an rv eaid bm he not concluded, and desired the Court should adjourn til morning. The Judge readily acquiesced in the wish of the gentleman. iran te, oe Carpenter resumed his continued until the H ne This morning at 8 o'clock. Mr. argument for the rosecution, and hour of ‘clock this afternoon, Capt. Tor Marshall com- renced his reply. ° air cea tue will go to the Jury on Tuesday night or Wel nesday morning. Every body says that the jurors will Te unable to rander a verdict, and the very men who are to hang it, are pointed out by those who are best ac- quainted hereabouts, with unerring certainty {From the Louisville Times.) ; Euraneritown, April 29, 1854. ‘The testimony in the Ward case was gotten through with yesterday at noon, The defence introduced but two or three witnesses, much of the time having been consumed in diecussing the competency of R. J. Ward, Jr., as a wit. ness for the acerved. A very nice legal proposition w invelved, and elicited very able arguments from Messr Criltoncen and Helm and the counsel for the prosecu- tion. The Court, after givmg a very cloar and lucid opinion on the subject, decided in favor of admitting the teatitoeny. After the defence were through with their evidence, several witnesees were introduced to discredit the statements of Mr. Barlow, a witness for the accused. At 2 o'clock pe M. 4 phy orn ment to the jury. He » until nearly the Court adjourned. He will finish his this Tue court Toom was so intewsely hot, and the crowd # putation he brought with him as an able prosecutor, has | He isa geitleman of fine education and good | I had prepared a list of the distinguished witnesses | Yosterdoy, after the examination of two or three wit- | monwealth in the presentation of rebutting evidence. It | g directly | bed been testified to, was so apparent, that it excited a | school teachers to carry deadly weapons? Judge Kin. | 1 the question ont of order, and | § great, that I was driven ay after the gentleman haf spoken an hour. Up to that time he had not commenced commenting upon the law and facts, and of course wes not very interesting. Those who heard him owt speak of the latter portion of his speech as being very and argumentative, e impression made by Mr. has been a favorable one. He has conducted prosecution very decorously. He will be followed this morning by the Fon, Thowias F: Marshall. There is am Intense anciety oa part of the large assemblage im attendance to hear this unparalleled orator. court has permitted four speeches upon cach side The defence will be made by Mr’ Marshall, Mr. Wolfe, Gov. Helm, and Mr. Crittenden. Im what order the speeches will ke made it is impossible to say, as that will be determined by the arrangements of the - tion. “The argument cannot possibly be Snishel before Monday night. B Arrangements for Ke-opening the Crystal The Board of Direetors of the Crystal Palace held» noteting at their office yesterday afternoon, and received the reports of ‘the various committees who’ are engaged in the preparations necessary for tion by the people on the thot May, een ‘The beautiful statue of Flora, by our American artist, Crawford, the property of Mr’ Richard K. Haight, has been added to the collection, with several other rare statues, making the entire number of marble statues Already in the Crystal Palace abouttwohundred. | Among the gentlemen who have signified their consent to make brief speeches during the ceremonies of ii day or evening, are Ellihu Burritt, Rev. Henry Wark Beecher, Austin 'l. Baldwin, Eaq., of Connecticut, Rev. E. H. Chapin, Horace Greeley, Richard O'Gorman, Parl | Godwin, Judge W. W. Campbell, Rev. Theodore L. Cuyler, Hon, Erastus Brooks, L. RK. Marsh. Mons L. Drouet, of Paris, the flute playér who played for Napoleon the Ist has volunteered to play two pieces of his own composi tion. His son will also play a piece of his _own composi tion upon the plano. "Madame Victor Chemié, denna from the Brussels go cage opera, Mr. aritone, will algo nand Neyer, the s{ng a comic picce from Rossini’s ‘ ber of Seville. Bloomfield’s Governor's Island Band have also volun- teered for the occasion. ‘The award of the committee appointed by the directors to select two prize odes to be sung or recited at the re- -| inauguration, is announced in the subjoined letter to the. President of the Board:-— New Yorm, Wednesday, April 26, 1854. num, Raq., President, & ’ e undersigned, a committee appointed to soloct am ung at the re-inauguration of the Crystal Palsoe. fully examined two hundred and fifty manuscripes sutmitted to thelr inspection, and have unanimously award PT. Ba Sir: | ed the prige of one hundred dollars, offered by the tion, to an ode by William Ross have also Wallace. The iduously examined a mass of pootionl ¢ to the oct sion of worthy the prize sffored by the association. . CHAPIN. GEORGE RIPLEY, § Committee, GEO. WM. CURTIS, ‘Lhe following is the ode to which the prize of one hun- dred dollars has been awarded :— PRIZE ODE, TO BE SUNG AT THE RE-INAUGURATION OP THE CRYSTAL PALACE, NEW YORK, MAY 4, 1854. BY WILLIAM RORS WALLACE. Lo! the transitory darkness From our palace floats away ; ms of genius Seo again the mighty nations ‘Meet and clasp each other’s palms, And by labor’s glowing altar Lift on high according psalms, Hero behold the true Evangel ! Not from war may earth increase; God has stamped his shining patent Only on the brow of peace. Only by the arm of labor, Swinging to invention’s chime, ‘an the nations build their Eden In the wilderness of time. Nations! hear that mighty music, Rolling through the mountain. bars— Planting deserts, bridging oceans, Marrying the choral stars : Telling that our Crystal Palace Glorifies the joyous sod— Making man, With art and nature, Worthy of the builder—God ! Nations ! then rejoice that darkness From our Palace floats away, And the glowing gems of genius Glitter in the light of day ! Pollce Intelligence. Exrexsive Swinpie py THR Parent Sars OrgraTion— Two STRAN ‘onRED oF $600.—Mr. H. H. Crai x Hogston, came to this city with a to purcliaee goods, aud. was, On Saturday lust, wet by a genteel looking man in William strect, calling himself James Buras, who said he was from Mabrma, and aiter various devices, persuaded Mr. Gamer that he would enter into the clothing wusiness wilh him, and return to Texas together to sell their 6x Monday Burns met him again, and proposed to > and sclect goods, aa he was then’ prepared to advance $3,000 out of the $16,000 he bad in bank. As they walked along Canal streot another man accosted them, and stiil a third rman came up; the latter introduced the «patent sate ball,” anda bet was made between Durneand this third men #8 to the opening and the finding of a piece of paper inside; $500 was the bet, and Burns, to make the borrowed $600 of Mr. Carmer, and gave nim 99 00 cola | seouxity a hogus check on a city bank, pui to be for $1,000. Bites, OF Goures, leet tise bot; ened bet asses tant all the parties vamosed behind some timber on the | dock, and before Mr. Cramer could fairly collect bie | theughts, they were all gone. ‘The other case was that ef an old man, a coun former, from Lee, Massachusetts, named Oliver Hul who wos picked up by these sharpers on the same day, | andina similar manner was robbed of $100, Luckily. | however, Officer King, of the Fifth ward, noticed one the rogues in conversation with the old man, and cau- | tioned him against them. He did not heed the caution, and was induced to visit the vicinity of the Crystal Pa: lace, and became a victim to the designing rascals. One of these parties, named Edward Goetches, was arrested by the above named officer, and the old man recognized him as the one who induced him to loan the money. The [ritoner was taken before Justice Bogart, who committed im to prison for trial, and at the same time required the witness-to give security to appear and testify. TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD. Sim—In your report of an arrest for selling obscene books, in the Hrsatn of yostorday, you state that Wm. Wilsch was the man. This is a mistake of your reporter, as it was not me, but @ person of the name of Thomas Ormsby, 92 Ann street. Please correct this serious error, | andoblige WM. WILSON, bookseller, 19 Ann street. It was no mistake of the reporter. ‘The person arrest- ed gave the name of William Wilson, and that is the name appearing on the records of the court. Brooklyn City Intelligence. Diep oF 118 IxsvRtes.—About five o'clock yesterday af- terncon, Willian Hughes, the young man who was stab- bed in a fracas at the boarding house of Anthony Smith, | in Jamos street, died of the injuries he received. Five of the party engaged in the affray are under arrest. Conoxrn’s Inqurst.—An inquest was held yesterday by Coroner Ball, upon the body of a child three years of belonging to James Carrighan, who resides in Twenty- fitth street, Gowanus, which came to its death from the effects of siramonium secds which it haieaten. A ver- ct in accordance with theee facts was rendered by the jury ATTACK UPON ANF: On Taeeday night, as Wash- ington Engine Cor: alarm of fre, they w | them with stones an A few moments pr ro'arning from an attacked by rowdies, who pelted maged the engine considerably. ly, © party attacked the jumper of this company, and driving the men from the ropes, dragged the apparatus to the river and left it on Trap- pel's Wharf, Warrants have been issued for the arrest of the parties, and ag the Grand Jury is now in session, the matter will be laid before them for their consideration. Tex Granp Juny.—A Grand Jury for the present term | was yesterday organized in the Court of Oyer and Termi- er, Itis yned of the following gentlemen -—Wm. Halsey, foreman, John MeNamnee, Jonathan U. Forbell, A w Markey, Lyman Haviland, Wm. B. Brasher, Fa- Smith, John W. Elliott, Wm, Layton, Charles in J. Walton, Wm. Cooper, Fa Tuni« G. Bergen ¥. Backhouse, J. M. Cowperthwatt, Jeremiah Schenck. : Kxockrp Dowy axp Ronngp.—On Sunday night last, » | colored man, who wason his return from meeting in | Weeksville, in the Ninth Ward, in company with a female J, was attacked by another colored man, named Da- id Smith, who knocked him down and robbed him of # | pocket book containing $10, and his hat. Smith was ar- | vested yesterday by Constable Mundell, of the Fourth. ward, and locked up to answer. + |Supertor Conrt—Part Second. Rofore Hon. Judge Campbell and g Jury. Avrn, 26. William McDermott ve. Martin R. Beam and Raward B. Smith—The jury in this eause, (reported in. Tuesday's Hrratn,) rendered a verdict this morning for the plaintiff, for $200. Peer Hartere vs. the Sixth Avenue Railroad Nn 7 = Oate New York.—Thia was an action brought against the above company, for injuries re- ceived by him from being run over by one of the defen it~ ants’ cars, on the 21st day of September, 1853, in Vario street, near Hemersley, by which occurrence, it wis alleged by Mr. L. B. Shepard, counsel for plaintiff, te latter received very severe injuries about the head, fe t and bands, which would permanently incaj for business hereafter, Damages were laid at $5,009. For the defonee, Messrs. John & Wm. H. Anthon con- tended that the ‘plaintiff attempted. ¢o cross the stroot avout one hundred feet from the regular pine diagonal direction, with his ae beset ‘asi — the car was going atan unusuglly slow , an ascend aretes and at the time the horse beim the plaintiff he was in the act of jade | down ap something in the street, by means of which ce end carelessneas he contributed to his own yard, therefore, the defendants could not be held . The defendants also provided medical attendance for the plaintiff, and did all in their power, at the time, to pre- rh ident.