The New York Herald Newspaper, April 30, 1854, Page 1

‘the v THE NEW YORK HERALD. WHOLE NO. 6458. ‘THE BROADWAY CALAMITY. IE CORONER'S INVESTIGATION CONTINUED. Evidence of Messrs. Jennings and Richard- som, the Occupants of the Building, and . the Janiter of the City Hospital, OST EXTRAORDINARY DEVELOPEMENTS, THE OBSEQUIES TO-DAY, &e., &., &. PORONER’S INVESTIGATION—THIRD DAY. BEFORE CORONER HILTON. |At 10 o'clock yesterday morning the Coroner continued investigation, at room No. 43, Astor House. The of the jury were called, and all being present, Mr. sin, the Foreman, rose and said:—Mr. Coroner, before to business, allow me to call your attention to the disgraceful state of the sidewalk in front of the hrnt building. It is now nearly a week since the fire, hd the authorities have not yet thought proper to clear ay the rubbish. I therefore earnestly hope you will the attention of the authoritles to this obstruc- on. Conowen—Your suggestion, Mr. Genin, is a good one, bd I have often called on the city authorities in similar »s, but never was able to effect anything. The gen- nen here (pointing to the reporters) have much more Jlities in bringing the city authorities to a sense of nd I presume if a notice of is made by them, it will have the desired effect. Mr. Jensincs—Mr. Coroner, Iam prepared to say that the dirt and obstructions will be removed by my order fore night. Conroxex—Gentlemen of the jury, Imay possibly, before conclude this investigation, deem it necessary to call gur attention to other buildings which are known to be Insafe; but it does appear that until a building falls and uman life is destroyed, the public authorities omit to e any action in the matter. The first witness will be . Jennings. EVIDENCE OF MR. JENNINGS. William T. Jeni sworn, says—I was the occupant f the bu ‘No. 281 Broadway, previous to the fire; ur firm is W.T. Jennings & Co.; the company consists of Henry K. Richardson; we have occupied the above named premises since the alieration hat was in 1842. .—Who owned the property at the time Sie wm B. Cozens, made the alteration and I hired from him; I mean the alteration spoken of by Mr. filler; 1 think Mr. MeVickar owned the building at that me; Loccupied the store as a clothing store; I never ard any one intimate that the building was not safe; ‘considered it safe, if Thad not, I would not have re- inita day; at that time only rented the store, ‘were occupied by the hotel. did matters go on in this way—you oc- tore? took possession abouteighteen months the rear extension, which had been used by the Motel as the ladies’ ordinary; and about three mouths {ter we had the alterations made; the walls were taken own from four to five years ago; the ordinary, when built to make it long enough, was extended into the main building; this ordinary was situated on the second floor lat about the time this altcration was made, I mean the putting in of the iron girders; it was about 1841 or 1842; previous to that we took out a window, and erected a mall building in therear; this was about 1846 or there- about, I cannot ject’ exactly; the window we took lout formed the dommy to this rear building, which we ‘a cutting room; in 1849 this catting room was fown to give way for the alterations made, which mained up to the time of the fire; the lowor two stories Hwere removed, and the iron arch was pu: in to sustain the wall, these alterations were made by Job Taber, the proprietor of the American Hotel at that time; Mr. Ta- der is now in Philadelphia, keeping a hotel; we hired from Mr. Taber; Rev. John McVickar then ‘owned the premises. and does now, I believ Q.—Was it one of the conditions of your lease that Mr. Taber should make these alterations ? "A.—In 1849 Job Taber conceived the idea to make a ladies’ ordinary, and proposed to us to build up the ex- tension in the rear, and offered us a lease of five years at a certain price, if we would put up with the inconveni- ence, ax 2¢ wished to convert the rooms that were then ‘cceupied as a dining room into bed rooms, and to make a ladies’ ordinary on the extension; he would then extend our store and give usa lease of ‘eight years and a half; ‘that was all that was done at that t me; we accepted the terms; things went on that way until about a year or eighteen months since; we made the alterations in the front of the building; we have had nothing to do with the upper part until withia a year; Mr. Taber then made & proposition to us to buy a Tease of the upper portion of the building for eight years; we bought the lease; there was 06 conditions in that lease for alterations. Q.—Who were the carpenters who made the alterations in 1849? A.—Mr. C. J. Ketcham, of Brooklyn, was the carpen- ter, and Mr. Frost was the mason; I don’t know where Mr. Frost resides; when we took possession about a year of the second story, Mr. Ketcham was calted in as to the removal of some of the partitions; it was a lath and plaster partition, which extended into the room. (Here the witness explained by a diagram to the Coroner how the ) by rooms were nituatod- Witness continued—The rear building extended into the front building of the second story some twenty feet; ‘the or alterations were made about the latter part ‘of 1849. Coroner—Now describe about the new beams. Witness—In getting from the American Hotel to our building there were several steps to go up, and to pre- vent that the floor of our building was lowered, and a new set of beams put in; that is as far as I recollect, the floor was lowered from two to three feet; when the partitions were removed columns were put up or sup- within the last year we have occupied the whole uilding. ‘Q.—What did you have in the second story ? A.—Ready made clothing, summer clothing, of no great weight; there was no iron safe on this floor, nor was there any stove. Q.—On the third floor ? A.—It was used as a cutting room; there had been two or three piles of cloths taken up on that story within the past week; Tahould suppose a thousand pounds weight exclusive of the stove; these cloths were not deposited in one place; they were scattered around; there was no safe on that floor, nothing but counters, &c.; our large iron safe was in the basement, on the ground floor, and the other on the store floor: in the fourth floor we had our winter stock of pantaloons and overcoats stowed ‘away, also some talma’s; they did notamount to much. Q—Lid you consider that buiiding dangerous ? A.—No, I did not; if 1 bad I should not have remained in it; no goods were in the fifth story, nor in the sixth story. Q. Did you ever hear any one complain of the danger- ‘ous condition of the building? A. No. Q. You don’t consider yourself a judge in these mat- ters, do you? A. Not exactly, for f would not have stayed in ihe building if I thought it was dangerous. Q. What was inthe fourth story? A. There were no goods in this story, Q. What was in the sixth story? A. Nothing. @ What can you say in reference to the alteration? A. in relation to the alteration Twould say that the pro- prietors of the American Hotel, with a view of building a deeper basement, had the walls on our side propped up within the last six months. To affect this object the foundation bad to be lowered several feet, and the build- ing bad to be raised upon pins—under pins (screws). Q. How many feet above the basement was the build- “ing hoisted? A. Several. . How many? A. I could not say. Q. Was this done below the basement of the American Hotel? A. It was performed below both basements. Q. How was it propped up? A. So many feet was dug away, and granite blocks placed there instead thereof. Q. How many feet was it dag? A. Could not say ex- actly. Q: At whose expense was the work done? A. We bad the work performed in our Duilding done at our own ex- ense Q. Did the wall settle any during the operation? A. J can’t say that it did. Q. Is that all in regard to the alteration? A. It js. Q Lid you notice any cracks in the wall? A. I'can’t say that I did; my partner will, perhaps, be better able +o tell you all about this matter than Ican. Q. Were you in the store on the morning of the fire? A. No, sir. R. How long had you left the store before the fire broke out? A. I left the store about four o’clock that afternoon. Q. What time were you informed the store was on fire? A. About 10% o'clock. Q. When you got there were the walls down? A. Yes; and the firemen were at work digging the bodies out. Q. Well, what followed? A. I staid there all night; having a thorough knowledge of the locality, I thought T coul aid them in the performance of their uty better than any one else, and direct them properly. Q. Can you say where the fire took place—what floor? A. No. ‘Q Was there any fire in the building? A. None in per stories. Q. What story was the fire seen in first? A. Mr. Mills told me he saw the fire in the fifth floor; above the fourth floor there had been no fire since the Saturday previous, neither had there been apy in the third floor ‘urday; I think, however, flere was a fire in the on Saturday night, but not since. I want it to be understood here that I am not ee ee eet being only what I understand and lieve to be true in rd to there ‘any fire in this stove. 4 you, sir. of & combustible character in sir. F jowledge of the way the fire ori- do you reside? A. At the foot of Fifteenth R OD Where wore yout the time of the Gro? A, I was SUNDAY MORNING, APRIL’ 30, 1854. PRICE TWO CENTS. at home; heard the bells ringing and saw tho glare, but, not dreaming that my store was on fire, I went ovt to a meeting. en I was coming out of the door I was met by my son and this man, who, it appeared had been look- | ing all over for me. He informed me that my story was on fire. Q. How long did you remain atthe meeting? A. I remained there until ten o’clock; when I heard the news T hurried down town. Q. Was there any scuttle on your store? A, Yes, and a skylight also, Q. Was the scuttle open, or was it generally closed A. I never went up but once or twice, and then it was ‘always closed; I never had any occasion to tell my men to it open: Q. How high were the buildings around from your building Can you pass from one building to the other? A. There is but very little difference; & man can step from one house to the ot! [Here a basket containing a frockcoat anda pair of Pantaloons was produced by the Coroner. Coroner—Q. Can you recognize any of these articles as goods that were in your store previous to the fire? A. I can; by looking at the tickets I find they are our goods; the pants are evidently new, and have never been worn for a day; the frockcoat is ‘also a portion of our stock, | and was, I’ suppose, taken from my store. Q. Do you know when? A. Tcould not say, but I'am certain they are my ; the pants area pair of those that were stored in the fourth story; deing heavy winter goods, we kept them storec on this floor. e frock coat waa then exhibited to Mr. Jonnings.] itness—The coats were stored on the ground floor, just inside the door, within four or five paces of the store door. x) Fad you removed any goods previous to the fre? A. (0, sir; Question by a Juror—Did you ever consider the build- ing dangerous? A. No, sir. . What was the reason why the big iron safe was put in the basement? A. Ithought it was the most proper place for it. Q. Dia it ever occur to you, or did youever express a wish, that you thought it would be better to have it in the second oy but it was not strong enough to hold it up there? A. No. Q. What is the name of the person who came after you to your house to inform you that your store was on fire? A. 1 do not know his name; he was an attaché of the Light Guards, and informed some time previous that he was ina destitute condition, andI told him if he would come to my house on Monday morning, I would give him something to do. He came, and I gave him some white wash work todo, and I suppose in return for my kindness he came to my house, and gaye the alarm, and told me my store was on fire. Q. Who did the work of alterations? A. Mr. Goodwin. Q. Do you know where Mr. Goodwin resided? A. He resided in Yorkville. Q. Do you belong to the Light Guards? A. Yes, Ihave for the last twenty years; I said that a part of the build- ing had settled; it was a partof the American Hotel, not the wall of my building. Q. What was Mr. Goodwin? A. He was a mason: Q When you were informed that the walls had settled, why did you not inquire further about it? A. I did not understand it had settled, positively, and was not a judge of the matter—no further, I mean, than that it was told me by some persons. Mr. Genin—Q. Did yeu give the coroner the names of the clerks who caused the goods to be removed to tho fourth story? A. No, sir; but I can if necessary. TESTIMONY OF JOSEPH BOX. Joseph Box, being duly sworn, deposed that he resided at No. 14 Church street; was employed in the dead house of the New York Hospital; had seen the bodies of those ‘who were taken from the house burmtm Broadway. ‘Witness then examined the contents of the basket, and recognized the coat as taken off one of the men, but could not say which one, or who he was. He stated he could not say who thoy belonged to; they came there on one of the bodies; this was on the 26th of April. A citizen behind witness wished to know if these clothes did not come off of those two mon who were not members of the New York Fire Department. He asked this question for the purpose of removing the stigma from the New York Fire Department. The Coroner said the clothes did not come off either of those bodies outside. Witness said one of those men outside was naked en- tirely, and of the other bodies the clothes remained in the dead house. Witness then said that those clothes in the basket before the jury were not those found on Keyser, Christman, or Flynn. Mr. Jennings then came forward and examined the pantaloons and coat, and said that any one who got the coat would have a tight fit if he got the pantaloons on. TESTIMONY OF HENRY K. RICHARDSON. Henry K. Richardeon, being duly sworn, deposed that he was partner in the firm of W. T. Jennings & Co.; has deen a partner there two years; has been in his employ "since September, 1848; witness resided at No. 55 Amos street; was there previous to the alteration, which took place in ’49; was there. at the time of the alteration, when Messrs. Taber & Bayley occupied the building; heard.the testimony of Mi. Jennings, except the first part; Coincided with him in all he heard. Witness said he would like to have it read to him. Coroner raid he could not do that, as it would be pro- for him to correct Mr. Jennings’ testimony; but 4f Jennings himself would like to have any part, or even the whole.of it read, I will do so with the greatest plea- sure. Mr. Jennings—I would like to have it read, if it would not be too much trouble. Coroner Hilton then read the whole of Mr. Jennings’ testimony, so that the witness might be able to corrobo- rate it without a lengthy examination. Mr. Richardson, after hearing the evidence read over, declared that he agreed with the body of Mr. Jennings’ statement. There was a beam run from the yard of the American Hotel, to support the iron girder; this beam ran through the wall of the ladies’ ordinary and cut through their ceiling, to support the iron beam under the arch. Q. Was the wall weakened by this operation? A. It was so weakened that we werosobliged to put up a girder in our basement; the wall of the American Hotel, where the beams were jaid, sunk, I think, about two inches—so much so that they were obliged to put a wooden girder, about ten feet long, to make an additional support: also, in addition to the girder, were two columns under it. Q. How long was the girder? A. About eight or ten feet. Q. In what part of the building was it placed? A. In the front part; at the top of the extension there were three windows, which communicated with the adjoining buildings, anda man might walk from these windows to the roof of the extension. Coroner—Q, Have you anything else to say? A. Noth- ing, except that Ican identify the clothing. (Witness here identified the coat and. pantal s clothing that had been taken from the store ondhi ing of the Are.) ‘The witness then recognized the clothes, the coat and pants, as property belonging to Mr. Jennings, corrobo- ating Mr. Jennings’ statement. ar Were you in the store at the time of the fre? A. 0. Q Where were you? A. I was at Sherwood’s saloon. Q. What time ‘was it when you heard the alarm? A. Atouts quarter-past eight; it may have been half-past. Q. How did you hear about it? A. Some one came in while I was in Sherwood’s and said the Astor House was on fire; I got up after a few minutes and went out, and found ‘our store on fire. When I got to the corner of Park Place some one said it was the American Hotel that was burning ; Iran as fast as I could and found it was our store. Q. When you got to the store were there any persons there? A. I saw some of the clerks, and some one said there were firemen up stairs. Q. Did you ask the clerks where the fire took place? A. One of them said he was standing at the store door and some one came up to him and safMfi the sfore was on fire; that was the first the clerk knew about it, he said. Q. Did you open the door first, or did the firemen A. The clerk opened it; he had the keys he clerk said that he was near the store ‘as informed that it was on fire, standing at the door, and was just starting to go away. Q. Was there much fire there when you got there? A. limmediately went up stairs, but could not tell, I was 80 excited, where the fire was exactly, whether it was in the basement or the top of the house at the time, I could searcely say; 1 think I ordered the baakets to be taken from the basement, so as to save the clothes in the build- ing; I could not te positive as to this, as I did not know whether I was stancing on my head or my heels. Qi What did you say when you went up stairs? I found the fremen bad broken open my desk, and one of them said, “is there anything in this you would like to save??? Teaid “there is nothing there worth looking after.”” @. Were you in that part of the store then where th fire was? A. No. Q. Where was the fire at this time? A. It appeared to be burning the railings of the third story; the flames were raging in the fourth story. Q. What did you do then? “A. I went out ef the build- ing, a8 I-had heard previously that it was unsafe, ao I did not care abent risking my life in it any longer. Q. Who told you it was unsafe? A. A clerk we had in our employ, about ayear or eighteen months ago, named Jobn Cochrane, Q. How long was he in your employ? A. About seven or cight years. Q. Wass he in your employ then? A. No, and had not for eighteon months past. ‘Q. What did he say to you? A. He informed me that the fire wardens had it recorded as an unsafe building on eo books, and that he had seen it so recorded on the 8. oa you ever mention the fact to any person? es. Q. Can you gi their names? A. No, Icannot I supposed it to be a fact generally known. Q. Did you think the building unsafe? A. I don’t think Iam capable of forming an opinion, and therefore could not say that I did. Coroner—But you liked, nevertheless, to be on the safe side that evening. Witness—Yes; but Icame very nearly not being on the safe side, though. I did not, of my own knowledge, know the building to be unsafe, but I believed it to be unsafe from what I had heard. Q. Did you consider it unsafe ina fire, or under ordi- dinary circumstances? A. In Case of a fire. Q. Did you consider it dangerous otherwise? A. No. Juror—Q. What was the amount of your stock, and what were you insured for at the time of the fire? A. We were insured for $107,000, and had a stock of about $108,008 on hand; on the frst of A\ last wo had a stock of $146,000, and were insured for $137,500; on the lat of February we hada stock of $125,500, and were in- sured for as much. Q. Had you any elicion withdrawn? A. We had with. in the last two weeks. ‘ M4 bah gk goods enough to cover the insuran: ‘that we re we cancelled one for $6,000 on the 1st of the mont another for the same sym on the 15th, did you cancel them? A. Because we foun! | Q. What was the smount of yourstock when the store was burned? A. I should say it amounted to about $108,000 or $109,000—something short of $110,000. Q. Did | you remove, oF cause to be removed, any of your stock previous to the fire? A. No, sir, we did not, nor had we any intention of ‘doing so. Q. How many men had you in your employ? A. Be- tween 250 and 360. This included all employed inside amd outside the building. Juror—Q. Hiow many persons were employed in the building at the time of the fire’ A. About twenty-five. Q Had yous watchman? A. We bad a private watch- man. : Coroner—Q. What was the amount of goods you had in the store at the time of the fire? A. Betweem $105,000 and $110,000 worth. @ae stock was reduced, amd that ia the reason why it was somewhat less than $110,000. Q What were you insured for? A. For $107,500. On the =. of May we would uot have been insured for so mach. Juror—Q. How many mem had you employed in the building when it took fire? A. I think we had from twenty two to twenty-five; we had sometimes more and sometimes less. Q. Had you any watchman in the premises? A. We had two men who used to sleep in the building, who used to go out evenings. I understand they were out on the evening the fire took place. Juror—Q. Had you any angry words with any of your men that might create ice? A. Shek 6 308 Sard was paying off one of the men when he grumbled at something or other, threw a book at my head, and said he would make me sorry. Juror—Q. Did not Mr. Hamilton, the owner of the American Hotel, tell you that he had received an anony- mous letter, stating that the American Hotel would be burned, and cautioning you tobe on your guard? A. le did. Q. How long ago? A. About four months; ho told mo that be had learned, through an anonymous letter, the building would be burned down, and said to me, “You had better be on your guard.” ‘Q. Did. this levter say any#aing about you? A. No; familton and I were not on very good terms, and he ve me the information for what it was worth, ing me he would not look after my affairs, but would give m ance to attend to them without com- promising himself. Q. How long was it ago vince Cochran told you the building was unsafe? A. It is about eighteen months ago; I supposed at the time that every one connected bine the Fire Department was acquainted with that fact. Coroner—Where did the furnace stand in the thirds story? A. At the head of the stairs, about five or six feet from the head of the stairs; I presume that this is what was taken by so many for iron safe. Juror—If the building caught fire accidentally, would you suppose it would have o} ted from this furnace ? A. I should think so, if it caught ot all. Coroner—What kind of a furnace was this? of Keysex’s ranges. F ‘Have you never made it a practice to go u: stairs and examine your building periodically? A: have not examined the building very often. Sometimes I would go up there every week, other times I would not go up there fora month ata time; but previous to the fire I went “P, there very often, as the gas pipes wore out of order, and I was inspecting ‘the work. Coroner—How large was the furnace; how high was it from the ground’ A. Four feet. Q. What did you burn in it? A. Hard coal. Q: Do you know if there was firein it on the night of the firet” A. Since the fire took place I have been inform- ed by three of our cutters that there was fire in the fur- nace on the day ef the fire. The porter also informed mo of that fact. Foreman of the Jury, Mr. Genin—Q. You said that upon going up stairs you saw the flames coming from the fourth story : how, then, could the fire have origin- ated from the stove in the third story? A. I said the flames appeared to be in the fourth story, and the railing of the third story staircase was on fire; it would be a very difficult matter for me to say which story, the third or the fourth, was on fire at the time. Mr. Genin—Q. With what knowledge you have of the occurrence, where do you suppose the lire originated ? A. I could not state with any certainty. ‘Q. How long has your lease to run? A. Twenty years. Q. Had you sold out your lease at this time? A. No, sir, but were about doing so. . Did Cochrane tell ar on the night of the fire that the building was unsafe? A. No, he did not; he would not go into the building himself. Juror—Q. Is your lease by this fre rendered null and void? Are you obliged to pay for the rent of the building until the lease expires? A. I think not, I suppose we will have to go on paying the rent until the lease expires, Here the examination of this witness closed, and the inquest was adjourned until Monday, at one o’clock. fit yesterday’s paper we by mistake stated that Mr fer deposed that ‘the building was sufficiently saf for warehouse purposes.” The word ‘not’? was un fortunately omitted, altering the sense of the deposition materially,] A. One OBSEQUIES TO-DAY. The followlng 9rrangements have been adopted for the celebration of the obsequies of the deceased firemen to- day:— ‘The line will form in Broadway at 11 o’clock A. M., the right on Fourteenth street, and will move six abreast, in revereed order, down Broadway, through the Park to the City Hall, where the bodies will be received; thence to Chatham’ street, up Chatham street and the Bowery to Astor place, through Astor “place to Broadway, down Broadway to the South ferry, where the line will halt ‘and open on each side of the street to enable the proces- sion to countermarch. ‘The Chief Engineer will act as Grand Marshal, and the Assistant Engineers as his aids. The order will be as follows:— First—Mayors and Common Council, Heads of Depart- ments, firemen of other cities. Second—Judiciary, Mayor, Common Council and Heads of Departments of this city. Third—Aasociation of Exempt Firemen. Fourth—Ex-Chiefs and Assistant Engineers. Fifth—Officers and Trustees of the Fire Department Fund. Sixth—Fire Department, commence! with me Company No. 1, Hose Company No. 1, Hook and Ladder Company No. 1; and Hydrant Company No. 1, and inre- gular order throughout the line. Seventh—Fire Department banner, in charge of Hose Company No. 49. Kighth—Hearses containing the bodies of deceased, each surrounded by the companies to which they be- longed, followed by relatives and friends. ‘The members of the department will appear in citizens’ dress, without banners or music, benef the usual badge designating the company to which ey belong, officers of each company carrying speaking trumpets bens incrape. No boys will be permitted toappear in the line. The bell ringers are directed to toll the bells while the funeral is moving. Edward H. Senior, ai will superintend the funeral. ALFRED CARSON, Grand Marshal. AID FOR THE BROADWAY SUFFERERS. Bosto, April 28, 1854. Jaurs Gordon Bennett, Feq.— Dear S1r—With the liveliest recollections of the kind ness I have always received from my fellow-citizens of New York, I would be less than man if the painful calamity, by which the lives of so many gallant and noble spirits were sacrificed, at the fire in Broadway, did not make a painful impression on my mind. It has done #0, and reminds me of an incident in the life of the lamented Hamblin, on a similar painful occasion. After the great fire of '1835, when everybody was expressing regret at the loss, he declared that he was sorry to the extent of five hundred dollars, and enclosed his check for that smonnt. His liberality is worthy of consideration, and I beg that you will present the enclosed one hundre dollors, in my name, to the committee, for the benefit of the distressed relatives of the deceased firemen. Yours, with sentiments of esteem BARNEY WILLIAMS. We have received a check for the above amount, which we shall be pleased to hand to Mr. Carson, the Chief En gineer. Theatres and Exhibitions. Broadway THkaTRE.—The entertainments announced for to-morrow evening are of a light and amusing char acter. Mr. and Mrs. B. Williams appear in three piecos —the Irish drama of ‘Shandy uire,’’ the humorous comedietta of ‘In and Out of Placo,’’ and the comic drama of ‘‘ Barney, the Baron.’’ Bowrry THeatr#.—A very interesting programme is announced for the amusements of to-morrow evening. ‘The first piece is the ‘ Soldier’s Daughter,’’ Messrs. John- ston, Winans, and Mrs. Clarke in the lea characters. The Minstrels will next appear, and all will close with the drama of “ Ireland as It Is.” Bortox’s Taratre.—This theatre has been well filled every night of the past week. ‘The manager announces Shakspeare’s comedy of the ‘Tempest,’ for Monda; evening, and Mata Oo during the week, when it will be withdrawn, farce of the ‘‘ Automaton Man’? concludes the entertainments. Nationas. Treatre.—The proprietor of this establish- ment finding that nothing succeeds so well as the drama of “Unele ’s Cabin,” announces it again for to-mor- row evening. Mrs. Howard as Topsy, Little Cordelia as Eva, and Mr. Prior as George Harris. Wattack’s Trratrg.—This place of amusement conti- nues to be largely patronized. The pieces selected for to morrow eveni are the comedies of ‘“ Prison and Palace’? and ‘Hearts at Fault,” with the farce of “Fortune's Frolle.’ All the principal artists appear. American Modkow.—The moral drama of ‘‘ Hot Corn’? is announced for to: morrow afternoon, and the comedy of ‘Matrimony,’’ and the comedietta of “ The Partition Suit,” in the evening. The great exhibition of singing birds and of various flowers, is now being held at the Museum. Cunisty’s Minsrreis.—This old and favorite band will give negro delineations in singing, dancing and instru- mental performances,-to-morrow evening. Woor'’s Minsrxers advertise a bill of great variety for Monday evening. Among the features of the evening is the burletta of “ Uncle "4 Cabin.” BucKiay’s SeRENADERS announce a burlesque onTthe of Norma for to-morrow evening, in which G. 8. Helly wil appoac. Hage's Waowr Worn is being every day exhibited at i way. Jonme’ Pantoeoors is exhibited every day at Apollo “| Rooms. THE GREAT RAIN STORM. CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS, ener * FATAL LAND SLIDE IN BROOKLYN. rrr Two Persons Killed and Others Wounded. MISCELLAREOUS DETAILS. THE CALORIC SHIP ERICSSON, &e., &., &e. Sinee the 1st of March we have several times ventured to congratulate the publle that the roughest of the winter was over, and that they might reasonably antici- pate softer breezes and brighter skies for the future. These anticipations, however, have been as repeatedly defeated by the heavy visitations of clouds, and winds, and hail, and vain, and dsiving snow, and whistliag sleet, and thunders and lightnings, and disasters dire by land andsea. And yet, notwithstanding our successive dis- appointments as a prophet, we venture atill once more to congratulate our fellow-citizens and all others. eoncerned with what we consider to be the very reasonable pre- sumption that substantially the “winter is over, and its storms are past and gone.” May we not venture to pre- dict that this last day of April will be followed by the first day of spring? Is there anything irrational in the idea that our great annual carnival, the first of May, will, in all probability, bea fair day? It may be windy, but it should be fair, simply from the fact that after one continuous out pourtng from the clouds, from Thursday afternoon to the margin of Sunday morning, there should be a letting up for at lenst one day, if no more. And what better day for this suspension could there be than the first of May? Consequently we insist upon the prediction that our “moving” anniversary will be signalized by a clear sky, or ought to be, which is nearly the same thing in point of philosophy. From the reporta whieh we have published since Thurs- day, telegraphic and otherwise, our readers will have perceived that this storm has prevailed over a vast ex- tent of country. It has given the coasters off the North Carolina seaboard some rough handling; our inland seas, from Lake Ontario to Lake Michigan, have felt its vio- lence, and it will be .ortunate indeed if its disasters by land and sea are one-half as yet recounted. An unprecedented amount of water has fallen. There have doubtless been destructive floods in the interior, as well as numerous wrecks and mishaps along a thousand miles of sea coast; but let us hope that of these we may hear of nothing like those late disastrous scenes on the Jersey coast, nor of any irreparable damage to the fruits and the crops of the coming summer. It isa remarkable fact, that while, during the last two months, more water, in various shapes and forms, has been distilled from the okies im these latitudes and longtitudes than ordinarily falls here in six months of an average, taking ten years together, that they haye been actually complaining in France and Spain of the dryness of the season. The farmea and gardens about Paris have been suffering for the want of rain, such are the nice checks and balances of an all-wise and bountiful Providence. A deficiency in one quarter of the earth is made up by an excess in another, end thus the general equili- brium of the elements is maintained; thus this good old globe which we inhabit moves in her steady orbit round the sun, faithful—notwithstanding temporary vicissi- tudes and local accidents—in the harmony of her seasons, and in the beautiful dispensations of her bounties. The effect of this tremendous shower of some three days’ duration upon the streets of this late excessively dirty city, is positively refreshing to look at. Last after- noon, for example, we noticed that the torrents which were flowing along in the gutters of some of our filthiest thoronghfares were os clear and sparkling as any crysta- line rivulet of the moautains—purer than the Croton water itself. Whatever, therefore, the inconveniences, the misfortunes, and the disasters of this last visitation, it has served us ono good purpose, in Its thorough washing of the ground-floor of our dirty city. Broadway last night glittered in the reflection of the lamps—so clear and glossy was the Russ pavement, Genin was quite out- done, and Glasier can only contemplate with admiration the thoroughgoing style in which he has been relieved temporarily of his duty. We persist in our prognostii- cations of brighter days to come. We hope that the late excessively wet spell will not be followed by an exces- sively dry summer. Let us, in the meantime, be thank- ful, and take things as they come. FALL OF A BUILDING IN BROOKLYN. TWO PERSONS KILLED AND FIVE INJURED. Yosterday afternoon a melancholy accident occurred in Furman street, near the foot of Cranberry strect, im- mediately under the Heights, by the falling of a building occupied as a boarding house by Mrs. McColgan. The building was of frame, two stories in height, and cheaply constructed. It was situated at the foot of the hill fronting Furman street. In the rear rises the Heights, on the top of which, and parallel with Farman street, runs Columbia street. The heavy rains of the past few days had the effect of loosening the earth in the rear of the house, and yesterday afternoon about 3 o'clock, large body slid down in a perfect avalanche against the tenement, and utterly demolished it. ‘There were seven or eight persons in the house at the time, some of whom were on the second floor, and they succeeded in getting out with comparatively slight in- juries. Those below were unfortunately crashed be- neath the weight above them, among whom, as far as known, are the following:— Neil Curren, laborer, killed. He was a single man, about twenty-five years of age, and formerly in the'em- ploy of William Smith, No. 27 Fulton street. Margaret McColgan, daughter of the keeper 0 the house, was crushed beneath the ruins, and aithough every effort was made to exhume her, it waa not accom plished until after nine o’clock last evening. Her moans were heard under the pile for some hours, but she could not be reached, in consequence of the timber and other rubbish under which she was buried. When taken out life was extinct. Mary McColgan, gnother daughter, was severely, but | it is thought, not dangerously injured. She was ex | humed in about an hour after the accident. Mrs. McColgan, the mother, escaped with comparatively slight injuries. She was frantic with grief at the loss of her daughter. Hannah O'Connell, a servant, was badly bruised, bat her injuries are not considered of a fatal character. James Fallon, @ dock builder, who resides ia Jersey City, bad one of his legs broken. Jobn Snellgrove was slightly bruised. ‘he three men were boarders with Mrs. McColgan. The two latter jumped out of the wiudow, and thus saved themselves. They were in the second story at the time. A son of Mrs. MeColgan, # emall lad, who last summer had one of his arms broken in consequence of a collision on the Fulton ferry, was also consideraply injured by this accident. ‘The injured were taken into the neighboring houses, and all that could be done for their relief was accom- plished by Drs. Ball and Cochran, and other medical gen- tlemen. An adjoining frame tenement, similarly situated as the one destroyed, stands in imminent danger of demolition. The fomily bave removed from it. About the distance of a few blocks below where this accident occurred, nearly opposite Thorne’s storehouses, there was another landslide which brought down a large portion of the embankment into Furman street, com- pletely blocking it »». There was, fortunately, no build- ingin the vicinity, cud consequently there was no in- jury to any’ human being. The statement yesterday that the derrick near the foot of Fulton street had been struck by lightning and shiv- ered, was erroneous. It was not damaged by either the lightning or the elements. ANOTHER ACCOUNT. FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER. At half-past twelve o'clock yesterday afternoon, a most distressing accident occurred in Farman street, near the corner of Cranberry street, Brooklyn, ocea- sioned by the falling of « small tenement, occupied as 8 lodging house by Mrs. MeColgan. ‘The building was « small two stesy frame house, very alightly built, and im most dangerous proximity to the Height4,a portionof which directlyoverhung it,and threat- ened at any moment to fall and bary the shanties beneath. The cause of the catastrophe appears to be the looseuing of the soil by the recent heavy fall of rain, amd the consequent fall of a vast mass of earth and slone against the frail tenement, which of course offered but little re: sistance. The avalanche struck with tremendous force the lower part of the builaing, and carried it almost completely away, while the secon’ story was left com: paratively uninjured, so that several of the inmates es- caped from the windows unhurt. There were in the building at the time it war struck by the landslide the following persons :— William Curran, aged 36 years, dead. Margaret McColgan, aged 17, dead. Jobu Noonan, uninjured. James Fallon, severely injured im the back and legs. Jobn Kelly, arm broken. Michae’ Kearney, uninjured. Lochlan Conway, uainjured. Mary Mc€olgan, leg» crushed and otmerwise injured. Mra. McColgan, proprictress of the house, arm and side injured, and bruises internally. Philip McColgan, uninjured, Hannah O'Connor, leg and arm broken; dangerously injured. Moat of the family were, at the time of the accident, seated at the dining table. Several of the boarders had retired a few minutes previous to the accident, and were in the second story at the time of the occurrence. One of the men says he felt the house moving, and heard screams from the inmates below, but escaped by jumping out of the back window. ‘A vast crowd of people collected as soon as the acci dent became known, and the utmost sympathy was felt end expressed for the sufferers. The first efforts of the crowd were directed to extricate the unfortunates who were known to be buried below, and the nrass of rubbish was Very soon cleared away, under the supervision of a large number of the police force. Mr. Curran, when removed from the ruins, was dread- fully bruised, and only lived afew minutes. The young girl Margaret McColgan was quite dead when taken out. Her body was perceived some time before it could be arrived at, The bodies were removed to Mr. McKenny’s house, in Sands street. Quite an affecting scene followed upon the rescue of j the little girl Mary MeColgan, The ehild, though au; ing intense pain, entreated the bystanders not her, but look first to the safety of those aroun: J She was extricated without much difficulty; but all efforts to save her sister, who lay near, proved unavail- ing, from the position in which she had fallen. The chief loser by this melancholy occurrence is Mra. McColgan, a widow, who has lost everything, all the furniture contained in the dwelling being, of course, ruined. A purse, containing $200 in money, was also lost. The building was valued at $500, and probably, with the furniture, the loss will amount to double that sum. Several of the surrounding tenements appear to be in danger of a similar catastrophe, and we would suggest the adoption of some measures to prevent a recurrence of such calamitous accidents, This ship was compelled yesterday to buffet the storm, without any attempt being made to raise her from her uncomfortable bed. Derricks and steamtugs have been placed around her, and she will no doubt be pumped out, and again walk the waters as proudly as ever, after the first few days of favorable weather. This vessel is asti- mated to be worth $500,000, and she is insured, wo understand, for about $300,000. Religious Intelligence. SERMONS. The Rev. Mr. MeGill, late from the Scotch Church, Lon don, will preach in the Fifth Associate Reform Church Jane street, t! ening. Rev. J. M. Macauley will preach in the South Dutch Church, Fifth avenue, this evening, on the “Demo ralizing influence of extravagance. * The Rev. Dr. Foster will deliver a discourse to th: young.men of this cily this forenoon, in the Green» street Methodist Episcopal Chureb, on tho Constituent f true manhood. ” The Rev. Eleazer Williams, who is at prosent ongaget in raising funds at the request of the Pro of the Diocess, for the erection of a Mission Church fo- the benefit of the St. Reffis Indians and othors at Hogans. burg, Franklin county, will preach this morning at th Church of the Transfiguration, and in the afternoon a Calvary Church. ORDINATION. The ordination of the Rev. Wm. 8. Smith, Pastor of the Union Con; tional Church in Fourth street, near ave- nue e took place at their house of worship on Thursday evening. INSTALLATIONS. Rev. Charles Packard, late of Lancaster, was installed Pastor of the Second Evangelical Church’ in Cambridge- port, Mass., on the 26th inst. Rey, Mr, Pingry was installed Pastor of the Presbyte- rian Church at Roseville, N. J., on the 27th inst. The Rey. Joseph B. Bittenger was installed Pastor of the Euclid street Presbyterian Church in Clerdand, on the 26th inst. ‘The Methodist piscopal Mission Church lethodist Episcopal Mission Church at Greonpoint, L. 1., will be dedicated this morning. aes The ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the Metho- dist Protestant Church in Norfolk, Va., was performed on the 26th inst., with the usual observances and rites of the Masonte Order. The distinguishing corner-stone of the new edifice for the Tabernacle Church and Society at Salem, Mass., was laid on the 26th inst. The new Unitarian Church in Somerville, Mass., erected on the site of the one destroyed by fire about two years since, was dedicated on the 26th inst. The corner-stone of St. Thomas’ Church in New Haven hats laid on the 24th inst. Bishop Williams delivered the address. Efforts are being made to erect a small house of worship on Quarry Hill, in Quarry street, in Newark, N.J. A Presbyterian missionary station has been for some time established there, with a large Sabbath schsol, composed mostly of German children. ROMAN CATHOLIC ECCLESIASTICAL CHANGES. Rev. George Ruland, C.88.R., has been appointed Pro- vincial of the Redemptorists In the United States. The Rev. Father Zelos, late Rector of the convent at Pitts- burg, has taken the place of Father Ruland, as Rector of house in Baltimore. The Rev. Father Muller, who for the past five years has with so great zeal and devo- tion acted as Rector of the house in New York, has been called to Baltimore as one of the consultors of the Pro- vincial. The Rey. Father Helmprecht, late Superior of the house in Buffalo, has been made Rector of the house in New York, in place of Father Muller. The Rey. Father Urbanezick, late of Baltimore, bas been made Superior of the house in Buffalo. Father Hespelein, of the convent in New York, has been made Superior of the house in Philadelphia, MISCELLANEOUS. Most of the religious and benevolent institutions cen- tering in this city have made up their accounts for the fiscal year just expired, and are perfecting their arrange- ments for the usual anniversary exercises, Their opera- tions during the past year have been larger than ever | before. Their receipts, compared with those of the pre- vious year, have been as follows:— Year 1852-3, Year 18534. American Tract Society .. $414,159 American Bible Society .. ‘American Da. of Foreign Missions American Home Missionary Soc’y American Foreign and Chris, U'n American For’n and Bible Society New York Colonization Society American Seamen’s Friend Soc Female Guardian Society Society for Ameliorating ition Of JOWS....s...cceeeeeee 13,260 Increase... ° $126,916 If to the above were added the receipts of the Baptist Home Missionary Society, the Central American Educa- tion Society, and one or two institutions of less_import- ance, from which we have not heard, and if allowance were also made for the deficient four months of the Xmeriean. Board of Missions, the total contributions during the past year would exceed a million and a half of Gollan. ‘The aaniversary exercises of these societies take place between the 9th and 12th of May. Rev. Dr. Welch is soon to take charge of a tion at Newtonville, about five miles from Albany. ‘The following are the statistics of the Methodist Epis- copal Church of New Jersey:—White members, 31,916; colored, 390; probationers, 5,515; local preachers, 195; iuission collections, $13,235 44; Bible eause, $3,280 40; education, $415 67; 8. 8. Union, $1,445 92; tract cause, $2,506 48; churches, 829; 8. schools, 444; officers an teachers, 6,648; scholars, 30,147; volumes, 96,644; new churches, 11. Rev. Dr. Stearns, of the First Presbyterian church, in Newark, N. J.. prenched a most impressive farewe discourse on the 284 inst., it being his intention to leave for Europe in a few days. ‘The Rev. Dr. Goodrich, of Carondelet, has received an invitation from the First Presbyterian church, New Or- leans, to supply the desk of that church, while the pas- tor (Rey. Dr. Scott) is on a visit to Califernia. ¢ NEWS BY TELEGR. ‘The Ward Trial. POPULAR EXCITEMENT AGAINST ONE OF THE COUNWELe Lounsviix, April 29, 1854. Nathaniel Wolfe, ene of the counsel employed to de- fend the Ward’s having said at the trial that the citizeas of Louinville were a set of bloodhounds, and impeached the veracity of sixteen of Butler's scholars, witnesses ab the trial, the boys proceeded to his residence last night, and literally covered it with eggs. A meeting of citizens has been called at the Court House to-night, to express indignation against Wolfe. Great excitement exists im regard to Wolfe's speech. THE RENDERINF O¥ THE VERDICT. Wasnrneton, April 29. 1864. The papers here this morning, im announcing the ac- quittal of Matt F. Ward, state that the jury agreed upom their verdict after an absence from the court room of only five minutes. From Boston. HEAVY DAMAGES AGAINST THR CITY OF BOSTON— ADJOURNMENT OF THE LEGISLATURE. Boston, Aprft 20, 1854. In the case ef George P. Southwick against the city of Boston, the jury to-day gave a verdict for the plaintiff, fixing the damages at $12,000. Mr. Southwick fell inte acellar-way in Congress square, breaking his back, and sued the city for damages. The Massachusetts Legislature adjourned sme die thie afternoon. PH. From Baltimore. DESTRUCTION OF A CHURCH BY FIRE—THE MAIL. BArriwore, April 20, 1854. St. Pauls Episcopal Church in this city, (D. Wyatt's) took fire this morning, and all the wood work was burnt out, and the steeple and bell fell in before the amos could, be got under. It is supposed to have originated from a stove pipe. We have no mail this morning from South of Augusta, Ga. The papers to hand contain no news worth tele- graphing. ‘The Liquor Law in Ohio, é&c. Cincinatti, April 29, 1864. The Ohio Legislature passed a stringent liquor law yeu- terday, and it requires only the signature of the Gover- nor to become a law. It provides for punishing by fine and imprisonment for selling liquor to parties intoxicated, or who are in the habit of getting intoxicated. It also renders them liable to civil suits for damages. The weather here is cold and cloudy, and the snow ie two inches deep sixty miles northwest of this city. The Pittshurg Small Note Conspiracy Case. Prrrspura, April 29, 1854. The Court this morning overruled the motion for anew trial in the small note conspiracy case of Morris, Hazen, Lawson and-Davis. The prisoners were sentenced te thrce months imprisonment and a fine of $100 each. Marine Disaster. Cuar.eston, April 27, 1854. The schooners Trader, from New York for Doboy, and the Mury Patterson, from Savannah for Boston, put in hore to-day, both damaged, having been in collision off Cape Roman on the night of 26th inst. Destructive Fire in Pearl Street. A fire broke out at about seven o’clock last evening, in No. 180 Pearl strect, eceupied by Afileck, Pollock & Rose, dealers in oils, paints, &c.; J. Stanynought & Co., mana- facturers of paper boxes; E. Farmer, manufacturer of trunks, carpet bags, &., and Ernest Baker. When first discovered the flames had gained considerable headway, and extended to the adjoining building, No. 178. The firemen were promptly on the ground at the first sound of the bell, but in spite of their almost superhuman ex- ertions both buildings, with their contents, were com- pletely destroyed before the fire was extinguished. While looking on the blazing pile, we saw an act of intrepid daring, which, if displayed by any other person but a fire- man, would be called madness. The flames wese bursting out in all their fury from one of the windows, threatening destruction to any one who might have the temerity to approach it, yet, as if in defi- ance of death itself, a fireman rushed up the ladder, entered the window, and was soon Jost to tho sight of the crowd below, who trembled in breathless suspense for his safety. Ina few minutes the smoke cleared away, revealing him with pipe in hand battling with the retreat- ing flames. At eight o’clock the burning buildings pre- sented the appearance of one vast furnace, and st nine nothing remained but the walls and a mass oi blackened, charred ruins. In two short hours upwards of twenty: five thousand dollars worth of property was destroyed, | the greater part of which is insured. The two buildixige were three stories high, and were known about twenty years ago as the American Hotel. No. 178 was occupied by Furnald & Co., brush makers, and by E. Mills, dealer in bristle. An unazown man had his arm broken by being rua over by an engine, but was not otherwise injured. Personal Intelligence. At amecting of the Royal Dublin Society, lately held im Dublin, Charles Compton, William Doniville, Daniel Dev- lin, rahe Fisher, Thomas Andrews, and Robert T. Walsh, all of New York, were elected honorary members. Henry Grattan, of this city, was elected a life member. At the costume ball of the Sicilian King, given im Naples at the opening of spring, wesee Mr. Owen, the ‘American Minister, waa present, dressed in a beautiful French costume. ‘This ball was attended by the King and court, and by over two thousand of the Sicilian no- bility. OF the foreigners present, besides our own Minis- ter, were M. Maupas, the French Minister; Mr. Lowther, | the English Charge d’Affaira, and Mr. Fletcher Norton, the Turkish representative. J.8. Morgan, Boston; Jw | and Mrs. C. Kerhn, Jr. Frank Hampton, Mrs. Pres lina; Wm. B. Swett, Boston: ‘Thos. & Ere, Lucien Dile and sister, R. 8. Wood, Bermuda; craft and Indy, Quebec; Mr. and Mrs. Leayoral J.B. Cumming, Cincinnati, were among the | the Clarendon yerterday. DEPAYTURES. | _ For Liverpool, in the steamship Arctio—Jacob Abbott | and lady, New York: rd Taylor, G W Foss, Phila- delphia; Mrand Mrs Si ton Mercer, child and nurse; C Futricotti, New York; R W Davis, Baltimore ielphia; D P Ives, Boston; Mis M Bedford, Gunning S M M J Comstock. Jones, Pennsylvania; Mr. ‘ork; Dr. Bigel A ton and daughter, Barbadoes; J. W. Lea arrivals at | Now Jersey | more; AT Nevin, | Mre $M Giynn, Mt and Mra ED Kenn | Baitimere: Mr and Mi Low, Mies Low, Mr Hi HP Davis, ins, New Yor! irs Prof Robbins, Mrand Mrs HL sido, Hr and Mrs P V Hoffman, Misecs Hoffman, Mr and | Mra Gillilen and fonr Missos Gillil in, A W East: Carlton avd Indy, P M Broce, Mr Smith, Mr and | Mr Roge, M. Mi Yor ; Nay Mr Ourm, Mr Hilye . | Brom Fie seeeoy and indy, Mee Johnson, child we | nurse, Mra Lig" ee | Mrs'0'Hengaiet, Mr reat cg hep z le ee Ci pes man, Mrs Bins id Mi rrance: Cay Mesers Ghapitt mee, ME ‘t child, do; Me Perrier ; F ft del % de, Mowers Warrin and Miller, NY: AD aigekrde: K | Wiia,dor J Gra 8 BM i | ¥: Dow Carlos a do: d Mrs Al a | nd; T Howaek, York: Trini Jae Bishop and lady, Thos Butterworth English, New Vork; Mr and Mrs Noah SoM SY 2 | | Odiot, Francs | olsoo; 8 C1 O.Dra b N Aw irs Elisa Webb, NY; Hannay Wi y MeLitchie, N Y¥; Geo In- ana California; 3X Chair, Ragland; Me’ ond ixrs'Com. ia Coo, Miss Me oe Donaldo Coe, > Gos Mise Maxi C00, ectot ee bert t Savannah, in steamsl fant, J K Habersha . Mies B Mill cD ¢ | | | ro | TM Guorin, Sacob-Lisk, B Golding, W 3 aan Lene oth eaeatioyvea nad bons 9 Alabama J z lon, F) Batis aM gram Wea