The New York Herald Newspaper, December 13, 1872, Page 4

4 THE EOTEL DISASTER. | \Visit of the Coroner’s Jury to the Scene of the Fire. (REPAIRING THE RUINS. \Views of the Superintendent of Buildings. Other Hotels as Faulty as the Fifth Avenue. Testimony Before the Fire Marshal. The Tale of Two Watch- men. )PLEA OF THE PROPRIETORS. Scenes at the Morgue---Another Body Identified. Contributions Among Our Citizens and the Guests of the Hotel for the Funeral Expenses of the Dead. The Fifth Avenue Hotel is being rehabilitated as rapidly as carpenters, brick masons and ready workmen can do it. The corridors and rooms on Ane upper stories of the building, which had been jtorn up by the firemen’s axes, defaced by the hose nd inundated with water on Tuesday night, are wlready assuming an appearance of that soft luxu- fiance peculiar to the Fifth Avenue corridors and rooms in their ordinary days, and even the low, Aingy cages at the head of the deadly fire flues, where the doomed women were caged on that latal night, are taking on again the dingy appearance as pfold, The stairs and elevator are rapidly taking their old shapes, and everything indicates that “the traps are to be set” again. THE PROPRIETORS ‘yesterday were cordially communicative. In their leasant way they deprecated the severe strictures ‘hich the newspapers had inflicted upon them, @nd regretted that so heavy and unjust an accusation as that of carelessness in regard to the safety of the servant women should nave jbeen made against them, and did not doubt \that a very few words of explanation would set the matter right. The screens had to be put at ‘the windows for the girls’ peace and safety, They jWere liabie to disturbance from various quarters if {their windows could be entered without trouble, and in summer they would have greatly lacked air nd ventilation had not these screens permitted jthem to open their windows without fear of mo- festation. The partition in the corridor was neces- ary to separate the men and women servants, and s to the spiral staircase and elevator, it was ustomary in large hotels to have a separate stair- ase for the servants and a small elevator for the onvenience of the laundry. It was not within juman foresight to comprehend the danger which hese flues had finally wrought, and it was a mere hance that they did finally work so great a atastrophe. As to the future, improvements, of wurse, would be made; just what they are at present is not so clear. As to THE REMOVAL OF THE BODIES ‘0 the Morgue, it was impossible to identify them 3 they were. Some were so mangled and dis- orted by the fire that the giris who had escaped ould not identify them, and the proprietors cer- ainly did not Know where their homes had been. Many of them had no other homes in the ity, and being, im the fullest sense of the word, unknown dead, they were taken atonce to he Morgue, Where the bodies could be the better cared jor aud Where people would naturally go to ind them, ‘The injured were carried at once to be hospital in amoulances, by order of the police, 8 the most comfortable place for them. Such is he explanation of the proprietors, who will, they ‘ay, deiray the expenses of the funerals, and who flow express profound regret at the late of their yinployés. THE SCENES round the hotel were of an ordinary character yesterday. Nobody seemed much further inter- fested in a view of the scene of catastrophe, and the jcarpenters and repairers were undisturbed, { A CORONER'S JURY \was ppanelen during the day by Coroner Schir- mer and visited the scene. The following is the pst of jurors: William Johnston, merchant, Washington Heights. t pa R, Jones, broker, 21 West Twenty-third jptreet. Ph N. Sanders, broker, 221 East Seventeenth street. a Gibson, clerk, 328 West Twenty-seventh Street. E. C. Johnson, storage, 12 West Forty-sixth street. D. D, Vail, broker, 208 Filth avenue, B. W. Gibbs, stock, 338 West Thirty-third street. a B. Spinola, lawyer, 12 West Twenty-seventh George Green, ——, 515 West Forty-eighth street. H. H. Martin, broker, 39 East Thirty-ninth street. A. ©, Allen, secretary, 151 West Forty-fifth street, 8. P. Nichols, stables, 317 Wost 1wenty-first strect. Norman Andrews, merchant, 444 West Twenty- Bixth street. H. Gardner, la T, St. Denis Hotel. The jurors inspected the rooms and the fire-traps for about an hour, appearing determined to probe the matter of carelessness to the bottom, and tuen adjourned, A SUBSCRIPTION. Some of the guests at the hotet have already Started a subscription for the unfortunate sul- ferers, and Karl and Countess Caithness are among ‘those Who are taking a lively interest in the chari- fable undertaking. SUPERINTENDENT MACGREGOR’S | OPINION. ‘What the Superintendent of Buildings Thinks About the Fire. One of our reporters paid a visit yesterday after- noon to the headquarters of the Superintendent of | Buildings, James M. Macgregor, No. 2 Fourth pvenue. Mr. McGregor was found seated in his private office, and seemed very anxious to communicate any information desired by the Heraup. The fol- Jowing conversation ensued between our reporter and Mr. Macgregor :— , RwrorTer—I have called to ascertain ifany steps are about to be taken relative to the better secu- ity of lives in case of fire in the several hotels of jour city. ( Macaregor—t cannot say that there is, There 13 no law that will aliow us to dictate how a build- ng shall be erected, Reroxtex—What is your opinion as to THE MEANS OF ESCAPE at the late fire at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Macorecor—I consider that there was ample means of escape. The portion of the building in which those unfortunate servants lost their lives ‘was an additional story built upon the roof of the jhotel, some eight feet in height and level with the mammoth cornice that surrounds the hotel. The jTear portion of this extension opens on the ‘roof of the main building, with windows opening jupon the same from every room; also a hallway fleading around the entire hotel, by which every irl coula have escaped had she not been suffo- ted, A great desi has been said about the win- lows being enclosed with wire frames. Had the ‘iris been aware of their position they could have eadily escaped by the hatiway, the doors of which ‘were not locked. RerorTeER—But the stairway leading up to their ‘coms was destroyed. Vid not this cut off all escape? ! MacGREGOR—Not at all: the fire broke out two stories below them, and they could have all been paved had they been woke up. There should have ‘been a fire alarm in their recom, as I suggested in ‘1506. I then regarded it as highly important that AN ALARM OF SOME KIND Should be placed on the front or rear of each foor NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1872.-TRIPLE SHEET. in a peblic building, and which could be sounded by the police or firemen in case of fire. A building may be provided with every feasible means of escape, and yet if the tenants are not speedily awakened in time of danger smoke wili overtake them and they will perish by suffocation, for it rarely, if ever, happens that people are burned to death, but first suffocated. RerorTeR—Then you consider that had those unfortunate girls been promptly notified at the ime Se fire onginated they could all have been saver MaccRRGOR—I do; that is, had there been an alarm, or fire detector, in the.r rooms. mid do you mean by & fire de- ctor MACGREGOR—It fs a simple contrivance. It re- sembles a small gauge-dial, Itia wound up bya screw, and the index-hand is placed at the degree below which it is desired to keep the temperature. Within the instrument is a thermometric spring. This spring expands by the action of the heat in the room, and when has expanded to the degree indicated on the dial, a weight is re- leased which falls, and, in falling, trips a lever and crank which causes the alarm bell toring. ‘The annunciator or alarm 18 operated by clockwork, and can be so arranged that the floor or room where the fire originated can be announced. THR PRESENT FIRE DEPARTMENT TOO SMALL. Reporrer—What is your opinion as to the efforts of the firemen? MacorKGor—I think they did all they could do; but I believe if the old volunteers had been in existence that fre would never have gained the headway It did. Repokrer—Why 80? MacGrecor—It is a well-known fact that the old department put out more fires on stiil alarms than the present departinent. [do not wish to say any- thing against the efficiency of the present depart- ment, not at all; they are all that could be ex- pected, considering their numbers, But it will be remembered that there were over 6,000 of ‘the old boys, and there were sure to oe a dozen or two in the immediate neighborheod of a fire when it broke out, They never waited to send out an alarm, but nipped it in the bud. You remember well old Five engine that laid in Ann street, near the HERALD office; why there was hardly a fire below Beekman street that fire engine did not have a stream on long before an alarm was sounded, RErorTeR—Then you don't consider the present Fire Department fully up to the wants of the metropolis ? MACGREGOR—Not at all. They want double the | number of MEN AND MORE APPARATUS. The Boston and Chicago Gres have fuily proved the fact that no twelve men can man an engine at a heavy fire. You must acknowledge that where a fire gets well under way in a building it is, as a general thing, totally destroyed, the attention of the fremen being turned to the safety of the sur- rounding buildings. RKPORTER—Do you not think that the stairways leading to the upper stories of the Fifth Avenue Hotel were too narrow ? MAcaREGoR—Certainly. I am opposed to an; stairways in hotels, warehouses or public build- ings being built other than with stone or iron; and in regard to “Mansard,” or French roofs, many of which tower up far beyond the reach of any or- dinary stream of water on many of our leading hotels, banks and other public buildings, the: should im the future be built of fireproof material, also the cornices and coverings thereon. Mr. Macgregor mentioned several other hotels as being unsafe, especially in regard to the servants’ quarters. RerorTeR—Is this the first tamo the Fifth Avenue Hotel has been on fire? MAcgREGOR—NO, sir. It was ON FIRE TWICE BEFORE, but they put it out themselves each time and they attempted the same thistime, believing that they could accomplish it without giving any alarm, but they failed, Had they Rona called the Fire De- partment the tire would not have gained the head- way it did, and some of the unfortunate girls might have been saved, THE FIRE MARSHAL'S INVESTI- GATION, Furiher ‘Testimony Taken Before the Fire Marshal, The terrible fire that occurred in the Fifth Avenue Hotel on Tuesday nignt still continues to be the subject of conversation throughout the city. The authorities at the hotel are denounced on all sides, and great sympathy 1s manifested tor the unfortunate sufferers. The more investigation is pushed into the sad occurrence the more the neglect of the proprietors of the house for the safety of the lives of their servants becomes apparent. The shutting up of the ser- vants in the deadly cells on the attic floor is in itself creating a feeling of profound indignation in the public mind, Pretensions were made that great care was being taken of the surviving and impoverished servants; but one fact alone will show how much they are worth. Mary Groves was sent for by the Fire Marshal on Wednesday to ap- pear before him, but the officer who went for the woman returned with the message that all her clothes were destroyed and she could not attend the summons. That looks very like DISTRIBUTING GARMENTS AMONG THEM. The examination into the details of tne catas_ trophe was continued yesterday by the Fire Mar- shal, and the following testimony was taken by Mr. Sheldon :— TESTIMONY OF MARY GROVES, Mary Groves, being duly sworn, stated :—I work in the laundry at the Fifth Avenue Hotel; have worked there five years; I occupied room No, 505, on the landing of the servants’ stsircase, between the parlor floor and the floor above ; on the night of the fire 1 went to bed at half-past nine o'clock; was Woke up by the fire in my room ; nobody called me; there was a blaze in my room; I jumped out of bed, opened my door and ran out; there was no fire on the landing outside; 1 went down the servants’ staircase to the land- ing; saw no fire on the way down; there are three landings below my room, oneach of which girls sleep; I calied them asI went down to the land- ing; when I got there I sawthree or four men putting on the hose; I passed through the laundry and went up the stairs on the Twenty-fourth street side; the men were taking the hose out in the di- rection of the servants’ staircase ; I suppose it was avout eleven o'clock when I was woke up by the fire; one of the girls whom 1 woke up is named Harriet McLoughlan; 1 do not know who was on duty in the main hall opposite my room at the time of the fire; Idid not leave the gas burning in my room when I went to work. TESTIMONY OF JOSEPH P. MORGAN. Joseph P. Morgan said:—l am watchman on the second floor in the Fifth Avenue Hotel, and was on duty at the time of the fire; at about eight minutes of eleven o'clock I was at the landing of the Twenty-third street side; I walked round to the Twenty-fourth street stairs, back to the front stair- way, and then 1 followed a party round to the Twenty-fourth street stairs; when I got there I 1 hastened round there; saw two or three persons standing by the head of the stairs; I smelled fire; one of the chambermaids said, “Oh, Joe! there’s fire; I opened the door leading from the main hall to the servants’ Pier be and saw {ire coming up from the Maa just below, where room No, 505 is located; stretched my hose at once; the gas man and some one else took the pipe and I tarned on the water; | don’t think it was more than five minutes after we put on the water beiore the fire passed us and we went up to the tloor above; I found that some one had got the hose out on that floor; the fire went up the stairway very rapidly; when 1 was gettin; out my hose on the Second floor Giiday, the secon floor watchman, who had come down to my floor, calied to the office that there was fire on the Twenty-third street side, and to | turn the engine on there; 1 saw Mr. Griswold come up the Broadway stairs and pass around to the Twenty-third street side about five minutes before I heard the alarm bell; I don’t think it was more than eight minutes after I left the Twenty-third street landing before [ heard the alarm bell. TESTIMONY OF A GUEST, ck testified—I am a resident of Samuel Ten Salt Lake City; 1 Hotel; at the time of the fire my room was No. 23, on the parlor floor, on the Twenty-third street side; I came in from the theatre at about eleven o'clock; at ten minutes past eleven I was near the foot of Stairs leading to the parior floor Twenty-third street side; I asked some questions of the men on duty there and looked at my watch at the same time; that is how I fix the hour; I went up stairs to goto my room, and on getting to the parlor floor! saw smoke issuing from the crevices of a door just west of the staircase, and Icould see the light of the fire through tne tran- som; @ girl and myself instantly burst open the door; 1 saw fire burning in @ smail inner room; | there was a gaslight burning there and @ quantity of bewspapers lying on the floor were @ mass of burning cinders; the Names drove us out; the alarm was given; I went to tay room, and, looking out of ny window. | saw two streams playing on the fire ments after the discovery of the fire that the water was put on; | am certain no ala rm had been given at the time I first saw the fire. TESTIMONY OF A WATCHMAN, Felix aka said—I am a watchman at the Fifth Avenue Hotel; I was on duty on the oftice floor at the time of the fire; when I heard of tue fire I was in the yard, near Twenty-fourth street: saw the steward Tun past me, and dircctiy aiter a waiter told me there was a fire on the other side of the house; I went through the laundry to the servants’ staircase; there was no hose Stretched in the laundry at that time; nor did [ see any person there; I found they had got water on from above; it was pouring down the staircase ; I went up the servants’ stairway to the main floor; then up the main stairway to the second floor and helped to get out the hose; the dre was burning between tue parlor floor and the floor above; the watchman on Cuty on the upper floor was Michael Cruickshank; it is his duty to see that ALL THE GIRLS ARE IN BRD and the gas put out; he goes up there at half-past ven lor tuat purpose; | can’t tell the exact time heard the bell on Twenty-third street sound twice; | am a gnest at the Fifth Avenue | the | on the | it was but @ very few mo- | when I heard ofthe fire, but it was after eleven o'clock. YESTERDAY AT THE MORGUE. The excitement at the Morgue ycaterday was not #0 great as on the previous day, but considerable numbers of curious persons surrounded the gates the greater part of the morning. The coffins had been all raised from the flagging and the lids of those containing the boJies which had been identi- fied were nailed down. The remaining cofins were piled in the shed, one upon top of another. The weather was bitterly cold, and the remains were completely frozen, This was A FORTUNATE CIRCUMSTANCE, for those whose duties compelled to be present, a3 there was no trace of decomposition left. The gates were closed, and two policemen kept back a crowd of women, who, not satisfied with the feast of horrors afforded them on Wednesday, wished to have their curiosity further gratified yesterday. Many in their anxiety to gain admittance told shameful lies, saying they had relatives among the dead, but on being asked the names of their friends were unable to give them. One old woman, who had been in the Morgue no less than seven times, attempted to push her way in the eighth, but was put back by Warden Brennan, who good-humoredly chaffed her, Mr. White, the keeper, has had a busy time since the bodies arrived, ANOTHER BODY WAS IDENTIFIED erty morning that of a young gtri named lizabeth Campbell, who was recognized by her father, an old, gray-headed man, The marks that led to her discovery were a ring she wore on her finger and a peculiarity ahout her eet, which were slightly deformed, Her jipbe had not been so mu- tilated as those of her companions, but the upper part of her body was burned to charcoal. Later in the day the was removed by sn undertaker for interment in Calvary Cemetery. The coffin in which she was taken away was @ very handsome one, and bore the inscription :— AIRED LOLOL DO LE IERE DEE DODEODDIEDELE DE ODDS. ELIZABETH CAMPBELL, g DIBD DECEMBER 10, 1872, Aged 17 years, ONIOIE REDE RE DELO RAIO LEE ODDIE LODE HO: Her father wanted her removed to his residence in order to hold a wake, but the undertaker refused to do so, as he said the body was not fit to be kept. This makes three bodies which have been re- moved—Mary Ann Fagan, Mary McCabe and Eliza- beth Campbell, Eight still remain, four of which have been identified. The three bodies were TAKEN TO OALVARY CEMRTERY. In the event of the remaining corpses not being removed before Sunday they are to be interred by the congreation of St. Gabriel's church. A number of temperance societies and religious bodies are expected to participate, and a grand demonstra- tion of respect 13 hoped for. The idea is a laudable one, and it would be [binder ha if it should prove, as it likely will, a success. In the absence of such action the bodies would have had to be in- terred at the public expense. As the frienas of some of the girls whose remains have been recog- nized are too poor to aiford burial, there will proo- ably be eight corpses remaining on Sunday. A hearse is to be provided for each, and the cortege 18 to proceed to Calvary Poleacet In the afternoon some fashionably-dressed ladies came to yiew the bodies. They were pORReouatite: ceived by the Warden, and their curiosity was fully appeased when the ghastly spectacle was exposed to view, At the same time the brother of Delila Cum- mings came to look for the body of his sister, who is SUPPOSED TO BR AMONG THE DEAD. but ne did not succeed in identifying it, ‘the new arrangements made by the Warden for telegraph- ing in case of fire was tried for the second time the night of the fire, and proved a complete success, Instead of a policeman being sent from the fire, as in the old way, to telegraph from there to the hos- pital, the nearest fire alarm and the number 19, communicating with the box in the office of the hospital, intimates that an ambulance is wanted. ‘This sygtem was sdopted on the night of the disas- ter, ahd much valuable time was AG as the three ambulances were on the ground in less than twenty minutes. The intimation that a number of people had been killed and wounded was first sent vo the hospital by Dr. Ruppaner, the house surgeon of the Fifth Avenue Hotel, who was un- remitting in his eiforts to alleviate the sufferings ot those who were wounded, so long as they remained on the premises, His conduct is highly praised by the ose oficials who had an opportunity of witnessing it. A Coroner's jury was empanelled at the Morgue early in the morning, by Coroner Schirmer. Aiter viewing the bodies the members of the jury, ac- pee a by Captain Berden, of the Twenty- ninth precinct, proceeded to the hotel and made a minute inspection of the rooms which were occu- pied by the victims. ‘The following are the NAMES OF THE JURORS:— FUNERAL OF ONE OF THE VICTIMS. On Wednesday evening, about half-past six o’clock, the charred and bruised remains of Mary McCabe were transferred from the Morgue by an undertaker to 249 Mulberry street, where they were mourned over by the sister of the deceased— Annie McCabe—with one or two other sympathiz- ing female friends, until two o'clock P, M. yester- day, when the corpse was taken to its place of in- terment in Calvary Cemetery. Previous to the taking place of the funeral a Heraup reporter visited THE SCENE OF DEATH, which was pitiable and heart-rending in the ex- treme. The coffin in which the victimized poor girl was enclosed was placed on a temporary bier in one of the rooms of the third story of the tene- ment house. Only the face of the dead was to be seen, The cheeks and forehead were crisped, but the chin seemed to retain its original color. The room was clean and cold, and there was not the slightest offensive odor. The coffin was a neat one and nicely bound with steet clasps. The breast- plate on the cover bore the inscription :— Pr aaaatadetagearereeteaetes MARY McCABE. ce Died December 11, 1872, aged 25 years, OLED OELE DE ODEEE DEDEDE DE DDNEDDE ODODE HE ‘There were only four females in the room at the time the reporter entered. One knelt by the coffin, with her head bowed in prayer. Mrs. Bax- ter, owner of the house, stood by the side of the corpse, and now and then snuffed the few lighted candies which burned near. Two nicely featured girla—probably companions of the deceased—sat Sliently and sorrowfully looking on. Annie McCabe had just entered from an adjoining room, her eyes burning red with tears ‘and her face looking pale and despondent. The reporter spoke to her ina kindly tone and asked some questions, to which Annie sobbingly auswered as follows My sister, Mary McCabe, was A NATIVE OF THE COUNTY OF ARMAGH, Ireland. She came to this country six years ago. She had been in the Fifth Avenue Hotel only two months. She was a good, lively, strong girl, sir, the evening before her death, Oh, ‘twas a cruel death, and she had no friend to help her, and Ihave no sister now. She was the only one [ had, and my heart will break aiter her. I have a brother, but he’s working in the country, Mary was very good; she used always go to Twenty-eighth street church. Oh, but it was CRUEL TO LET HER DIE AS SHE DID. Iwent to the hotel yesterday morning when I heard of the fire, but they wouldn't tell me any- thing. Thenlwent to the Morgue, and when I saw oer I knew her, although she was all burned and the skin peeled off her face and all of her. told Mr. Brennan she was my sister, and he sent her down by the undertaker here, to the house of afriend of mine, Mrs. Baxtei’s, Ihave no other friend, sir. 1 am losing all expenses myself. I think it willcost me more than a hundred dol- lars to bury Mary, but I don't grudge it to her, sir, though learn it hard, I didn’t put her on ice, oh no, I wouldn't for the world, poor thing she’s cold enough. Ah, 'twasacruel death, sir, but she is only one of the six who were in the same room. Father Starrs told me he would say mass for her to- morrow. The funeral won't be large, sir; I have no friends; I have no one now since poor Mary is dead. God help us, ‘twas a cruel death, Such were the words of Annie McCabe and she told them with her eyes filled with tears and her heart jull of anguish. At ten minutes after two o'clock the remat f the poor hapless girl were placed in a hearse and followed to Calvary Ceme- tery by five or six women and three or four men. A crowd of persons watched the pitiable scene, pt bi no part in the fuueral, if such it could be called. LETTERS ON THE SUBJECT. A Partial Account of the Fire Fifth Avenue Hotel Firti AVENUE Horet, Dec. 12, 1872, To Tux Eprror oF THE HERALD :— Sir—In reading the aliferent newspapers and seeing so many one-sided accounts of this insig- nificant fire, compared with the terrible loss of human life it has caused, we cannot too highly praise your brilijant and impartial editorial article of this morning. Having witnessed the awful scene presented in that black hole of death, we cannot help exclaiming, “Why was there no effort made to alarm or rescue the sleeping occupants of that den of horrors!" Truly, there are watch- men in the hotel, and their duty is rigidly en- forced by the authorities, but that duty in case of tire is not to alarm those who may be in imminent danger, but to seize a hose and rush to the nearest approachable point of the scene, and then scream for assistance to use it. Our opinion 85 to the origin of the fire, after a close inspection Of the burned portion of the building, agrees fully with that of the Chief Engineer's in hia deposition at the before the Fire Marahat a ae 4 and published in the HeRa.p of this date. was five min- utes past eleven when we firat heard the screams of females occupying that portion of the house nearest the fire, om the third foor. The fire was then raging in the elevator and rooms near- est to it; if had at thie time reached neither the attic nor the staircase, and in our estimation there must have been over one-half hour wasted in which those precious lives have been saved. And even after the flames had reached the attic they might have saved them- selves without the aid might have been rendered had those on the roof known where they were, for, from the tion in which some Or the Wolles toy, there if no doube but thoy had been ng a ai le for eacape thr the windows. jut, alas! this fatal wire netting, which proved strong enough to resist their united strength. We cannot too much deplore the relentiess carelessness in this tragedy; and the question now arises, who is to blame for this frightiul sacrifice of s0 many human lives, An article in the Evening Post of the 1ith inst. states that the day on which the fire took place ng. pay day, it was con- jectured that some of the unfortunate victims were intoxicated, and that not only accounted for the failure of so many escape when escape was possible, but also had soi connection with the origin of the fire. Having auewtoned the person in charge of the scrubbing girls a8 to their sobriety, and having learned from her that they were sober and industrious girls, we refute all such slanderous and un-Christianlike statements towards those unfor- tunate beings who cannot answer tor themscives contained in the article in question. Who is re- sponsible for such an infamous statement? Is it the proprietors?’ If so, it is quite obvious why they have allowed such to be put forth. If not, in justice to those whe have perished, in justice to he friends of the dead,.and in justice to them- pep Peed do they not repudiate this injurious icle Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon Mr. Thompson, the chief steward, for his cool and de- termined action on this occasion, and principaliy through his efforts the sufferers were temporarily relieved. We earnestly hope that a subscription will be made at an early for the retief of those who er: their money and clothes in this sad catas- trophe. Snould the list be opened in a liberal manner by the proprietors of this hotel there is no doubt that esta and employ¢s alike will contribute satisfac- ‘ily. Yours, most respectiully, A GUEST. Contributions for Funeral Expenses. New York, Dec. 12, 1872. To Tag Epiror or THe HERALD Dear Sin—Being one of the many sympathisers at the horrible fate that befell those poor servant girls who were roasted alive at the late fire in the Fifth Avenue Hotel, and seeing that they have no friends or relatives to MAd them in a decent way, Tenclose $10 to help pe y their funeral expenses. i 1 hope the citizens his city will contribute and save them from @ pauper’s grave. Most respect- fully yours, PETER ©, TALLEY, 336 East Thirteenth street. A Gallant Porter’s Subscription. CoLeMAN Housg, New York, Dec. 12, 1872. To THE EpiTor OF THE HERALD:— For many years the undersigned has been con- nected with hotels and knows the faithful services of the employ¢s, particularly of the female ser- vants, whose duties commence at early dawn and end only at late hours in the night. They are, asa class, trustworthy, faithful and vigilant, and are worthy of the sympathy of the entire travelling public, Lamenting tho sad calamity which has fallen upon the Filth Avenue Hotel, I still more deeply sympathize with the unfortunate victims of that flre—the poor female servants, for upon their lives and effects there were no insurances, and I therefore propose a fund to be raised for their ben- efit by the various hotel employés, and for that pur- pose herewith enclose the sum of $25, to be appro- priated in any way that will tend ta the rolief of the survivors of that fre. Very respectiully, +" DHOMAS MURPHY, Porter of the Coleman House. FIRE IN CENTRE STREET. Fire broke out about nine o'clock last evening on the third floor of the Harlem Railroad depot, cor- ner of White and Centre streets, and inflicted about two thousand dollars damage on the stock of Mr. William Brooks, who occupied the floor asa ae shop. Messrs. John Taney & Co., manufac- urers of cut glass, occupied the fourth floor, and the loss sustained by them will probaby reach $3,000, P, H. Ein occupied room 14 on the second floor and his loss will amount to two or three hun- dred doliars, The cause of the fire is as yet unknown, GREENE STREET FIRE. List of Losses and Insurances. The following is the official list of the losses and insurances in the fire that took place at Nos. 6 and 8 Greene street the night before last. The building was occupied by Heymann & Cohnfeld, os- trich feather manufacturers, who sustained a loss of about $40,000; insurea for $128,500 in the follow- ing companies:—London, Liverpool and Globe, $12,500; Greenwich, $3,000; Commercial, of Albany, $2,500; Lycoming, $2,500; La‘ayette, $2,500; Metro- el 32,500; Adriatic, $2,500; Exchange, $2,500; ational, of Boston, $2,500; Humboldt, $2,500; Park, 52,500; lief, $2,500; Hope, $2,500; Mechanics’, 2,000; Williamsburg City, $2,000; Commercial, $2,000; Narragansett, $1,500; Empire oity, $1,000; Lancaster, $1,000; Harttord, $2,500; Insurance Company of the State of Pennslyvanta, $2,500; Im- rial, of London, $5,000; North America, of Phila- delphia, $2,500; Hamilton, $2,000; Hoffmann, $2,000; Black River, $2,500; Queen’s, of Liverpool and Lon- I, $5,000; Union, of California, 000 State, $2,500; $1,500; North Missouri, $2,000; Allemania, $1,500; Market, $2,500 ; tna, of Hartford, $2,500; London Assurance Corporation, $5,000; New York and Yonkers, $2,500; German American, $3,000; Orient, $2,500; Meriden, $2,500; Globe, $3,000, OTHER FIRES YESTERDAY. A fire broke out yesterday in a bedroom at 244 West ‘renth street that caused a damage of $40. The house was occupied by F. Weinheimer, who was badly burned. A fire occurred at half-past one o'clock yesterday afternoon on the fourth floor back room of the Arlington House, in Fourteenth street, that caused a damage to the building and {urniture of about $400, Insured. At half-past six o’clock yesterday morn'‘ng a fire broke out on the second floor of No. 101 Second street that caused mage to the property of Henry Spooi of about $500; insured for $200. The first floor, occupied by Henry Mehistadt, was dam- aged to the extent of $200. The third floor, occu- Pied by Jacob Zipp, was injured to the extent of aboat $450; insured for $260. The building was | damaged to the extent of $600; insured for $750. Itis the roperty of G, Mehistadt. A fire broke out about a ae to three o'clock yesterday morning on the first floor of the three story brick building 141 Essex street; damage, $3,000. ‘The house was occupted by E. k. Krumm, & dealer in hardware. The flames extended to 139 sed @ damage to that house of $2,000. The pI is occupied by what is known as the Harmonia Garden, kept by ae ate in- sured. The first floor of 139, occupied by L. Freid- burgh, a beer seller, was damaged to the extent of $200. The first floor of 143, occupied by Carl Des- Secker, a taflor, was damaged $200. The building was damaged to the extent of $5,000; insured. It was the property of Mr. Becket, of Staten Island, QOIVIL SERVICE, First Appointments Under the Now Rules Confirmed=—Names of the Lucky Competitors=Three Hundred Applica- tions on File for Government Piaces Subject to Examination. The first appointments made by Collector Arthur on the basis of the Civil Service rules, and con- firmed by the Hon. George S. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury, were promulgated yesterday to the fortunate competitors, and received with that degree of satisfaction supposable on part of the winners, and a corresponding depression by those who were disappointed in securing the coveted appolatments. The extreme fairness ef the com- petitive system, however, was acknowledged even by those whose examination did not qualify them for the several positions, The following named gentlemen are the ap- pointees just confirmed :— Geo H. Steele, from $1,600 clerkship in Third pr promoted to $2,000 clerkship in First divi- sion. Houghton Wheeler, from Third division, pro- mMoted to $1,600 clerkship. Jown L. Livingston, appointed clerk in the First division, salary $1,600, Charles Sherman, appointed clerk in the First division, salary $1,500. Edward W. Perry, appointed clerk in the First division, salary $1,400, Rufus Rose, _— clerk in the Fourth divi- sion, salary $1,400. Josiah S. Knapp, appointed clerk in the Ninth division, salary $1,200, Garrett F. Dillon, appointed clerk in the Eighth division, salary $1,000, peter C, Bensel, promoted from Night Inspector to Lieutenant of Night Inspectors, salary $1,200 per annum, O. M, Fisher, appointed day inspector, salary $4 per diem. Thomas Seaman, Charles J. Daly and Peter F. Hagan were appointed night inspectors, salary $3 per diem, ‘the above pamed sppotatecs have already en- tered y the discharge of their respective dutii and will receive their commissions im the course o! @ day or two, There are upwards of three hundred applications on file from persons anxious to enter United States service, subject to an examination. There are several vacan existing in the clerical force, ‘which can only be filled by examination for promo- tion, while only a few tions are open to out- siders. Due notice of the next sitting of the Civil Service Commissions, when ordered by the Collec- oO. a be given, and applicants notified to THE JERSEY RAILROAD WAR. Courtland Parker's Argument—History of the Jersey Railroads—What Constitutes Legal Competition—Camden and Amboy Dead— Can the Court BResuscitate It? Mr. Courtland Parker delivered the closing argu- ment on behalf of the defendants in the great in- junction case now before the Chancellor's Court at Trenton, yesterday, He commenced by saying that matters of most vital importance were in- volved in this case, for the simple reason that it involves a renewal of gigantic claims made by a gigantic corporation, and also the rights of others, who claimed to be chartered and authorized by the Legislature to build railroads. But the question of law im the case was very simple. The complainants allege to be in possession of certain franchises, and they also allege that the defendants by the building of this national road would create injuri- ous complication. These points define the case. The right to a franchise is the result of a contract, The charter is a contract between the State and the corporation. By that we must understand the franchise. Counsel alluded to the geographical position of the State of New Jersey, and said it was appreciated ever since the earliest periods of his- tory, and that efforts were made to take advan- tage of thia geographical position by lines of communication between New York and Philadelphia, the two great cities of the Continent, through which the products of the South must come, He here proceeded to give a statement of the different routes of travel running through the State, and also a history of their organization. In the early stage of the railroad history of New Jersey but four routes existed, besides one by South Amboy across to Bordentown, afterwards by boat to Philadeiphia. This latter was the territory from which a franchise was to spring in this new contract. A railroad nortn of the Raritan would benefit the people of New Jersey. In 1815 one master mind, a citizen of New Jersey, looked into the future. On the 6th February in that year Jonn Stevens procured from the Legislature an act to construct a railroad from the Delaware, near Trenton, to the Raritan, near New Brunswick. ‘This was the first revelation of a railroad through New er In the year 1830 the first charter was granted. fore the absolute going into effect of the Camden and Amboy Railroad steam had been used in a rude’ way. It was neces- sary to examine the charter of that company. ‘That Corporation does not get the right from the State of New Jersey to run @ locomotive on its line of railroad. The word steam or locomotive is not contained or mentioned in that charter. It also fixes tolls instead of Srreagine the rates of transportation. In all respects that road was nothing but the creation of a highway, such a highway ag sprung from John Stevens in 1815, Jounsel referred to the Delaware and Raritan Canal Company. This project always had the peo- pies favor. In 1824 the prions and Rarita} Canal jompany receiyed tueir charter. A few years after an act was passed ecco ung. its surrender, On the 4th of February, 1830, two rival sets of pro- moters appeared before the Legislature, one hedded by a sou of John Stevens, asking a railroad from New York to Philade!phia, through the wil- derness of the State; the other set heads by ae most prommeut lawyers, statesméh and politi- cians asking for a can: ‘The Legislature came to av understanding on that same day and passed both these charters. Now, having seen to some extent what the Legislatures intended, we come to the charters to see the exact meaning. What were the franchises but pure and simple, stripped oft all subsequent claims and traps? In this con- nection Mr. Parkes made an elaborate argument by going on to show that the Legislatures of New Jersey were always ready to encourage the con- struction of railroads throughout the State. He referred to the allegations in the bill, which states that seven exclusive peiiieaes were made known by the provisions of the act of 1831. He submitted that this was an erroneous view. He examined this act and insisted that these exclusive privi- leges were groundless. Alter commenting on this joint for some time he contended that the Legisiature of New Jersey when they granted to the delendants this charter never meant that they would create injurious competition by the con- struction of such a road; but they meant it tor the accommodation of the people of the northern part of the State. The subsequent acts would con- tirm this, These two companies already referred to were then rivals, that is, the railroad company, headed by Stevens, and the canal company. The promoters were strong beiore the Legislature for their own protection. The Delaware and Raritan Canal Company's promoters at this time daily and hourly opposed the idea of a railroad as a chimera. He showed that the grant to both of these companies was not exclusive. It was in the power of the canal company to build a railroad, although it was not in the power of the raiiroad company to build a canal. He read from an act of 1831 making it unlawful forthe Delaware and Raritan Canal Company to build @ railroad within five miles of the Delaware and Raritan Rivers, &c. He said that act meant that the Delaware and Raritan Canal Company were never supposed to have the right to build a railroad as they have to build a canal. The real test question in this case was, What 1s legal competition, That was the great question for consideration. If the Legislature passed an act for the construction of a railroad irom New York to Philadeiphia would it be regarded as a breach of the charter given to the Camden and Amboy Railroad? This, he contended, would be in no Way a competition which the law can call ulegal, and tnat the erection of such a road would not be injurious competition. The Camden and Am- boy Lear rn | ask the protection to that degree. He contended further that the Commodore sug- gested in that address the idea that a railroad might be constructed in connection with the canal. He insisted that the State admitted the right of the Delaware and Raritan Canal Company to build arailroad, He submitted another point in the fol- lowing words :—‘*ihat neither of these parties by the franchises of their charter had any reason whatever to complain of the road to be completed between Philadelphia and New York.” In discuss- ing this point he said, that on the 15th of May, 1831, two companies were united and became to- gether a strong power, which has been so long feit in this state. This power is now, he contended, dead. He referred to Kent, Taney, psi and See et and also adverted to the Trenton and New Brunswick Railroad, and said thatin the year 1835 that corporation had a right to construct their road between these two cities, and thence by steamboat to either Phila- deiphia or New York. This road would have been built but for the fact that the parties combined in the Delaware and Raritan Canal and Camden and Amboy Railroad. They bought the stocks of the Trenton and New Brunswick Corporation and were about constructing a collateral road from Borden- town to Trenton, and then from Trenton to New Brunswick. Mr. Parker said his point in all this review was to insist that by the quer not only of the act of the Legislature, but by a whole history of the past, the promoters of that enterprize cannot conceal the fact that they possessed the charter to construct @ railroad from Philadelphia to New York. We can now stand on the grave of that monopoly and say it is dead, and that it can no lon- ger cope with the enterprizes of the people. ‘The claim is but a ghost of the past, and snould be seen only as a spectre and not as a reality. Aiter exhausting this subject Mr. Parker asked the Court could it cause the dry bones of the dead monopoly to stand again on their feet? Mr. Parker made a most eloquent appeal in conclusion and was loudly applauded by the large audience who filled the court room, Mr. Cuyler will sum up hee on the part of the complainants, when there wili be a termination to these protracted proceedings for the present term. A SUSPICIOUS CASE. A Corpse Haftened Out of the City. Late yesterday afternoon a written notice was received at the Coroner’s office to the effect that Fanny M. Kibbs, a girl nineteen years of age, had died @ few hours previously at No. 69 West Thirty- eighth street, and that a burial permit had been granted by the Board of Health; but, it added, “it seems to be a suspicious ca: please investigate forthwith.” The despatch was signed “Charles P. Russell, Register of Health Department.” Coroner Keenan took the case in charge, and with Dr. Vandewater immediately has- tened to the’ place indicated. On the silver door plate was the name ‘Dr. Taylor.” Coroner Keenan rang the bell, which was ered by a domestic, who said that the girl had died of hemorrhage of the lungs; that she had been at- tended by several physicians, and, furthermore, that the corpse had been sent to Albany by the uarter to tour o'clock P. M. train of the Hudson iver cars. As there was possibility of inter- cepting the body Coroner Keenan, without waiting to see Dr, Taylor or to ask further questions, with his Deputy, Dr. Vandewater, hastened oif tothe Grand Central depot, but reached there too late, the train bearing the corpse of Miss Kibhs having been gone some minutes. Nothing further, therefore, could be done by Coroner Keenan; but to-day he will call at the Board of Health and examine the certificate and learn why a permit to bury the body was granted if the case was reported as a suspicious one. The place where deceased died nas long been known as a water cure establishment and has borne a tair thority s therefore very little doubt remains but that the death of Miss Kibbs was the Feguit of matural gayse® THE SEATING SEASON. + Preparations for the Coming Sport—What the Park Commissioners are Doing and What the Public Want—The Fancy Skaters and Their Exclusive Pretensions—The Pri- vate Ponds and the Duck Ponds and the Other Ponds. The cold snap yesterday had a wonderfully pleas ing effect upon at least one particutar portion of the community who don’t care a snap about cold snaps—viz., that exceedingly lively fraternity ef Young and old folks commonly known as skatera. The fact is that they are always in the ocst of humor when other people who don't tancy their pastime—or who can't for the life of them make out where all the fun comes in when the ball is up—are in the dumps about the severity of the Weather. Asageneral thing the skaters have to wait—al least they have had for the past few years to wait—until after Christmas in order to enjoy themselves to their hearts’ content ON THK TRONS, for even “Old Probabilities” has not as yet learned how to make the ‘scason” cume along early enough to gratify the whims and wishes of the anxious ones. It canbe readily imagined, there- fore, with what a hurrah the youngsters especially welcome a downright freeze. To be sure, in the suburbs the skaters have already had a splendid time of it, Jack Frost having a couple of weeks ago paid a visit to the interior, it is supposed, only on tour of inspection; but the city ponds somehow are always the last to be paid attention to, and Jack never succeeds in getting them just as be wants them until the mercury falls ten or fifteen degrees below the Fahrenheit freezing point. The success of THE FREEZB yesterday was exceedingly encouraging, and it is quite possible that if the thermometer screws are kept down at twenty degrees above zero for three days longer the city folks will have a high old time ofitin the skating line. It is not too much to aay that the season this year will be fully as brilliant asin years past, although it is said by the skate manufacturers, who are truthiul enough to aay just what is what about the matter, business or ne business, that THE PRESENT OUTLOOK is not@ very good one. It should be borne im mind that there is really not one-thirteenth part of .he room for the enjoyment of skating that there was a few years ago within the city Mmita, Private ponds were wont to abound on the ave- nues in abundance above Thirticth street and be- low the Park. These owed their existence to the fact that on almost every block there was an empty lot, which speculators easily managed to hire for a small rental, and which, being filled with water, were converted into skating resorts of the most profitable kind the first time a good, unmis- takable, earnest trost set in. The empty lota of this character on the avenues are no more at prea- ent, the marble and brown stone fronts having for all time hidden them from sight. It is true that there are many lots way to the east side of towa that could be easily turned to account in ‘THE PRIVATE POND LINE; but skaters of the west side, and, in fact, of the respectable mid sections of the city, cannot be in- duced to go further east than Fiith avenug for te Winter sport, The Rink on Third avénte is an exception 6 the rule of Gourse; but as it can be set down as a covered pond, and as a sort of per- manency that may resist the tnroad of the build- ne contractors for years to come, it may be put out of the question at present. The private ponds having become beautifully less year by year it is, ot course, a necessity that even tie exclusives shouid turn their attention to THE CENTRAL PARK LAKES, which are open to all, and which are always kept in better order than any private exposed pond canbe. The management of the arrangements this year, as formerly, is to be under the Park Commissioners; and, although Mr. Green may come im occasionally during the Winter to practice econ- omy in preventing the snow from being removed more than once a week, it is the general belief that the public will be able to enjoy themselves heartily. The houses at the large and gmail lakes are already in course of erection, and they will be ready by Monday next, at the very latest. They are inevery respect the same as last Winter—the same door- ways, the same windows, the same everything, in the very same places. It is the desire of the Commissioners that the restaurant should be conducted on tie cheap and not nasty plan this year, and to that end it will be under the control of a Park employé, who has already an interest in another part of the Park and stands well in the estimation of the economy-planner of the Commission. THE USUAL ACCOMMODATIONS for the letting of skates will be afforded, and the youngsters who will be allowed to “put on yer skeats”’ will wear a badge of honor and be allowed to charge only five cents for the privilege of “hitchin’ on the irons.”” Due attention, it should be mentioned, wili be paid to the comforts of the ladies, and lady attendants will always be on hand at the houses to make everything as comfortable as possible. The pond atthe upper extremity of the Park will also be properly cared for, and Harlemites will find nothing to grumbie at, which will be very good for Harlem. It may be of interest to the skating fraternity gen- erally to state just here that there is a movement on foot to deprive them of the free use of all the lake boundaries. It was started by a few fancy fellows, who think that they skate so much better than all the rest of the world that they should not be expected to skate where the great mass of tne skaters are wont to enjoy themselves, In other words they want the Commissioners to SET ASIDE A PORTION of one of the lakes for their exclusive use. To say the least this proposition is on a par with that made by a so-called fancy skater a few years ago, who wanted one of the lakes cleared once a week for him to exhibit himself betore the people “for their instruction.” It is almost needless to say that the Commissioners shou!d pay no attention to the wishes of these noodles. The lakes belong to the people, and the masses have a@ right to every part of them. Indeed, the Commissioners have no right whatever to discriminate as between any parties in such a matter. One thing 1s certain, ir the request is granted the skaters who do not call themselves ‘“iancy’? can of themselves easily break down the exclusiveness without having @ row about it, and the fancy would by reason of the break down become wiser men for another winter. But even though the Commissioners should feel inclined seriously to “consider” the matter, what standard could they go by to tell where the dividing line is to be drawn between fancy and non-fancy skaters? The idea that be- cause some silly fellow can kick up his heels, like a donkey, and go through all sorts of gyra- tions without breaking his villanous neck, he should be given an exclusive portion of the pub- lic lakes to cut up his pranks on is an absurdity on the face of it. if there is some duck pond in some out of the way place where the sigat-seers could not go in crowds, THE FANCY might be given the exclusive use of it; but as their aim is to show themselves off, rather than to enjoy themselves, this disposal of them would be re- ceived with only gnashing of teeth. Once for all, it should be borne in mind that the Park lakes are crowded to excess in Winter; that the crowds go there to enjoy themselves, and that to set ofa portion of the lakes for any particular parties would only be limiting the means already too limited for the public enjoyment. THE SIGNALS for the skating days ee will be hung out not only from the arsenal but from the ovserva- tory tower, which can ve seen from all points. In Brooklyn the preparations for the Winter have been ail completed, and the public will find every- thing in appie-ple order. The Capitoline and the Union ponds will aiford the cid comforts, as usual, and the good Brooklynites haye, all things consid- ered, good reason to expect AN ENJOYABLE SEASON, It is understood taat efforts are being made to have the Rink, on Third avenue, put in shape for the season, as soon as possible, and if every promise be not broken, to the ear, the admission fees will be mucn lower than in former years. In conclusion it mast be said that every indication points to the Central Park as the resort par excellence, where the skatorial fun and frolic of all classes will be at its height. Many people who formerly could not atronize the lakes because of the “rabble” have earned that they can enjoy themselves there without 7 great danger of being de- filed by tile contact, and that as long as they take care of themselves they can enjoy themselves as heartily on the lakes as at the ex- ciusive private resorts. Indeed, the presence of the thousands who go to the lakes as spectator: as well as that of the multitude of good-nature skaters, go to make it the place par excellence for downright, hearty enjoyment, which can be found at no private pond, and which this year will be greater than ever if the police see to it that the well dressed loafers who last year went there every day to insult ladies unaccompanied by gen- tiemen are ducked in the danger holes every time they are sighted. ANNEKE JANS’ HEIRS IN NEWARK, In Newark yesterday, at a cheap hotel, a score or so of persons, styling themselves the Commit- tee of Twenty of Anneke Jans’ heirs, met and had a talk over the prospect of getting back Anneke'’s property. It was stated that some 400 cases we! now ahead on the calendar of the heirs’ suit in the New York courts. A Mr. Oscar Fri tement of the diMfculties he had I as counsel for the heirs, 1t had been suzgested to commence @ suit against one particular plot of land and against the occupant, and he, if he chose, could substitute Trinity church, Nothing deiinite was doge *~ the gatugring, however.