The New York Herald Newspaper, March 17, 1877, Page 6

THE PANIC VICTIMS Inquest on the Dead of the Crush in St. Francis Xavier's Church. AL DEATH. A VERDICT OF ACCID secommendation to Have Policemen on Duty Buring Divine Service. sr Magen Yesterday afternoon Coroner Ellinger, assisted by Doputy Coroner Cushmay, held the inquest iu the case of the victims of the panic in St. Francis Xavier's Chureb, in Sixteenth street, on the night of Tbursday, the 8th inst, Tho investigation took place in tho college building attached to the church, No, 49 West Fifteenth street, and the taking of evidence began at four o'clock. Several of the Jesuit fathers were pres- ent, and evinced deep interest in the proceedings. The first witness called was Father Laugcake, who preached the sermon on sho evening of the panic. He described the scene in tho church suhstantially as pablisbed in the Hexanp at tho time. On being ques- $ioved as to the causo of the panic, he said he was decidedly of the opinioa that, except some feeling | generally prevailed awnoug a portion of the congrega- tion that a fire had broken out in the church, no panic ‘whatever would have occurred, SUPERINTENDENT ADAMS’ EVIDENCE, Superiniendent Adams, of the Building Department, ‘Was next culled and testified tbat about two years ago the Church of St. Francis had been examined by the Department of Buildings, He read the inspector's re- port giving the dimensions of the building, the number pf people it could accommodate, and pronounced the means of egress amply snficjent, A plav of the church was bere submitted, so that the references might the more easily be understood. Corcner Ellingor—Hagy you examined the building since that time? Mr. Adams—Not lately; but my assistant bas made Bp examination since the panic, and reports that he bannot suggest avy improvement in tho construction or the means of egre: Coroner Ellinger--Are not the stairs from the gallery of the class called spiral, and do you think these stairs are a safe means of egress in cuse of fire or of a panic from any cause? Mr. Adams-—No; the stairs are not spiral; they are what are called winuing stuirs; the question whether that kind of stairs ia as good 4 means of egress [rom a church or other such building js an open one; some preler a stairs with a platforia on tup, having the steps Tunning straight down; as a matter of fact there have been more cases of crush on the platform irs than on the winding; 1 consider thero is danger of a crush on the winding stairs for reason that when people rush out of a id ieel the steps bave to descend, the the building in a state of excitement of astairs under their tect, and feeling that they are getting away from the danger 18 Bome relict and tends to allay the panic; in the case of the platiorm stairs, especially if it De. dark, they keep rushing till they are stopped by the wall or rail atthe end of the platform; the crowd trom behind presses them forward, their feet give way and they | and get crushed. Coroner Ellinger—Did you examine the bottom of the stairs and its connection with the body of the ebureb ' Mr. Adams—1 did, and can point outnothing that ight be improved; no building is sufe trom panic, and no plan can be devised to put “level heads” on under excitement or panic; the Department ot Nes can ‘Uggest ho tmprovement in the means of egress in this church; the generat calculation mado Dy architects ia eight feet of passageway for 800 peo- Pile and fifteen inches for every additional hundred. In reply to a question put by a juror Mr, Adams Said that oe wider door instead of two as at present would not be ap imprgvement; five feet six inches would be amply sufficient for the exit of 400 people, except some ono fell, and in that case a wider coor would not prevent acrush; he did pot think # band Tail would be any advantage, but would take up some of the necessary spuce; in long, straight flights a@ band ratl would be of great service. ff to another question he said that holding people back from below im ® panic of that kind isa | great mistake; even if those in front are convinced of the foolishness of rushing out they are pushed from behind and cannot stop; some cool bead in the rear or 4n the middic of the crowd would be of influitely more service; one human voice appealing to the peopie to be calm aud admonishing them of tho foolishness of their pal would be worth all the brute force that could be used in front. THE SEXTON’S EVIDENCE, Sexton Dowd, of St. Francis Xavier’s Church, was next called, Ho testified that one of his special duties ‘was to keep order in the church during service. H eight assistants, each taking charge of a special por- dion of the church. A mau named Mulligan, oue of the ushers, had charge of the galleries ou the night In question. The witness was sitting in the fourth w from the aitar. He became aware of ve panic instantly on its occurrence and heard some one say there was a fire, Ho stood Dp on a seat and called out to the people in the gallery to keep their seats, telling them there was no fire; he made bis way as best he could to the scene of ‘the crush, and went to work immediately to quiet the pe ple; all the doors were open excopt the middie and that was oniy fastened with one stall boit, and en Of peope ne found on the stairs, but found them piled one on top of the otuer; there was a jam at the bottom of the etairs, and he tried to push’ the people back and get up those who had fallen; there Was 10 excitement of consequence in the eastern gal- lery; this was the ret imstauce of panic he hud ever kuown tu the church, tu answer to a question by a juror as to the heating of the no fire had beeu lighted that ev no fear whatever of tire; he was frightened, however, at secing the doors jammed up ‘with people; the sergeant of police gave bim the first information about anyone being killed, and he did not know who carried the bodies to the siable; he could not say how many poople were in the churcb that night; there might have veen 3,000, but he could not Bay; on recollection, he thought Mulligan was not on the western gallery, as he uad asked eome ono to go with him to make a collection; he did not know who ‘was on the western gallery. FATUBR MRRICK’S STORY. Father Merrick, 3. J., testified that at the time the Panic occurred he was engaged hearing confessions in ing and tbat be had the basement; he heard a shuttling noise overhead and Uhought it was a panic of some sort, but could not say now whether the thought of fire occurred to his mind or not; he hurried up stairs and endeavored to aliay the panic as best he could; the people in the other parts of the church heard what was said to them and became comparatively quiet, but the noise was too great ut the stairs to allow of the people there hearing it, and the rush could not bo | stopped for the me being; when ho spoke to the peos | pie they went out slowly and orderly, and fully twenty Minutes elapsed from tho tine the panic started Lill it was over; while occupied with one woman who had fainted a boy catae and told him some one was dead in a stable near by, und that was the first he heard of any one being killed, A WOMAN FROM THE CRUSH. Mrs. Mary Shea testified that she was in the church On that might; sbe was a litte late and stood near the | door, and many others were also standing, unable to find seats; she heard a lady near her say that some woman had fainted; she then heard a woman fBeream, the people became — excited those near her said that some ove had shouted “Fir those who were standing were the first to ran when the woman faiute: rush, and in a short tine found herself ou her face and hands at the bottom of the stairs, but did not know | bow she got there; a priest came and liited her up, | PRECAUTIONS AGAINST PICK, Father Pellutier testited that ho was in bis room | | When the panic occurred; be heard » Stairs cry “There's a fire!) and he im down; lie could uot get into the church crowd was rushing out, aud it was impos! Moment. On being asked = what precautions were taken against fire he said that two yoars ago they were notified to have the doors de to open on the outside, and it was done within two Weeks; the contre Uoor is vight tect two inches and the side doors seven foot two inches; the geveral precautions taken against fire a: one Babcock fire extinguisher is kept under the altar and two in Lhe galleries; some aro aiso kept in the college, Bo that they would be able to deal effectu fire that might break out; be had gi bave no fire lighted that night as the night was warm and there was no danger 01 fire whatever, THK PATKOLMAN'S Officer W. J. Ryder testilied ti TORY. t he was on patrol at the corner of Eighteenth street and Sixth avenue about aie re eight o'clock on the might of the pau when a Jittle girl ran up and told him sometaing was the matter io sixteenth Street Church; be ran down aod found a crowd outside the door hallooing and ushing back tho people who were trying to get out; somo one said there was a tire in the church, aod the crowd were very excited; he found about thirty or forty persons heaped one on top of tue other; ho endeavored to make bimseif heard by rap. ng bis clud, aud cailed to the peopiv who were he from behind to remain inside; he could not gy the crowd, which was beaped 4p on the ground and Le could not distinguish heads from fect. Ite saw two men in the crowd in tho doorway, with tall hate, and be balioved to them vo try and keep the crowd ba they weemed to be stupetied and took bo not With the assistance 01 him he commenced to pu!l out some of the peop the heap and passed them out to othe tould not tell who took the deni propio away, the crowd was 60 sreat. As far as he could see the greater part of the crowd come down stairs from the gallery; meantime some one who ta got ont Went in again and the panic seemed to have partially ceased; he saw ove very large woman among the heap who was nearly dead, ut be only saw tour im. 4 some men ID the crowd peur doad besides the boy; when he om seone the people from vebind were sull trying to get over the heap of Dodies, but some tofluence trom behind seemed to sop them aiter a while, and u's halloving also had Geme effect, 1+ was all ovor 12 about diveom minuids ly pushed open; be could not calculate the number | urch, witness said | | 3 the witness was carried by the | “y On being questioned by a juror he said that if an oft. cer had been stationed at the door he did uot think he could have doue much to stop the panic; he id ail the doors open. Officer Daft testified that he was coming from Union square about bali-past eight o’clock on the nm: in question, whem bia attention was attracted fret by fire engine, aud then by a crowd rushing past he was told there was a tire tn the cburel and op going there saw a heap of peovie the ground at the door; after giving all the belp he cou'd, he wentto the station and not. tied the Sergeant, advising him to send tho reserve and an ambulance to the scene; the crowd outside ve as much trouble ag those inside the church; there was no use rapping for assistance, for the noise Was 80 great it would not be heard. VATURM WHYTE'S TESTIMONY. Father Whyte testitied that he was in the basement hearing conieesions, when he noticed the comme tion ; the poopte in the basement got excited and said thero Was a lire; ‘he weat out and beard a little girl cry “tire,”” bat he kuew it could not be so) as ail nrraugements hud been mace to check a fire: goimg into tho church be saw a woman trying toget out of the window, but he ordered ler back atonce; be ordered the people on tho stairs to keep still, but they answered that they were pushed from behind and could not bolp it; about ten or eleven persons were w a heap on the floor besides the dead, and one or two were jammed in a corner, their | dresses having caught tn something, The witness thinks, from his experience, that im such @ case it would be well to cut any portion of ladies’ dresses which get caught, as there is ne other means of freeing tho wearer. There {s also danger of smothering in such cases from the quantity of carbonic acid emitted from the people’s lungs, On the night in question the wit- bess was for a time in danger of smothering from this | cause, About three minutes passed trom the time be | first heard the commotion tll he got to the spot, In reply to a question, tho witness said that if officers nad been stationed ut tho door | when the panic occurred be hardly thought they could | bave stopped it; be saw a gond deal of confusion and excitement in the crowd, but no disorderly conduct; he had heard the stories told since, but could not traco | them to any foundation, | ‘THe VERDICT. The Coroner then addressed the jury at some length, dwelling with some emphasis on the evidenee of Super- Intendent Adams, and pointing out that his opinion, | afterexamination, settled the question as to whether | the means of egress were suilicient or not. | The jury retired, and after an absence of nearly hull an hour returned witha verdict that Mury Casey, tre, 120 yencer, Michael Spencer, Mary Coughlan, | | Anns beth Masterson, Ann Forbes and Maggie.Kelly died from | injuries ace dentally received during a panic on the | stairs of the westerly gallery in St. Francis | Xavier’s Church, ou the night’ ot March 8, 1877; | and we recommend that the Police Department shal | permit an officer or officers to attend at all churches in this city during divine service, when requested jo do so by the pastor or persons in authority of said churches, We consider the construction and means of exit entirely sate. ‘The jury were then discharged. GUARDING THE THEATRES, ‘ FIREMEN DETAILED FOR BEGULAR DUTY AT PLACES OF AMUSEMENT. Tho organization of a force of firemen, to be known ag the Theatre Brigade, has at length been perfected. By order of the Fire Commissioners a regular force is now detailed to the several theatres of tne city, a step which undoubtedly will tend to the better security of the audiences, and which will receive the approbation of the public, The detail placed in charge of the dil- ferent theatres is given below :— Bowery Theatre—William Hayes, foreman. in com- mand of two men from Engine Company No, 31. Stadt Theatre—Foreman George Erb in command, two privates rom Engine Company No. Volks’ Garden—Jobn Farlon, foreman, in command of two men from Engine Company No. 17. London Theatre—Joho Farlon, foreman, in charge of two men from Dogine Company No. 17. Tivoli Hall, Eighth street—Philip Sheridan, fore- man, in charge‘of two men from Engine Company No, 23. Niblo’s Garden—Robert, May, foreman, in charge of two men from Engine Compaay No. 20. Tony Pastor’s—Foreman Frank King in charge, with Private Roach, from Engine Company No. 13. ‘Theatre Comique—M. Reeves, foreman, in command of two men from Hook and Ladder Company No. 8. Olympic Theatre—Jobn Bressnan, foreman, command of two men trom Engine Company No. 33. 9 in Heller’s Hall—Foreman and one-man, from En- gine Company No, 35. Wallack’s Theatre—Thomas Judge, foreman, in eerie of two men trom Hook and Laddor Company ‘0. 3. Union Square Theatre—James Hunter, foreman, in command of two men from Engine Company No. 18. ‘Third Avenue Theatre—J. A, Welsh, foreman, in charge of two men from Engine Company No. 8. Booth’s Theatre—Jono McCabe, foreman, in charge of two men from Engine Company No. 14. Park Theatre—Johu McCabo, foreman, in charge of two men from Engine Company No, 14. ‘San Francisco Minstrels—Frank Mabedy, foreman, in command of two men from Engine Company No, 1. Eagie 'rbeatre—-Frank Mahedy, foreman, in charge of two men trom Engine Company No. 1. Grand Opera House—Forewau Henderson, in com- mand of two men from Engine Company No. 19. Lyceum Theatre—Foreman Hunter, in charge of two men from Engine Company No. 18. Kelly and Leon’s—Frank Mahbedy, foreman, charge of two men from Engine Company No. 1. A spécial detail is to be made at the Academy of Music, Gilmore’s Garden, Union League Club House, Tammary Hall, Irving Hall and Trenor’s Hall, when any performances or balls aro held. THE PRINZ INQUEST. THE JURY, AFTER FOUR HOURS’ DELIBERATION, CENSURE THE CONDUCTOR. In Newark last evening Coroner Bagsott and his jury brought their labors toa close in tho Prinz in- quest. Mr. Louis Danneberg, a German newspaper reporter, was placed on the stand, and testified to be- ing present at the police station when Officer Day and Mr. Turbett brought Joseph Prinz in, one supporting him on each side. Mr. Danneberg said that at first he thought Prinz was intoxicated, but, upon ex- amination was satistied to the contrary; he found no smell of liquorabont the man; Prinz stated that he had been to New York, and on returning had heen put off one train and shortly afterward was struck by another; Prinz said nothing avout a stab in the arm. Mr. Israel L. Israel, a brother-in-law of deceased, testifled that he had never heard Prinz called Joseph, but always George, and that previons to his death, | when witness told him that it was suid he bad made au indecent exhibition of himself, Prinz declared “It is a he,” and manifested much. feeling and indignation at the charge. The next witness calied was Stephen KR, Grover, of No. 97 Court strect. Ho Was a passenger on the train from which Prinz was ejected. He testitiod thut the latter was excited; that he did not fall when he was ejected, and that he saw nothing out of the way in Prinz’s behavior. Tho inst witness called was Dr. Ernest Schotiler, whose evi- dence merely described Prinz’s injuries. Alter being out avout four hours and carefuily weighing all tho testimony offered, the jury finally last evening re- turned the following verdict:;— We, the jurors charged with the investigation of tho causes leading to the death of George Pricz, dosay that the said George Prinz dicd at the German Hospital, in the city ot Newark, on the llth day of Mareb, 1877, from injuries received on the 9th inst. by being struck on the body by the locomotive of the five minutes past seven train from Newark to New York, near tho Madi- son street bridge of the Newark ana New York Ruil- road, Wo find, further, that the said George was a ‘passenger on the half-past six Pp. M. tram from Jersey City to Newark, and when at the East Ferry Strect Station, he was, by George K. McVey, conductor, and Abraham Turbett, ticket, agent, by force and violence ejected from satu train.’ That the offence alleged for which said passen- gur Was ejected was grossly offensive; vet we find that George K. McVey is deserving of censure in vot brings | ing him to tbe Broad Street Station and placing him in the hands of au officer to be legally dealt with, A CARD FROM MR. NORTON. Far Rockaway, L. I, March 15, 1877, To tae Epiror or tat Herarp:— Will you please correct some errors printed In your paper of to-day concerning Franklin Norton? He lott his father at home and alive when he started to go to Jamaica and the city of New York. His tather had been found fainting and fallen down a few times previous to.bis death—once upon the railroad and | once in the fara house, His son Franklin saved his ile when Mra, Norton despaired of bim, and then Franklin engaged Dr, Auerbach to attond to him and saw that the doctor was . Once 8, RK, B, Norton fell on the path near Mr. Nealson's place and was brought howe Norton and was theo very weil attended to, Pie ysider (hat McCarthy or Carthy isuptto mislead you as he has not stated the full testimony, and this being the first body on which ho held an inquest be has not seut you all the testimony given. Mother and lather have been always welcome to wil the help that any of their children could give them. Please remove from the minds of the public the Impression that my father ind no kindness shown to bim, FRANKLIN NORTON, A WIFE'S DOUBLE VALUE. On January 5, 1875, Mrs, George Kane, of No. 19 Grand avenue, Brooklyn, about entering a Flusa- ing avenue car at the Fulton ferry, when the car sud- ly started, throwing the lady to the ground, She | sustained an injury to the spine of a permanent nature. Last year Mrs. Kane brought suit in the City Court gainst the company and recovered a verdict for Her hasband then brought suit im the same | | | | Pring | | | | CoUrL Lo recover $10,000 damages for the loss of the iegs of bis wite, through ber imabiliy io per; orm her weal somestic dawes, The later case Was tried belo Judge Reynolds just fall, when the jury gt mw verdict fur $5,500, On application of the defendants’ counsel, Winchester Britton, the vordict Was set aside as excess r | new trial was ordeted. Yesterday the cnune Gow fer | (red betore Jadge Newson, Coanselior Mortis appen | me for the plamnum The jury pave a verdict tort plaints in the sum of $6,500, The case will be | appeaioa by deteudana, NEW YORK Se ee ore: were wee wwe ‘ OUR COMPLAINT BOOK. FOR THE POLICE. Naw Yorn, March 16, 1877. To ras Epirom or raz Henap:— Permit me, through your useful “Complaint Book,” to call attention to the negligence of the Fourteenth ward police captain. At apy time im the evening, if ‘ou pass through Hester street, between Bowory and ‘izabeth, you are insuited by a number of prostituics who stand there, On Sunday hts especially you wilt fad thet crowds of from twenty to thirty. Now, {f the police did not do so much clubbing, and attended more to this sort of busine:s, they would oblize a great many residents of the ward. Yours, &c, F. W. M. THE POLICE CLUB, To rox Epitom oy tax Hesarp:— ‘That's right. Let the polico of New York hal! killa man and then, when one is put on trial, get all the rest of the police to swear to his angelic disposition, beauti- iu) character, &c., and oither acquit him or have the jury disagree. Tue police of New York are a disgrace to the American people, and the people feel 11. the | scoundrel! Thompson should have gone to prison on the Jace of the evidence, but | am inclined to think some of the jurymen were alraid to convict for tear their “turn’? would come next. I go to New York twice id when- aze with admiration upon tne noble form a , and then I hurry across the street or rueh around the corner. Why? Because | know the spirit of Thompson liveth, 1 know, 18 ought to Le crushed. Yours, truly, JARTEK KIRTLAND, Owner Giobe Mills, STREET CAR POLITENESS, To tax Epiror or THR HERALD: — Allow me some space in your valuable coluinns to say a few words in regard to street car politeness. While riding in a Fourth avenue car one night last week, while the car was packed to its utmost capacity, I noticed a tveble and careworn woman with a child upon ber arms, standing from Houston to Thirticth Strect with the only support the strap whicu is at tached to the car afforded ner. Hoping that this com- pany may be noticed by the occupants of the cur, am, PAWNBROKERS’ USURY. To tus Evitox oy TH” HeRaLp:— Please allow me to indorse every word from W. A. Browning in Wednesday’s HkRALD about pawnbrokers’ illegal charges, and to add that tho same is done in every pawnbroker’s place, with ono or two exceptions, ‘Think of a poor man putting bis voat ia pawn on Mon- day for $2, to buy provisions for the weck. Ho gots a ticket for $2 25. When he takes it out on Saturday, as is done in thousands of cases, to wear on Sunday, he has to pay $2 3L Now, I have no objection w pay three ceuts for every dollar, although it is something over the legal interest of twenty-five per cent, but tne twenty-five cents (hey charge extru i consider upen, barefaced robbery, aud I am surprised bow the au- thorities have overlooked it so loug. Aguin, lancy a poor woman putting in the Dlankets of her bed, which thousands have dove this winter. If she gets $2 or $3 the twenty-tive cents extra go on, also ten or twelve conts tor an old piece of muslin us a wrapper, Which wrapper they invariably keep when the gooas are taken ous. If the poor woman brings a piece of covering of her own they Will not use it; sho must have thers and pay well for 1. Now, Air. Editor, Itbink it 18 time such wholesale robbery should be put an end to, and I um sure a word or two trom the powerlul Hen. the poor und oppressed man’s friend, ‘will have a good elfvct. Your obedient servant. A SUFFERER, EXTORTION, To tnx Epitok or THE HEKALD;— Is there no help from the extortion of the corner grocers? Butter they sell to those who can buy a pound at forty cents; for a quarter of a pound they charge twelve cents. For eggs, eighteen cenis a dozen and ten cents for half a dozen. For coal, twelve cents apailor sixty cents for a so-called bushel, about a peuch-basketiul, it you take it home yourself, They cluim: to confer @ favor by selling you sucu stall quau- ties, and you go home very humble atter making the purchase. “I Lave tive in family to support, as well as to pay rent, out of $7aweek. Why should there not be a sturebouse where the poor cau buy ali necessary articles at the regular market rates, or tho gr: pre. vented from stealing our bard earnings? A MOTHER. OFFICE BOY. To tax Epiton or THE HERALD: — Allow me a space !n your valuable ‘Complaint Book.’s I would call attention to the manger in which boys who work in offices are treated. In some places boys have to clean and scrub the floors, clean and polish the stove und doother very dirty work. Employers should engage poor women, who would be glad tv get such jobs una who would do them cheap. It 1s very untair to put boys to such work. OFFICE BUY, THE ASHES NUISANCE, To tux Epitog or Tus HERALD:— Again, mud and ashes—ashes and mud. Mankind may well grumble and groan about them, for do they not sit like a mighty nightmare upon our beau-ti-ful chy. For the past fortuigut eixhs barrels, choked and running over, havo been standing in South street, CAPSTAN BAR, POLITENESS TO CUSTOMERS, To THx Epitor or THY HeRaLp:— It ts very annoying to have a young girl humming and singing while she tiands you, with the utmost in- difference, what you politely for. For a young man to whistle while waiting on a lady seems to very disrespectful, if nov insulting. Politeness and respect, without servility, would be bettor tor the in- torest of employer and employed. ULD LaDY, THE ELEVATED R.ILROAD, To THe Epitok or THE HERALD:— Your correspondent complains justly to-day about the lack of caro on the Elevated Railroad in allowing ot to drip from the engines. There is anothor danger- ous breach of discipline in aliowing tho riding on plat- forms, This rule 18 daily violated by the cmploy és ot the road. lt wistracis the attention of train hands from their duties, invites thieves and pickpockets to work the cars, and inthe rush of travel is liable to cause accidents to passengers xetting on and ofl trains, QUICK, SAFE TRANSIN CALCIUM LIGHTS. New York, March 16, 1877. To THe Eprror or THe Hxeravp:— Noticing in your valuable paper lately an article about “Calcium Lights,’’ I beg leave to state that the residents of Thirty-fourth street are very much an- poyed every night by a calcium light wbich, when faceu, nearly blinds one so that it weakens the eyes, I agree that caicium lights on the public thorough- fares shoula be done away wiub. Very respectiully yours, Ff, E. AT THE THEATRE, To tHe Evrtor oF Tux Heratp:— lwentto Wallack’s Wednesday evening to seo the play of “My Awful Dad)’ but, owing to the indisposition of Mr, Wallack, tbe play ot the Rivals’? was substituted for it, There was a party of ladies and men ina box who seemed not to like this chunge, for they kept up a loud conversation and laughter, much to the annoyance of the actors and disgust to the audience, Hoping this nuisance will bo stopped, a8 it seems to me to be a regular custom, I remain yours, NO DEADHEAD, MUTILATING SILVER COIN, To THe Evitox or THE HERALD :— Please call attention to the mutilation of our new silver coins. Iarge holes are punched in them, taking out from five to ten per cent of the amount of silver they contain, We have taken several such ina few days, and, in some instances, have found them in the packnges ‘ot ctiange had from bank. Lt should be somebody’s business to ece that this nefarious mean- ness is suppresse WORTH STREES. POST OFFICE Post Urricn, Naw York City, N. Y, Orrick ov THK PostMastun, March 16, 18) To THe Epiror or THe Hena.y:— The complaint of “E.G.” as to overcharge on his let- ter to Porio Rico 1s based on a misunderstanding. The sicamer Huntsville, advertised to convey a ‘direct’? mail, was prevented from sailing by tne loss of her propeller; consequently no direct mail could be tor- warded, and the rate paid by your correspondent wi correct. The suggestion of your correspondent “Philip” as to reduction of box rents would, if adopiea, Teduce the focome Irom that source far below tho ex- penditure necessary to maivtain an eflective box de- iivery for the convenience of those of our ciuzens who prefer to recotvo their mail tn that manuer rather than through the eight daily tree deliveries made by care riers Iu the General Post Office district. Very respect- fuily, THOMAS L. JAMES, Postmaetor. STEAMSHIPS, THE LOST To tne Epiton ov Tae HenaL In your issue of the 12th inst. I noticed an article, over the signature of ‘Machinist,’ derogative to the capabilities of Captains Bacon and Whitehead, of the ilifated steamers George Cromwell and George Wai ington, The Morning Chronicle, of St, Johus, N. F is “correct”? when it says that “Bacou and White- head were both experienced soumen.”’ Captain Bavon I can vouch for, havivg known him from boy- hood, not only as an experienced scaman, but one ot the most skilial coast pilots sailing from the port of New York, The greater part of bis lito was spent on the coast or near it, “Machinist” 18 wrong and shows the inck of man when he would try to slander the dead, The time bas not yet arrived when “Machinist's” | Wndorsement a8 to the qualification of the pilot, 14. HERALD, SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 1877.-WITH SUPPLEMENT. “CROOKED” PATROLMEN. FIVE DETECTIVES SUSPECTED OF COLLUSION WITH THI£VES PUNISHED (?) BY BEING PUT PuBLIc ? The Board of Police Commissioners held two meet- ings yesterday—one in the morning and another in the afternoon, At the first meeting the resignation of De- tective Goorge W. Elde: for twenty-seven years, Patrolman Shea, were reinstated vy oraer of the Su- preme Court, In the afternoon the Commissioners traneacted the most important business of the day, They translorred to patrol duty Detectives Siileck, Doyle, Larue, Riley and McDougal, Tbis action was nut altogether upexpected, ulthough the Comm issiovers trom time to time within the past tew days positively denied any | knowledge of malpractice in this bureau of the depart- meut. Nothtpg more crushing than the follow! resolutions, which were adopted by the Board yester- day, has emanate’ for years from the Central Office rulers. By them the men are charged with inefficiency and collusion with thieves in such language as would leave them littic chance of employment outside of the Police Department. THR RESOLUTIONS. Resolved, That the toliowiug-vamed patrol and they are hereby remanded to patrol duty aud transierred tothe precincts hereina(ter named, respec- lively, to wit:— Patrolman Joseph Silleck, Detective squad, to thé ‘Thirty-f{th precinct, Patrolman Chris, B. McDougal, Detective squad, to the Tnirty-tirst precinct. Yatroiman Philip Raley, Detective squad, to the Thirty-fourth precinct, Patrolman Joon D, Larue, Twenty-third precinct, to the Thirty-second preciuct. Patrolman thomas Doyle, First precinct, to the Thirty-tuird precinct These police officers have been for sume time as- signed to-detective duty in tho lower portion of the city, where were the largost inancial interests, Their duties bave avt been difficult to periorm nor multita- rious ‘The results of their labor have been most diseredituble, It the arrest of a few thieves for peity offences be excepted the services of some of them to the public have been worthless. Large robberies bave been committed and forgeries perpetrated, and in almost every instance either the real offender has not been brought to justice or when he has been, the evi- dence as presented would not be suflictent for couvic- ton, and there ts scarcely an instance on record at these headquurters where, if there was a large amount of mouey stolen, it was recovered or the thioves con- victed, Not only have these officers failed generally in th respects, but, since December 12, 1876, this department tiuds that $206,u00, cash and securities, have been stolen by sneak thieves from banks and bankers (the avails of four robberies only) und the offences not even properly reported at beadquarters, and not.one dollar recovered or the criminals arrested—a state of affuirs whicv needs no comment. Especially may be added the fact that the men who rpetrato this class of offences aro not numerous, and are well known by sight and reputation tv ail of these officers transferred, and that iterviews with them on tho.eve ol and previous to arobbery anu their imme- diate and subsequent absociauon with them after the offence, if it does not furmsh evidence of complicity, atleast is ground for severe criticism. They should have been driven from the city by detection instead of being permitted to remain for plunder. It js also clear that the attitude of the thieves und their asso- ciates since the Tesulting from su ‘The daily rep have been constantly on duty, but months sometimes pass witnout their having seen, according to their own show/ng, more thau one or two suspicious characters, ‘This Board bas information, however, that during sich times they bave seen muny of them and con- versed with them under circumstunces which they will in time be called upon to explain. They are now transferred 10 post duty to prevent more mischief, whether resulting from’ incapacity, wilful noglgence or collusion. All this undoubtedly grows out of the reprimand that the delinquents with George Elder received from the Commissioners at the time of the disappearance of the tin box from Nassau street. Elder worked tn the same district with Silleck, Doyle and McDougal; but Philip Riley and Larue did not, therefore theso {wo were not included in the shortcomings of the offices ho looked ufter ‘the street.” The Commi stoners, however, bave been inquiring into tho opers tions of the Detective Office for some time, and hi resolved to set things right there, Other removals are quite possibie, RAPID TRANSIT’S ENEMIES, The opponents of rapid transit are laboring ‘might and main” to kill every amovement calculated to alford our citizens an opportunity of quick travel up town to their homes. In every way aud by every means obstructions are coutinually interposed to stay the rapid transit movement What mass mectings of small mivorities of property owners will oot accom- plish legislative action is sought to influence and s cure The foilowing bill, advocated by Senator Bixby, of this city, 18a evidence of tho means resorted to by the people’s representatives at Albany ip this die rection, Early in the present month a bill was intro- duced which provided tbat:— No right of way granted under or by virtue of any act of the Legislature of the State of New York, passed hive years or more privet to the pas erentter be exercised; and where such right hi been exercised by occupancy and use, uot wholly but in part, the part not already exercised shall not herculter ve exorcised. This is only a specimen of the many stratagems adopted to deicat a great undertaking, in which a vast majority ot the peopie of tue city are deeply interested, ‘The plea that the erection of a steam railroad ou a prot inent avenue causes a depreciation of property is nut | burne out by f 18. A property owner ot: Ninth avenue gave it as his opinion tnat his estate was enbanced Father than depreciated by the rapjd transit road, con- tending that a route over which u large number of peo- ple were transferred could not fail to add to the value Ol real estate atong the line, BROOKLYN'S DEADLOCK. THE FAILURE TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEET- INGS—MAYOR SCHROEDER RECEDES FROM HIS FORMER POSITION. The republican members of the Brooklyn Common Council have decided in caucus not te join in the pro- posed commission to select a President for that body, as they now say it would be bus a waste of time to do so, The probabilities are that on Monday next, as stated in the Hexatv yesteruay, the Board will or- ganize by electing Alderman French President, Mayor Schroeder, who returned from Albany yesterday, ront the following communication to the City Clerk, ad- dressed to the Common Council, setting forth his Special meetings, as tullows:— Hovonastx tux Common Counc ing your honoraul meetings hav Pusved aud us many eon held, at every ono of which the ques. iding officer ‘hax been. discussed, but no reucued; thereiore, believing that the regular meetings have not afforded you the time necessary to ae complish the desired result I have deemed it best that you micot oltener. It the duties of your President were confined to presiding over your meetings anit to such as wre dir connectes with ‘the routine business of the Com Council I should not feet dustitied to inet number of your meetings tor the purpose of settling But the President of the Bourd of Alderm io » member ot tue Board of Health, and is the thorized to wet in my place during my absence or . Cireumstances happen daily requiring the at- aud often the prompt uction of the Mayor, ‘The law does not require it, aud I um not willing to be in the office or in the city every’ day in the year, { may sicken or dig. | Upon you devolves, the duty to elect my possible sticcessor, and the people have the right vw expect that ® greater effort be mady to settle this matter, Re spectiully, F. A, SUHROKDER, Mayor. Shortly afier two o’clock yesterday afternoon cight republican Alderinen assembied in the Common Coun- cil Chumber, and Alderman French called the meeting to order, The Cierk read a communication from the Mayor, notifying the members of the Board that there would be no special meetings held after that date. The Board then adjourned until Monday alternoon, Should His Honor, see tit to again command special meetings bo will inVoke the assistance of the courts to enforce the attendance of the democratic Aldermen. The biayor has caused a bill to be introduced In tho Legis- lature Which gives him power to appoint an Alderman to act as Mayor of the city during bis temporary absence. THE PACIFIC SLOPER. Alexavder Blacklock, the Callornia swindler, who was arrested in this ity several days ogo, has since Veen residing at the Tombs until a formal requisition for bis delivery could be made by the California State authoritics, Yesterday morning Detective Coffee ar- rived in the city Irom Albany with a requisition paper igned by Governor Robinson, Blacklock wns brought trom the Tombs to police headquarters and then taken under charge of two officers to the District Auornoy’s office, Here bis discharge irom the Tombs was mado out and signed by Assistant District Attorney Rollins, Blacklock was then taken back to the Tombs and tor- mally dischargell. Betore be lett the Tombs Detective Coffeo, Who had been waiting outside in an ante-room, depnty and HE CITY'S INSANE. Overcrowded Condition of the Blackwell's Island Female Asylum. AT DINNER IN THE LODGE. ON PATROL DUTY¥—1s THrs aust To Tux | The Main Building and the Pavilions—Possi- sie ow bility of am Epidemic. +~——_e who bas been on the force The trigh!fully crowded condition ot the New York ‘wan reocived and accepted, | City Female Lunatic Asyram on Biackwoll's Lsiand, ax i and Patrolman Finverty, of tne First precinet, and | "HOS by the Medical Saperintendeet's report to the | most destroyed byakick of Mra 0?Leary’s cow, and Commissioners of Charities and Correction, coupled With the Short, Dut sieke@ing story of the condition of | attracted the actentiog of (housacds of thougbifal peo- ple throughodt the metropol/a That such a aepiorabie stite of affairs should be pormitied to exist, and that, too, under the eyes of proper authorities, and ia the shadow of one of the Sealthiost and most enlight. | ened cities of tue globe bas tended to make peopty re | fect, and ark if we are mot retrograding. Of philan- thropists and noble charwies the oly bas tte full share, Soctetion tor the Prevention of Uraelty to Animais, tor the Prevention of Cruelty vo Children, fur succoring the poor and joking owt for the welfare | but Ht Is apparent that none baving for its | Object Lhe proper and systematic vikitation and cure of the city’s insane wards exirt) ; | or the Blackwell's | Istand plague spot would bave beep pointed out long } ago, and the authorities would not bave been pormitted to rest day of might uote \etter burdiugs and more suitable secommodations for this class were provided. The Female Lunatic Avylum adjapets bow con. tains 1,302 patients, or nearly 00 more than i was originally iwtended to coatain, All of its wards, the | Pavilions, the Lodge and the Retrest are ited | with untortupates, and of this sumber 286 are com- } | peiled to sleep on beds made on the fours of the cor- ridors. WHAT OB, ransone When spoken yesterday concerning the prosent condition of the wation Dr. Parsons, who bas been resident physician for twelve years, said: — “I deplore our present situation as much as any man can, as 1 taken a deop iuterest in the asylum vs. | { and its inmates, We have done about everything that we could, a8 you seo, to ameliorate the condition of ‘those placed in our eharge, and our success under the circumstances has been of the must flattering ature, bounds, and I | thas Our expenses have been kept witht think 1t bas coat less to run the institution tha to nfintain similar institutions this, instead of being a help, seoma to be a detriment in more than one way, as they say, ‘f the Insane Asyium ean be managed in such an economical manner what is the use of expending more money on it or building ethers?’ The Commi-sioners of Charities and Correction have done all that lies within their power to increase the space for the inmates, to affurd fresh air, ventila- tion, food and clothing, but they have their bounds, and can go no furtber. Since the Tweed régime it has been the stock in trade of the politicians to ery ‘re- form’ and ‘retrenchineut.’ The same ery has been repeated elsewhere, and wo are where you see ue In my report I say that if proper domicibary secommo- dations were provided the cost for care and matn- tenance would necessarily be increased.¢.A large number of buildings would have to be kept in repair, more persons would be required for the goveral service, and the ratio of attendants in charge of the patients would be iucreasod to the propor standard,” ALL PATIENTS NOT PACPERS. The majority of the pationts do not belong to the pauper class, Eighty-two per cent, of those admitted during 1875, and about the same namber during the past year were not of this description, or within avy proper meaning of the term. They had never been a public burden previously; on the contrary, many of these patients belong to the most industrious and ductive ciasses of our citizens, and pote few of t had formerly lived 1n affluence. ol expenditure at our city asylums being co: latory it 18 a source of universal reproach on the artot those who cquainted with the facts aud now anything of what the proper care of the insane should be, The mi ement of the per ita penditure is safficient to convince them that our patients do not get all they ought to have, whetber of food, ot domiciliary, of allowance, or of all those requirements together, itive ani are A REMEDY FOR THX KVILS, Space {s required, and a proper number of intelli gent atiendants are absolutely necessary. Ot the Iat- ter, th jum at present has a good ff who e beou instructed under my own eyes, Money re quired in the second place tw erect suitabie buildings for the accommoaation of the presout number under treatment, and for those who are tu come after them, It a largo vuilding should be put up, a wing or a separ- ate building should be put up for tho special benefit of the excitable and dangerous class that now occupy the Retroat and the Lodge. 1t should be largo euough to accommodate trom 150 to 250, and the building should be so constructed that the windows of the celis und rooms should be in the walts fronting the outside, thus giving the paticnts fresh . air, and carrying the noise away trot the building imstead of permitting the round of voices to be beard in the tnterior, as is now the cuse in the Lodge and the other buildings, The cells should be wide and airy. A partial dy lies in the erection of addi- tional pavilions, They will do weil enough, but the regular and steady increase is such that what would bo suflicient to accommodate all the inmates for one year would be insaflicient for the year following. Two new structures of this class will be completed this year, which, together with a new mansard roof on the orth wing, affording more room, will materially help us. ‘The necessity of something of this kind is shown in the following table of the increase in the number ad- mitted and the estimated number that will bo ad- mitted to the institution :— PERCENTAGE INCREASK OF ADMISSIONS. Percentage of Increase, Estimated According to In- 15,50 crease, 18 verified, of which event » doubt, judging from the past, the there seems to be asylum will contain as many inmates in five years as are contained tn all the State asylums. THE LopGE. Of all the buildings devoted to the shelter and treatment of the female msane of the metropolis, the Lodge, adjoining the main structure, is the most repulsive to the eye, architecturally aud others wise. Itstands alone a short distance from the East River, the rear facing Astoria, it is three stories high, 1s of stone peculiar to tho island and bears ® eneral resemblance to the other buildings. It has eon standing y yours, and, despite tue addition of paint and repairs, looks what it is, a veritable bed! At (he time of the HERALD representative's visit yes terday it contained 150 patients, or just eighty-lour more than it wai built to contain. It 16 «in this gloomy structure that pandemonium | seems wo be let loose at all hours, night and day. A series of yolis and uuearthly screams rent the air before the door was opened, but they seemed mild compared to those that grocted the | ear of the visitot upon entering, On the first floor of | the Lodge a number of women with hiaeous counten- ances stood gazing out of tho grated windows, while | others roamed up and down the corriior how and tearing their hair. A few, probably tired out from their previous exertions, sat on the floor swaying their bodies to and tro, HOW MANIACS KAT. When the dinner table was in readiness, the attend- ants, of Which there are two (female) ou each floor, | took the maniacs by the ‘arm and led them to their seats, Betore them were tin bowls cach of which con- jod steaming soup, A tin platter stood besive them, bat no kulves or forks were visible, When questioned ted : k ever got into one of their hands there would bea murder, No, that wouldn’t do’? | Tho patients ate their food ravenously, muttering in- coherently while bolting it down. Now and then one | would cast flerce glances at the attendant, who stood, dipper in hand, at the head of the table, but a look from her was suflicient, and no outbreak followed. An- other attendant was within calling distance, 1p readi- ness to seize the first who proved refractory. In all such cases the delinquent is caught firmly by the arms and is borne to a ceil and locked mn until her passion has subsided. Not a word is attered to them, nor isa display of anger on the part of those whose duty 19 with them allowed, The patients are quick at perception, aud the least evidence of fear or ialtering is taken udvantage o1, and it is only by quickness and lirmness on the part of the attondants that deadly emeutes have been prevented. At the conclusion of the repast, which embraced roast meat, potatoes and Uread, besides soup, the strat dinner party broke up, and the participants adjourned to the corridor, where they began anew to muke day bideous by their discordant yt Along tho corridor was a row of thirteen cells, cach about four foot in width by eight in iength. In the reat and a little higher than a man’s bead was a ventilator, about eighteen inches in jength by three inches in width, loading into an open space that begins somewhere in the cellar ana has an outlet at the roof, This channo! takes off the offensive odors trom the cells of each arre: im tn chi prisoner left for San evening. Detective Adams accompanied th train, but on entering the car the California detective ‘was lott in nolo charge of bis Invereating ward, J of the three floors and acts a8 # medium for conveying sound throughout the building, Thus one restless patient, when locked tn her cell, annoys all the rest at night, and it sometimes bappens that river, As Dr. Parsons says, “Those cells uiicitat tom tor one to ‘ure cme b. ventilstor, | Rech ‘oer around, the summer time must be terrible: places, cella on the two floors above are all of the same and as they all accommodate bi seventy-five persons the otners are compelled for want jeep on beds made in the corridors, Be it aud to the credit of tho medical suporintecdent and the floors were as bright asthe cleanliness i Seo only remeay for the prevention oo Spldemicr This utmost precaution is takeo be. gre. age Twelve years ago the asylam the idivgs were in such a filthy / from drainage, foul air and the tuxity of discipline toat typhus fever in a toalignant orm broke out among the patients, and eizhty-two tell victims to It, and two of the physicians also per- ished, Dr. is not sanguine about a etch scaiamity in the future, to the crow table, she ince out ab sate rod to te i ‘as he says, any and no une can foretell’ the consequences. Chicago was al- worse Unings may Lappen in a different tor the people of New York sould the inmates of this B ack. a to the city’s negleck, LDING. of the isiand avd ues babs tended descri vs of grani beight, and ‘the oct portion of it with the north wing were built nearly forty yi ago, The suuth wing was completed in at that time it Was supposed that the building would be adequate to sccommodate the iusane lation of New York bed contury. bi tpg eee boned view w ts mal window tod vrreted ‘corners It ts heated thi > for us parpove, and, hike the other buudiogn, Its over for ite ie crowded, its total pupaiatiog yesterday: being 433. The B.th helt Ls! north why Shay ane pee ay 9 it uenta, where are orhale portea a0 then aro classified and sont to other apariments, arenas, to their maladies, ‘Tho sixth anu seventh gg 4 wing are omneet by’ ite an cucouroliable disposition, when is known as Lat ong The rooms are comparatively comt le, and fe a ey etd are to the Lodge, where they remain with ‘ue crows “urredeemables "' “all No, 1 of the south wing Wara."’ peaily iewashed; the floors aro and werubbed daily; pictures, al! of rude design, but attrac- tive, adorn the wats, and canary birds sing in cages suspended Irom the corings. THe PAVILIONS. The pive pavilions, which are located above the main batlding, near the end of ff taland, contain emis. the mayor portion whom are Bian occupied, 538 barmicsa, cians, and all have to be closely and constantly (rare. compelled to sleep im the corridors h past tT Bak pan ya Benny) snioas ne juced obs Porta eae wu DY the decrease in sickaess and deaths since its adoption. The breukiast bil of fare for Sundays con- sists of an abundance of ag yo coflee ne etlaet vanes tor Creaclons or corned beet, different cudfish, meat pie or meat dessert 1m the shape of Supper, dried stowed trait butter, smoked tish or cheese, brown BLAM? ‘this lnuatic asylum ts cor. ment, but 1 ts cormaay Sah Public Charities Cor- The members of this Board, aud President have all aloay i j i : < 3 , i i HF i 3 omy” while poor uniortanate like anpimaia, with no hope, of later public opinion will ho uncertain manner. HY DRCPHOBIA. DEATH OF A BROOKLYNITE FROM TRE BITE OF 169 Madison street, Brookiyo, yesterday morning, of hydrophobia, Some six weeks ago Mr. Loomis’ ser. vant went to the front basement window for the pur pose of fastening it for the night, Observing close small dog |, by the window, she called tho attention of Mr. and Mra, Loomis to i, Mr, Loom supposing i to have been chased about the streets by boys felt sorry for it, and, upon the suggestion of bis wifo, took the litle auimal up with the intention of putting bim tn the back yard. The dog turned suddenly in bis arms and bit him severely on the hand, The wound bled rather freely, aud Mr, Loomis went immediately to the office of Dr. Terry, in Washington avenue, and had it cauterized. He was mot troubled by the incident, and thought nothing more of it until Tuesday last, when, on the eve of his departure for Bermuda, he felt somewhat indisposed, The toilowing day Dr, Elmendort was called in and remained in attendance upon him until his death, wich occurred at hatl- threo yesterday morning, the symptoms attending the case proving hydropbotma to be the cause of death, ‘Tho deceased, who was thirty-four years of age, was 4 produce commission merchant of this cily, a member ot the firm of K. 2. & N. H. Loowis, Dr. Elmendorf stated that he was first called to Mr. Loomis between eight and ame O'clock Wednesday morning. He tound him suffering trom vere bronchial irritation and unable to swallow water, Mr. Loomis told bin that be bad been bitte by a dog @ tow wecks ago, and that be beveved he Bad an hydrophotws. Dr, Eimendort, having , bis susp that such really was case, succeeded wieting Mr. Loomis’ tears by telling him that by be sume wervous affection. Ua ne administered pills composed of morphine, bellasonns and camphor; also quinine pili, Mr. Loom wae very nervous, and through the day ate cracked ie, white molasses candy and seme tov cream. He gradu. ally grew worse as uight approached, and was very nervous and irritable, =When Elmendort called in tho evening be foond him ta arg® quantity of rom ihe ibroat. ol a great deal dui o nigit, baton Thursday morn. tng be said U it better, baving fained conaidet. able mucus Irom bis lungs and throat. Dr. Elmendort thought, however, that the symptoms of hydrophybia Were more marked, as there was quickness of motion and considerable inritavility, Sr Loomis war sul of the = opmon thet he was not troubled wih bydrophobia and fe. cover, The Doctor refraived from telliug bim the truth for fear it would fo excite hun as death, many cases baving occurred Where ceuh wi caused from fear of the disease and Bot by the disease itself. Between five and sx o'tleck on afternoon Dr. Kimentort received a mersage that M. Loomis was worse, Upon arriving at the eck man's bedside he found a marked ety Mr. Loowws lavoring under the most iotense excitement, witoted some one to staud behind him ana bold hin, | and he would not allow any one tw stand tm fromt of him or place anything betore him, a8 be theaght i interfered with his vreathing. The mjection of qoeniites of chloroform, morphine ond ofandy im the arm at regular interval a the might had the effect of quieting hi Nevertheless, he kept growing dually weaker until baltq clock yesterday Bernlene wi of macas: and saliva, rid himaelt of the com- tinued cu oking De. the nome made by Me, Loomis to his efforts to rid hitaselt of the clogging in the throat sounded very moch like the barking dog, and that it wigot easily be mistaken for thet, SPITZ SHOOTING. A Spitz dog, having symptoms of hydrophobia, wag shot on Harrison street, avar Flushing avenee, Brooke lyn, yoaterday by a policoman of the Tenth presimot STARVATION AND DEATH. A curious case of destitution and death tp the range of the unemployed has occurred in Rovekes, For the past five monthsan English carpenter named Wild, Fosiding iu Second strect, has been unable to obtalm any work. Formerly he was 4 Tinkey, « contrac the past three weeks he has of trouble appeared on the scene a couple of po ag by es pats of & new a to ere Wax nut sullicient food for the other three children. ‘Yenterday death came relief of Wild, aud his body will soon rest io The widow had beep hoardin, when one breaks out in soreams of yells the key uy ib noise is wafted o