The Sun.
London, England, 1867-01-21 00:00:00

ON, MONDAY EVENING, JANUARY 21, 1867.

THIRD EDITION.

SUN OFFICE, 7 O'CLOCK.

TAT TERSALLS'—This Evening,

TWO THOUSAND.
4to 1 agst Plaudit (taken freely)
100 to 15 agst Hermit (taken)
10 to 1 agst Julius (taken)
15 to 1 agst Master Butterfly (taken)
20 to 1 agst Indian Star (taken)

DERBY.
Gto 1 agst The Rake (offered)
9 to 1 agst D'Estournel (taken and offered)
10 to 1 agst Plaudit (taken and offered)
25 to 1 agst Grand Cross (taken)
25 to 1 agSt Master Butterfly
28 to 1 agst Marksman (taken)
1000 to 15 agst Avron (tak•3n)

Was the man advising the people to go off 7—He
was advising them ; he was not using any force.
Coroner—What did you do when you first got
out ?—A. soldier helpe.l me to take off my skates,
and I ran round to the tent and found it full.
Knowing that much depended upon keeping up the
circulation of the blood, a gentleman look me to
the York Baths, where I recovered. Previous to
going there I felt my limbs gradually stiffening. I
have omitted to state that the ice was much thinner
at the edges than in the middle.
Mr. William Edward Hardwick said—l live at 70,
Mornington-road. I was on the ice on Tuesday
afternoon. I went at 10 o'clock in the morning
and stayed till four. I met Mr. Davis there about
12. The ice was perfectly safe when I first went
on about half-past 10. Two gangs of men began
to break up the ice around 013 island, and then it
appeared to me to become unsafe. The men were
employed by Mr. Edwards, the superintendent of
the park. I felt that the proceeding was
highly dangerous, because I had seen ten
ersons fall in near the place where they
were breaking the ice. Mr. Wake and myself were
standing near the island when one of the Royal
Humane Society's men came up and told us not to
stand there or we might all go down in a lump.
Davis said " Well, if we do go down, we shall only
go to the bottom." After this I still watched the
men who were breaking the ice round the islands.
When the men had broken round the islands, the
water came up, and I said Davis had wetted his
trousers, he said " No." I then took off my skates,
when I got on the island, and did not return to the
ice. From this position I saw the whole accident. The
first thing I saw was two or three persons first go
in, then a large kind of wave seem to come on, as if
something was underneath the ice, and immediately
after it the ice broke, and I saw the whole of the
persuns struggling in the water. I saw a boat going
from the boathouse, but they had to break the ice
to enable it to go along. After this other boats
were got out near the mound. I did not see any-
thing of the ladder which Mr. Phillips has described
as lying near the mound.
A Juror—You were warned by the Royal Humane
Society's men that the ice was dangerous ?—Yes.

It was hero suggested that the two islands de-
scribed by the witness should be distinguished, as
it was leading to confusion.

The Coroner then directed the long inland to be
called the south, and the small one the north.
Mr. Charles Whiteford, of 74, St. John's-wood-
terrace, said—l was on the ice at the time of the
accident. The ice was dangerous on the Monday,
but I did not think it was on Tuesday. I did not
apprehend any danger. I, however, was warned by
one of the icemen ; he came up to two or three of
us who were talking and said, " We shall all soon
be together." I went on skating, and took no
notice of the caution. I left Mr. Davis and Mr.
Wake near the long island. The water was then
up near the spot. Finding the ice uncertain I
skated towards the Toxopholite gardens, where it
seemed to me more secure. The gentleman who at.
tempted to follow me went in.

Coroner—Did you see him do so ? Yes, but he
scrambled out again. I turned round to look after
him, when I saw the whole of the ice break up on
the broad water, and the people going in on the
south shore.

Coroner—That is at the opposite point spoken of
by the last witness ?--Yes, I went to the escape for
the purpose of wheeling it down, but found the
axle broken, and one wheel lying on the ground.
I could not move it, but some people on the shore
pulled it up and carried it along. I had my skates
on at the time, and the reason I did not take them
off was that I could get about better with them on.
I skated over to the people near the enclosure,
and asked for a rope, which was given me. When
I returned, I found four or five boats and men
were working with ropes, but they were very short
ones. When I returned I assisted several persons
from the island to the shore. The ice was not
broken at the east end of the island.

Coroner—Do you believe that the ice would have
borne four or five persons standing together in the
middle ?—Yes ; I should think it would where the
ice had not been broken round the edges. I think
the accident is entirely owing to the ice being
broken round the island. On Sunday afternoon I
saw a space near the mound and the enclosure right
across the broad water about 15 or 20 feet unfrozen.
On Monday this part was frozen over, but I took
care not to go near the spot. No notice of any
kind was put up to caution people about it.
Coroner—Do you say the whole of the ice on the
broad part of the water was unsupported ?
Witness—Yes, I do, and I think that the break •
ing of it was spoiling it and making it unsafe.
A Juror—Did you not think there was danger in
jumping over the ladders and ropes on Tuesday?
Witness—No, I did not at the spot I have been
speaking of.

A gentleman named Bunsen was called, but did
not answer.

Mr. Shaw said—l reside at York-place, and on
Tuesday last I and my son were in the Regent's Park.
Whilst my son was putting on his skates I went
into the Royal Humane Society's tent. I saw there
a placard that the ice was in a very dangerous state.
I asked one of the men there, who had on a cork
jacket, what was meant by the caution, and he said
the whole of the ice was in a very dangerous state,
and that there would soon be a very terrible and
damaging accident. I think that the whole ice ought
to have been placarded round as dangerous.
The Coroner—But you let your son go on ?
Yes, that is so ; but I took the precaution to
ascertain which was the most secure part. I think
the park gates ought not to have been opened to
the public when the ice was in an insecure state.
The Coroner—Don't you think that the iee
ought to be taken care of until it is safe ?—I
should be sorry to put any more power into the
hands of the police. I don't think people should be
fined who expose their life to danger.
Coroner—Don't you think that the plan adopted
in New York of hoisting a ball when the ice is safe
might with advantage be adopted in England ?
No I don't.

John Spencer said—l reside at Stock Orchard-
street, Holloway. I was on the ice on Tuesday
last. I went there about two o'clock. I went into
the water where the ladder went in, on the north
side. When I went on the ice did not seem dan-
gerous. All went on favourably until three o'clock,
at which time there were between 2,000 and 3,000
persons on the ice. The men then began to break
the ice near the long island, and they told me to go
off. They were breaking up the ice with a pick ;
in fact, they broke the ice all round, so that there
was no means to get off the ice only by getting on
the ladder which the witnesses have spoken of.
The men would give no answer to questions
put to them relative to breaking the ice. I saw ono
of the men with a cork jacket on sitting in a boat
and breaking the ice right from the water from side
to side. saw him make a hole in the centre. I
asked the man what he was breaking the ice for,
and he said, "to let two or three of us in." I
thought it was a most scandalous and blackguard
thing to do, and I told him I did not think he was
justified in doing what he had done. I have not
seen the iceman since. I did not think ho was a
proper person to be trusted with the ice, and again
asked him what he was breaking it for, when he
said he was doing it for amusement. My brother
and boys were with me, and having seen what
was being done, I said, •' Come, lets be going." I
then went towards the ladder, and in a moment M 1
seemed to go in. llad the ice not been broken on
the side I have been speaking of every person could
have got off in safety.
Coroner—Then everybody trying to get to the
ladder, which was the only means of getting off the
ice, was the first cause of the accident ?----Yes, in
my opinion that is so. I went in with the rest, but
I got out safely. Myself, my brother-in-law, and
sou were all in together. I did not know my son
was not drowned until we all met together at a
publichouse. I got some brandy at the York and
Albany, and wishing to get home as soon as pos-
sible I called a cab, but when the man drove up he
refused to take us as we were wet.

A Juror—Do you think the iceman you saw
breaking the ice was sober?---Yes, decidedly ; he
could get nothing where he was.
A Juror—Do you think that the ice would have

broken had the edges not been broken 7—Decidedly
not. I have skated for five-and-twenty years, and
I state most positively and distinctly that the sole
cause of the accident was the breaking of the edges
of the ice.

Mr. Thomas said—l reside at 5, Barking Church-
yard, Tower llill. I was on the ice on Tuesday last,
although my first impression was, that it was dan-
gerous. I thought it was made so by the men
breaking it round the island. On going further I
saw the ice was broke all along the north-west side
opposite the mound. I was walking up and down
admiring the skating, when there seemed to be some
slight confusion near one ofithe islands, where the
ice appeared to break up all in a moment. For the
instant I thought some body had gone in, but there
was scarcely time to think, for the whole of the per-
sons seemed to go into the water at once. I looked
some appliances for rescuing drowning per-
sons, and found none, and that is the principal
reason of my:attending here to-day, in order to state
that fact publicly. I saw no notice up stating the
ice was dangerous. I saw many gallant acts per-
formed, but I shall never forget those performed by
a man named Archer. A gentleman and his two
children were in the water for five-and-twenty
minutes, and it was to Archer that that gen-
tleman and his children entirely owe their lives
I think such gallantry as Archer displayed
ought to be well rewarded. I know nothing of the
man beyond the fact that I know he was instrumen-
tal in saving five or six lives at least. lam quite
willing to subscribe my share towards recognising
his gallantry.

Coroner—Do you think the accident would have
occurred had the edges of the ice not been broken ?
—I believe it would ; but a greater number of per-
sons would have had au opportunity of escaping. In
my opinion the ice was entirely rotten.
The Coroner suggested it would be convenient if
they could take scientific evidence at this part, but
as none were in attend-ma he thought it best that
Mr. Young, the secretary of the Royal Humane
Society, should be examined.

Mr. Young thought that the man in the boat,
whose conduct in breaking the ice had been com-
mented on by a witness, should be at once
examined. This was agreed to, and
Alfred Ward, No. 5 Royal Humane Society, was
called. He said—l am in the employ of the
society whilst the frost continues. I have been so
employed on two previous years. Printed instruc-
tions are given to all men so employed, but I am
sorry to say I have not studied them as I ought to
have done.

Mr. Spencer was here called, and he recognised
,he witness as the man he had seen in the boat.

Witness continued —I admit I am the person.

I was on the ice on Tuesday last. I had nothing to
do with the breaking up of the ice round the
island.

Coroner—Did you break any ice yoursels ?—The
ice I broke I did with my axe about 3 o'clock. I
noticed the ice was very dangerous between the
small island and the shore, and was giving way. I
had orders given me to keep the boat where I could
within the channelbetween the two islands. I placed
my boat between the islands, and whenever I moved
it water came up. I cautioned the people off, but
they took no heed. While people see a safe piece
of ice they will stop and skate. Thinking that by
allowing the boat to make a water mark that would
prevent the skaters going to that dangerous point.
While I was sitting in the boat the gentleman
(Spencer) came near me, and I put my axe into the
ice to endeavour to ascertain:the state of it. When
I was doing so the gentleman and I quarrelled and
I lost my temper. I told him to go off the ice and
make no noise. _ _

Coroner—Did you make a hole ?—No, I did not ;
the hole was already made, and it was the pressure
of the boat that brought the water up. About two
o'clock I became alarmed as to the state of the ice,
and I cautioned the people until I was quite tired.
I said to them, get off as soon as you can as we
shall soon have a great calamity.

Coroner—You thought this at two o'clock ?
Yes, I did ; the ice had given unmistakable signs
of breaking up. At this time there were about 700
people on the ice. On Sunday there was scarcely
any ice on the broad water.
_ _

Witness continued—l believe that the men who
put on the skates and brought chairs into the park
to persons to sit:on, while they are doing so encou-
rage foolhardy persons to go on the ice. On Tues-
day the new ice was only two inches thick. I think
the sun, the great attendance of people on the ice,
the game of hockey, and the jumping that one of
the witnesses has spoken to, combined, was the
cause of the accident, and not the breaking of
the ice around the edges. After the time I
have mentioned the ico kept getting worse.
I know nothing about the cutting the
ice round the edges, further than seeing the
men engaged in the work about half-past ten.
I have always seen this done every minter. I
thought it for the best to remain about the long
island with my boat, as I did not think the ice
would last an hour. I said to our superintendent,
John Green, " for God
.Almighty's sake get the
people off ; can't you get the police." Three girls
got immersed, and I went to their assistance, and
a great many persons assembled to see them got
out. Having done this I went to my boat, and
before I could scarcely get in I saw the whole of
the people in the water. The ice was splitting up
all day into diamond-shaped pieces, about a couple
of yards square, which is an unmistakable sign of
giving.
Coroner—Then the ice appeared to you to come all to
pieces at ono time ?—Yes.

Coroner—You were not driving the people off, were
you ?—No sir, you might as well try to move a lamp-post
as to drive the people off the ice. I advised them, which
was all I could do.

Witness—When the accident occurred I took the boat
as speedily as possible to the assistance of the drowning.
I picked up Green and three others, and had one hanging
on the boat outside. Had we taken him in we should all
have gone down, as we wera nearly down to the water's
edge. Having landed the three persons we wont back for
more. I saw ono man, the last on the ice, ho seemed to be
taking care of everybody but himself. I threw him a line,
saying, "Take this old man," but it fell short. I tried
again but failed. The man was, however, saved. I did not
think so many had been drowned as we now know.
I think that when the ice broke it must have gone like
traps over the people's heads and covered them, as,
although I kept my eyes sharply open I did not see many
persons go down. The ice, in my opinion, was so dan-
gerous that I asked some of our men whether I should
put up a danger polo in my boat, but not having any one
with me, the man whom I spoke to about it said he was
afraid to leave his post to got it for me, as he was so fear-
ful some accident might occur.
The Coroner said they had now hoard the witness, and
ho thought they wore quite in a position to judge between
them. In cases like the present there would always be
altercations between parties, and they could now draw
their own conclusion as to the matter which had been
spoken to.
A Juror (to witness)—Did you tell the witness Spencer
you was making a hole to let two or three people in ? No,
certainly not.; if so I did not mean it. He said a good
many unpleasant and I perhaps did say
the Royal Humane
something
mt ot
oh ni myt tohhtaiitnnghg,es sdetiocdrenrataoetry' likoef.
Society, read a list of the cases in which the society had
been successful. He went on to state that since the re-
ducing the depth of water in St. James's-park no fatal
case of drowning had occurred. He thought it would be
of great public benefit if the ornamental water in all the
public parks were reduced in depth similar to that in St.
James's.
• '' _ _

The Coroner—Were you in the Regent's-park on T ues-
day ? Yes, sir, between 12 and 1. I was on the ice to
see if the men were attending to their duty. I then
noticed that the ice was in an unsafe state, and cautioned
everybody I met with. I told the men to caution tho
public, but you might as well try to stein the Thames as
to got people off the ice. You get both insulted and
assaulted when you try to get people off the ice. The
police say their orders are not to go on tho ice. Appre-
hensive of an accident on the Serpentine on the night of
the accident in Regent's-park, I wrote to the police au-
thorities, and I got 23 constables, and we had to resort to
some amount of forco to get the ice clear, which we could
not do before ten o'clock at night. On Thursday,
apprehensive of an accident, lwrote to the Home Secre-
tary asking for the services of 200 constables to aid me in
clearing the ice on the Serpentine by six o'clock, but Mr.
Walpole told me he could not grant me tho request as he
had no power.
Coroner—Not when you told him that you wore appre-
hensive of an accident ?—Even so. He is a very kind and
good man, butas Home Secretary he said he had no power
to do as I solicited.

coroner—Xour gociety never anticipated an accidon

occurring of so great an extent as that on Tuesday ? —Oh
no, never.

Coroner—l thought it but fair that such a statement
should be made public, because it had been stated that ap-
pliances were not at hand.

The witness continued—People show the utmost con-
tempt for caution on the ice. They break down and
smash the danger-signals when they are placed on the ice.
Wo hang up caution-boards at the park gate instead. The
gear destroyed in the Regent's-park on Tuesday will cost
£l5O to repair.

Coroner —You don't mean to say the people wilfully
broke your ladders and ropes ?--They broke them by sit-
ting and skating over them, and on Sunday one of our ice,
boats was broken to pieces in consequence of a number of
persons getting hold of it, and pushing people across the
Serpentine at ld. a head.
Coroner—Bat the police ought certainly to prevent such
things—They have particular orders not to go upon the
ice.
Coroner—Do you mean to say there is no power to pre-
vent people going ou the ice ?—Most certainly I say there
is not.

Coroner—Various charges have been made against the
Royal Humane Society's men—two were said to be drunk
when it occurred. That is quite untrue, because I saw the
man a short time before and after the time at which it was
said he was drunk. One was discharged on Wednesday
for intoxication, but I am bound to say that a largo
quantity of spirits has been given away by the public,
but as intoxication is dismissal in the society he was at
once discharged.

Coroner—What suggestions have you to make to pre-
vent such accidents for the future ?—I should certainl jr
recommend the reduction of the depth of the water to
about five feet. I also think that the Government 81.1ould
make it penal for any person to go on the ice until it
has been pronounced safe. It is done so in Bois do
Boulogne.

Coroner—They hoist a ball at New York when the
ice is safe, and when the ball comes down all persons
must leave. Do you think that would answer in Eng-
land. ? No ; I think a bell rung would be better, because
fog comes on. I think the Government should have
the power of appointing some persons to clear the ice of
skaters when it is in a dangerous condition. Until this is
done there can be no security against accident.
A Juror—What amount of money do you get from the
public as subscriptions ?—Last year we had about £250 in
donations and subscriptions for the maintenance of all our
stations, from the Nore to Oxford.

A Juror—What is your opininn with respect to the ad-
visability of cutting the edges of the ice ? —1 would rather
not answer that questiun, because it will put mo in antago-
nism with the Government, but if I am pressed for an
answer I will give it. .

A Juror—l think we ought to have the answer?—Very
well, then ; I think it 'inadvisable to do so. It rests with
the authorities of the park; the Royal Humane Society
have nothing at all to do with it.
Charles White, of 71, St. John's-wood-terrace, said—l
loft the ice on Tuesday because I thought it was danger-
ous. On Monday I went up to skate, and then the
Humane, Society men;wore not over ready at rendering
assistance.

Mr. Charles Edwards, superintendent of Regent's-park,
said—My duty is to look after all the works, and the con-
stable. lam appointed by the Chief Commissioner of her
Majesty's Works. I have held the appointment since Jan.
1, 1853. I was not on the ice on Tuesday. On Monday
I thought that portion of the lake called the broad
water was unsafe, and I desired the constables to keep
the people off the ice. We have no power to prevent any
one from going on the ice. We have power to remove them
from the park after the gates are closed.
Coroner—Do you know anything about the breaking of
the ice ?—I do. It has been the practice for the last
twenty years to have the ice cut round the islands, and I
gave directions for it to be done on Tuesday for the use of
the water-fowl, and to prevent persons going on the
islands. It has always been done, and no person has ever
represented any danger from the practice. The inhabi-
tants assume the privilege of breaking the ice round
the edges, and I don't interfere. Tho ice is invariably cut
in tho vicinity of private property to prevent the people
from going on the grounds, just as we cut it to prevent the
people from going on the island.

Coroner—But the ice was cut round the edges where
there is no private property.—l don't know anything
about that; it was not done by my orders. I only gave
directions to have the ice cut round the islands. Opinion
seems to be much divided as to the practice of cutting up
the ice and weakening it.
The Coroner—How is the water supplied in the Re-
gent's-park ?—ln the summer the supply is from the West
Middlesex Company, and in the winter the land springs
servo the purpose. We have had no fresh supply of water
in the lake for the last eighteen months. The surplus
water runs down the sewers.

The Coroner—Was the water running off on Tuesday
last?—No, it was not.
Tho Coroner—Has the water been reduced since the
accident ?—No, certainly not.

Witness continued—lt is quite impossible to keep the
people out of the park. It is a public park, and there
would be great difficulty in keeping the people out of it.
If we were to shut the gates they would soon be over the
pailiugs. The deepest water is that called the "Broad
Water :" there we have 13 feet in some places ; in other
places it diminishes to four feet. I don't think there is
enough mud to hold persons down.

Coroner—Did you predecessor cut away the ice round
the island:—Ho did.

Coroner— Various plans have been suggested for empty-
ing the lake, one by means of a syphon. Do you know
of any means by which it could be speedily done ?—No, I
don't; it would take about a month to lower the water four
feet. Mr. Burton's sewer, however, which runs under the
water, would, of course, do it in the speediest manner.
The water covers a surface of 18 acres.

The Coroner—A gentleman present, Mr. Browning,
says it could be run off in a day.
Inspector Burrows, acting superintendent of the D divi-
sion of police, said in reference to Mr. Young's evidence
that the police have power to apprehend people on the ice
just as they have on land if they had committed wilful
damage. 1 have been 20 years at the Regent's-park, and
never recollect any application on the part of the Royal
Humane Society for assistance. The police have no
power to remove people from the ice.
The inquiry then adjourned until Monday next.

No bodies have been taken from the ornamental water
to-day, and live out of tho persons put down as missing
have fortunately turned up.

RACING FIXT

[RES FOR 1867.
cil.

MA:
Liverpool Spring
Chelmsford Spring l2
Margate...
Warwick Spring l9

Bromley
Epsom Spring 26
Lewes Spring 2B
Croxton Park 29
Thirsk
Newmarket Ist Spring, 22
Durham
Catterick
Chester

Cardiff
Northampton
Windsor Spring 4
Edinburgh Sp. Meeting 6
Newmarket Craven 8
Abergavenny
M
Ascot Spring
York Spring 7
Doncaster Spring
Salisbury
l3ath

Y. 17
Harpenden
Epsom
Croydon
Newton 29

JU.
Ascot Summer 4
Wiudsor Summer ll
Manchester Summer l2
Hampton l3
Odiham l7
Bibury Club lB
JU
Carlisla
Newmarket July 2
Pontefract
Reading
Liverpool July Meeting 10
Hungerford
Nottingham l6

I Beverley
Stockbridge
1 Chelmsford Summer
1 Newcastle .. 25
I Ipswich 27
Worcester, ummer 27
LY.

Down Royal Corporatn l7
Stamford
Huntingdon 23
Winchester
Southampton
Goodwood

AUG
Ripon
Brighton •• 6
Brighton Club 8
Lewes
Egham ..... l3
Wolverhampton l3
Stockton
Oxford ..... 15
Hastings
York August
L

Dover
West Drayton 23
Plymouth.
Canterbury
Derby
Lichfield
Weymouth
Tunbridge
Baden Baden

IETTER FROM GARIBALDI ON PRESIDENT JOHN-
SON AND THE CONGRESS.—The Union publishes the
following letter from Garibaldi to an American citizen o
the conflict between President Johnson and the United
States Congress :—" Caprera, January 8, 1867. Sir, am
happy to be able to satisfy your wish to know my opinion
on the existing controversy between the President of the
United States and the majority of Congress. Certainly I
shall give it with the consciousness of treating of a ques-
tion which concerns not only America, but humanity in
general. Yos, for us, friends of the American Uuiun, who
one moment trembled for its integrity in the gigantio
struggle so happily terminated, the importance of giving a
vote to the coloured race is dwarfed in face of the danger
of giving rise to new dissensions. Members of the human
fraternity, wo make no distinction of race. Thus wo ap-
plauded the election by the generous population of Massa-
chusetts of two coloured deputies to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and we shall praise any of those demonstrations
of a country whore liberty and progress aro not merely
i
vague words. What we desire, however, above all s that
the harmony, more or loss perfect, which to-day prevails
amongst the members of the American family should not
be disturbed, and that at any price every species of indi-
vidual prejudice may be suppressed so as to maintain in-
tact the integrity of the Groat Republic, the most powerfuf
palladium of liberty in the world. Let your President,
therefore, come to an understanding with Congress. Let
there be no more dissidence between the States which
constitute your admirable political system. Those are the
wishes formed by your sincere friends, amongst whom I
am proud to count myself."