The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-01-22
City Intelligence.

CURIOUS FACTS CONCERNING THE DEAD IN TIE VAULTS
SULLIVAN STREET CHrRcH-Since tho Developments
spectirg the removal OF the dead bodies from tho vaul
e the Sullivan church. Colonel Daniel E. Delayan,
vgan. city Inspector, has had special person
pcrvisin hh operations Of the laborers, and
rious facts have been brought light by the searching
observations of this Official superintendent The most
remarkable Development s in relation 10 the apparent
rapid decay Of the bodes flesh bones and erything
Some cofs have been taken good state OF preser
vation and upon being opened disclosed nothing inside
but little duet apparently the only remains OF what
wore once living animated beings. 3urials only
made in tho vaults during period embraced within
twenty five years. 1t Is an interesting question
therefore, whether, during tthat period tho decay OF
bodies GOULD be complete to include the absolute
transmutaon OF flesh and bones into the condition of
powder The generally received opinion has certainly
been that even in the earth skeletons would not mouder
away SO rapidly Therefore in vaults, where tho oarod-
ing influence OF the earth does not operate the
coAlns and bodies the latter ought 10 remain In the
skeleton state for much longer period IN Of hese
facts and 1t ID supposed that the bodies alluded 10
must have been surreptitiousiy taken from the cons
and aod to the for of dissection Such
things At all before the passage OF
the legislative act enabled medical men TO obtain sub
cs IN abb ndance from the pubic hospitals and prisons
should 1t prove true HAT In the vaults OF the Sullivan
street church the have carried heL
b mess, the people will naturally think twice before de-
posting their dead friends in vaults in preference 10 the
bosom Oh mother earth with view To better aud longer
reservaton for II such practices be safely carried
On II is evident the vault is less secure place than the
earth, nasmuch the former is easily accessible.
III the or the sullivan street church II 10 supposed
that after tho removal Of the bodies by the resurrection
iets clay was thrown iHo the collins 10 give probability
to the story OF decay. One OF the collins opened dis
closed white shroud covering nothing but skeleton,
The STROUD in perfect state Of without
even having lost tho sening Another remarkable fac.
developed Is that the jewelry on tie Of the dead
have bcen appropriated alleged by the laborers
pioyei in removing the bodice this be truc Il 10 GER
tiny disgraceful and calls for rigorous nvesga
II is not truo the VIII re reputation are involved
arc entitled TO cont ADDICTION. Mr. neavan win
tainy give the matter the proper degree of attention
THE CoMPIRoiIKR's Orrlcr.-1he commotion In the
finance department has subsidized. Comptroller Brennan
having made nearly oil NE spoontments In his gift, the
Office seekers have mace themselves scarce and
sequence, order is beginning rcign in the
various bureaus Of his department II takes time
TO become perfectly familiar with tho various ramihca
ton Of the city finances and there have not been want
ing many cunning people who sought 10 take advantage
OF Mr. Drennans incxperienrc during the first few days
ol hs accession TO Office. Thus several individuals, hay
ing claims against the city, continually rushing
uvon the Comptroller urging the absolute necessity
OF having their bills paid Immediately hoping that their
opportunities would Ddcce Mr. Freeman 10 sign tho ne
ccssry warrants without due investigation. But such
people very much taken nback BY the penetration
OF the Comptroller they sought TO impose Mr..
fectly satisfied as 20 what he doing and hence he
has escaped the snare In which of his pre- eceesor
were entrappcd by want OF little forethought and
presence OF mind
Some few more appointments will be made shortly but
will not take effect until the middle Of next month Tho
names OF the persons arc Withheld for the present.
THE ARxY FRAUD ISvEsri6AnoN.-rhis investigation,
which has been. conducted with great zeal ny G minis
olcott, drawing close and the Official results
may be expected in the course OF week Coiores
Clcott has finished up branch o. his Inquiry relating
to the claims Of contractors and Ia now engaged IN FER
reting out tho operations Of regmental officers who arc
said ~ hayo carried the most extensive system OF
swndlng Any officer who ts discovered 70 DO impi-
Gated in frauds will Immediately apprehended and sub
fntted 10 tho tender merces II court martial The
most summary proceedings viii be taken in
these matters.