Daily Davenport Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1864-1874, 1867-02-16
fi'rH Day-sAruIDAY, faR. Is
M. MARI WALTER

NJ. MARkwALrER
was employed in Camps Shade Factory as
painter, bu. left the place week previous
to the fire. Remembers the visit OF Messrs.
Ncrder, Swit, 4 Eldridge to the room. Mr..
VeFder came o second time aud was direct
cd by him to keep the painters materials as
lar from the fire as possible, aud to keep no
more than one gallon Of benzne on hand -
Followed his directions implicitly.
Mr.. u. T. NEwCoMB
Is T. relative Of Mr.. Viele, the proprietor Of
the building, and acts as general agent for
him in this vicinity. Effected the policy OF
the Post Office building. Was instructed
and fully intended to keep the building in
sured. Authorized Mr. j. NJ. Eldrdre to
rent all vacant rooms. Net Mr.. Verder in
the street a week previous to the fire and
told him he twitness) understood that TIE
manufactures carried on on the fourth floor
endangered the policy, aud that if he so
considered it, witness must seek for other
insurance. Mr. Vcrder replied that he had
examined the premises and given directions.
and if the directions were carried out the
Companies would carry the additional risk.
and the policy would be all right. Heard
no more from Mr. Verder or the Companies
previous 10 the fire.
Cross EramiRed.- Verde, had stated
IN the conversation that tho extra risk i
oGrrcd might cnlanger the policy. Wit
ness asked h.a how much be should pa.
for the extra risk, and Mr.. VIZ lcr repii j
that be va, not prepared to say that lie
bad cNaminsd TIA premises, and If zinc
were placed under tie stoves the shayings
properly burned or taken away, and the
quantity Of beHzinc limited - a gallon and
half, be thought the Company would be
willing tc Lex il stand ~iihou: rayin. any
extra premium. Made the affidavit 70. the
prosecution cf this suit.
MI. CAMP WAS RECALLED
to state in what condition lie left the factorv
on the evening Of the fire. 4 small fire was
left burning in tic cas-; room, and the room
was quite warm. Shut up tie factory ut
about SIX O'clock. Does not think any one
was in the rooms after that, as lac had pos
session Of the key.
Cioss Eramined.-One OF the men bad
key t 1T wonll open the door. The lock
was a common one and the key Of Sk,evs
d. or would fit his. Had candle lit that
evening, bn: presaiues i was blown entire
ly ont before he LETT.
MR.. SIMMONS WAS RlcALLfp.
Had new lcck placed On their door three
weeks previous 10 the fire. The key Of which
would not 1T A!r. Camps door.
Mr.. oGicAens;odt was then called, and
stated tia. i.c had carried on a cigar and to>
bacco factor, "a the third floor for about
three years, when the testimony for the
plaiHt,F clesea, and scbu;ting evidence was
offered by the lie onse.
TE,IgoNY OF MR. vLRDER.
Wi,rcss stated that he is agent ior the
company in the defense was appointed in
April, 1865 was in the building, in cons
pany with Messrs. Swits and Eldridge, in
November. 1865 ; went into Skeers rooms
first /; saw what was manufactured, and the
used saw large quantities of
on the floor Of one room in q
small hall at the west ond OF the building
saw very large quantity Of shavings, part
CT which were thrown down the stairway
in small room saw men at work sizing and
painting blind; t,lked over the
subject with Messrs. Eldridge and
Swits, and with them made the sug
ycstons that the shavings should b, re-
moved from the building every evening, and
hat zines should be placed under the stoves.
Then went into Camps room; foun
more shavings here asked Mr. Markwalt,r
now much benzine was procured at one time
md ne replied live gallons; suggested that the
quantity be reduced TO one gallon, and that
The shsvings be removed every night.
" ent from there 10 Quicker sted,'s cigar fac.
.ory; saw very bad stove, and directed
hat it be removed and new one placed
here with zinc underneath it. Never was
n the fourth story but that enc time. Had
Insurance on stock Of groceries Of II. Il.
Matthews. Had conversation with |
ar. Newcoab within an hour after
making the examination. Met him at
he door Of WasAburn's stove store. Told |
Ncwcom9 that he wished 10 speak to him |
clasisc to the insurance on the building
That complaints had been made about the |
bind factories. Tha. IN examination had |
,ecn made, that we tad found business
ariicti on there o.! a more hazardous nature |
han was in the building when the policy |
vas issued, ard if they were allowed TO re.
nsia there We should be compelled to
harge themssn extra premium. Was not
prepared to state how much - probably
mere than the extra amount Of rent recev.
d from the rooms Told him if they would
lean out tho shoyinss, put zincs under the
toves-reduce their quantity CT bcnziue
o enc gallon-wc might reduce the rate. -
Ie promised 10 have it attended to AT the
onclusion Of Mr.. Verder's testimony the
court adioured until Monday morning, when
he argument OF counsel will be heard aud
he case given to the jury.