The New York herald., 1874-08-28
DEATH FROM RUM.

Coroner's IMquest-An Old Man Takes
Lauda mum for Relfef and Dies-The
Jury Find That Death Was Caused by
Excessive Use of Drink-An Admoni-
tion to Druggists.
An inquest was yesterday held by Coroner
Kessler, at the CorCners' Office, in the case OF
Robert sands, No. 522 Eighth avenue, who died on
the 10th inst, within few hours after taking
dose which he had got at James Warnings drug
store. No. 800 West Forty-irs street. Deceased
had been drinking for several weeks, aud obtained
the drug for the purpose OF getting relief from the
effects OF the liquor. Sands was seventy years OF
age.
The first witness examined was Henry McKavitt,
O liquor dealer at No. 635 Eighth avenue, who tes-
tideo that ON the evening OF the 10th inst. de-
ceased. under the influence OF liquor, came into
his store about eight O'Clock wanting some drink;
had no money; asked for drink, which was re-
fused; also asked for money, which was refused:
witness went with HIM to the drug store to get
something for him; the druggist made up dose
from three or four bottles, which deceased swal.
lowed deceased asked some money from man
in the store from whom money was due him. but
witness interered and would not let the man give
II; witness had heard that morning from de-
ceased's son that the old man had been drinking;
had known deceased Tor about seven years.
Hugh Cleary, bartender Tor McKavitt testified
evening he gave him POM OF brandy-the glass
being OF the very smallest SIZE
JOnn Halligan, No. 529 Eighth avenue, testified
that he with another man helped 10 take deceased
home rom the hallway OF Burns liquor store No.
$40 Eighth avenue, some time between hall-past
nine aud ten O'Clock; the old man appeared to be
under the influence OF liquor; when they reached
No. 500 Eighth avenue witness gave the ola man
IN charge OIL his sons, who took him W stairs.
Milton d. Parker, q truckman, residing on East
Thir,y-slxth street. testified that about nine
O'Clock deceased came into Burns store. asked
for a dripk, out was refused 1t; afterwards a
liquor; witness and another man took sands
h. me; they believed he was drunk.
DR. John ). warren, OF No. 23l west Ihlrty-elghth
street. testified that he was called TO see Sanos
night OF the 10th INST. Sands was dying; from the
symptoms he saw he should say that the deceased
was suffering from Oplates.
william Jonn Sands. son or deceased, testified
that his father ha0 been with him all the day OF tue
10th up to about SIX O'Clock III the evenings de-
ceased was very nervous and weak during the day !;
did not see him again until few minutes before
his death.
James A. Warning. drug clerk, at No. 800 West
Forty-nrst street, after showing hrs diploma,
stated that he made up the dose for deceased; the
dose consisted OF lavender, valerian, cncnOna and
ginger; was asked by McKavitt TO put IN a lew
drops OF laudanum, which he did; gave him thirty
drops or weak laudanum. which would be equa! to
fifteen drops OF true laudanum; the weak laud-
anum witness usually sold TO persons asking for it
In the store; told him to go home. which, however,
he did not; the dose given was mld one.
DR.. Leo Deputy Coroner, gave II as hts opinion
that death resulted from apOplexy OF the brain.
The verdict OF the jury was that death ensued
from excessive use OF drink, thereby exoneratlng
the druggist from all blame. The jury supple
mented the verdict with o recommendation that
druggists should discontinue the practice OF selling
laudanum and Opiates to persons OF whose ply ST.
Cal condition they knew nothing whatever.