New-York tribune., 1874-09-21

A DRUNKEN MAN KICKED TO DEATH BY A PRIVATE
wATCHMAN.
A policeman walking along Eldrdge-st. near
midnight on Saturday came upon the body OF man
stretched across sidewalk in front OF the gates OF the
repairya OF the Fire Department near Canafst The
man was dead, and several bruises on the forehead
aroused suspicion that death sd been caused by soow
from some enemy An examination OF the mans eioth-
ing revealed that his was Thomas ewis ana thas
he lived az No s73 Hudsont The policeman sent for
litter. and with the aid Of another ohcer ear
ried Lewis's body to the Tenth Precinct Sta
ton-house. Capt. Ward and Pstrolman flsmison'
upon hearing the officers statement, Instantly
left the station to learn IL possible, the manner OF Lew
ISIS death. They were Informed by residents OF the neigh
borhood that Lewis had auarreed about an hour before
hs death, with James Burke, 49, OF No 1S Greene
st. the watchman OF the repair yard Soon after this
clew was obtained while passing the Of Canal
and Eldridgests the officers met Burke and arrested
him. The prisoner was taken 10 tho sfstionhouse aud
there closely questioned by Capt Ward He at once sd
itted however that he had quarreed with Lewis. and
had so severely beaten him that death bad probably
been caused by the blows. He said that he
had been acquainted with Lewis. VINO was
married man and childless for several years. Ihey
had both been In the employ OF the Dock Departments
and while working together had become good friends
About a year ago they wero both discharged and ho
shortly obtained the situation watchnsn 10 the re-
pair yard OF the Fire Department After being al tno
ward for month and succeeding in getting the conhd
ence ofthe superintendent he obtained work for Lewis
They worked there together May last when Lewis
became disspated, and while intoxicated one day
assaulted the superintendent who at once discharged
the man. Lewis accused him Of having prompted tho
superintendent in the matter and felt 40 bitterly thss
he went to the prisoners house and took away mock
ing bird which he had given him few days before On
Saturday night Lewis came to ine gate oi ,i mo
repair shop and repeatedly knocked lor adhils-
sion. He opened the gate, but upon seeing
that Lewis drunk, refused 10 aanIt niis.
Lewis Insisted upon coming into the shop, and finally at
tempted to push by him. scnfle followed between
them. Lewis then became angry. and struck al nitn-
He warded off the blow and knocked Lewis uown;
LAWS got I'D quickly and in the darkness tne
Thought he saw knife blade cleaning Deneatn NV. ms
would be TO anticipate Lewis's attack Dy attacAnx
him. Carrying out this plan no sprans ,eS, s
wards Lewis, and kicked him IN he @ iels
side with all his strength. Lewis staggereu upD"
The USED then kicked Lewis savageiy In the 1aces
feeling afraid that the man would yet use ,s h
Lewis made no resistance, however, dd not ht eler
OF his arms to ward off the blows descending upon MS
face and his inert body presently looked 70 hs
ike that OF a dead man. The accused was terrned AT
nat he had done upon perceiving that Lewis was IN
sensible, and fed CaDast and Eldrldge, Wnere no
stopped to think whether he should give imset up 70
the police or not As has already been stated ne was
there arrested by the officers.
Deputy Coroner Leo held an autOpsey Of the body OF
aud found three ounces OF DloOu IN
the BRAIN we'll large clot OF Dood IN the ieIs
hemisphere the brain large brulse was ulscoyereu
on the temple over the right There was also ssh
right ear. The internal were healthy In the
opinion of the doctor death was caused DIV COMPRESSION
of the BRAIN resulting either from severe dow OF
fan. Tie inquest will be held during the present week.