New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-03-24

DEATH FASTENED BY OFFICIAL NEGLECT.
VERDICT IN THE sIoCKVIS INQUEsT-THE POLICE
AND WoRKHoUsE AUTHORITIES CENsURED FOR
insufficient CARE AND HAsTY CONCLUSIONS.
The Investigation into the causes Of the
death OF Jacob b. stockvis concluded yesterday
The testimony taken during the day was mainly medi-
rs and indicated that tho death Of SOckvis due
<hedy TO exposure and rough usage while his health
was in weak state. owing TO the gradual softening OF
his brain for the two years previous to his disappear
Ance Several sharp controversies arose, as on previous
sessions between the Coroner aud several OF the Xros
The Coroner In his final charge TO the jury ex0nerated
che prison authorities from any charge OF hTreatment
of their prisoner, but reflected strongly upon their
neglect TO have medical aid rendered him. The jury re-
tired at about D. IN and remained in elaboration until
s:45 D. ID, shen they returned the following verdict
We the Jury do hereby find that the SAID Jacob B.
SOekyis came to his death oy pnegnonOus d una
trbued softening OF the brain ana general ieeOe
OF his aud we DO further ma taat tnf con
bastened to fatal issue by exposure during ms an-
eence from home the Goth OF February the day OF MS
arrest, and by want OF medical AID ana proper treat
mept and Dourishmcut after his arrest ana whle con
fued 10 the statonhOuse OF the Nineteenth freclnct IN
the Police Court Prison. and in the WOrkhOuse on Black
wells Island and further hnd that sufficient care
Court Prison and the Workhouse 20 ascertain the true
physical mental condition Of the said b. Stockyis
and provide for him the necessary medical ala ana
such other treatment would have been In conformity
with his deDlOrable aud critical condition
under the authority and directions OF the Board OF Po
Charities and Correct on, relative TO medical inspection
and aid after commitment and during the confinement
of prisoners Is defective, and that the whole manage
ment OF affairs aud the merner OF distributing tine prs
after their arrival In tho Workh0use on Black
wes Island ia irrational, and their treatment during
confinement 10 In many respects degrading, aud de-
rDands thorough Investigation and reform. We also
nnd that the affidavit OF Officer Faon and the SEN
fence by Police Justice Charles A Flsmmer were based
insufficient information, and IN misconcepon OF the
physical, mental aud socal condition OF the man, and
that therefore their respective actions wero not in
conformity with the nature OF the but, from all
itbe evidence before us, we cannot lind any cupabe
neglect OF duty on their part
In connection with this case, we ave IL as our opinion
that while We depreeate all attempts TO encourage
weakness or leniency IN the arrest and punishment of
Migrants and criminals such leniency would Increase
the audactty and reckessness OF dangerous class Of
population we mud, however that there should be
more strict and thorough system Of examination and
discrimination In regard 70 the different persons
brought trial before Police Court and uniform
laws aud regulations relative 20 tho dspensaon OF
Jtice And further md that the Of curtaIn
ar leaynz out any part OF dispatch ordered by an In
sn.etor OF Police, describing lost person,
\se and We therefore recommend that, when descrip
Mons OF ruespg lost persons are furnished by the
soIlee authorities TO Telegraph operator. they should
se for arded TO the various stations Ia full without
abbreyiattops and furtber recommend that a
sete n medical officer be In Attendance at each OF the
fsous Police Courts white " sess0n In order that the
various persons brought before TIE magistrates may DO
seep and II necessary, examined 10 the end that re-
0arrepcs Of such depOrabe results a. In this unOr
nate case may become impossible