The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-09-08
WHO is TO BLAME:
Partial Collapse of an Unfinished
Building on Broadway.
THEORIES OF THE ACCIDENT.

crash like the peal OF distant thunder startled
the people In the neigh ooyhood OF Fityhrd street
and Broadway a. half past four O'Clock yesterday
afternoon. II was caused by the falling in
Of a portion OF an unfinished four story
brick building on the above
toned. Fortunately al the time no per-
son was in Tho Inflated house, and with equa
good fortune the sidewalk in the immediate neigh
borhood was barren OF pedestrians. Passing along
tho street al the time couple OF carriages the
horses OF which became frightened and started
on run, but at the distance OF two blocks the sgfu
handling OF the reins oy the drivers curbed their
speed and brought them out OF danger. A policeman
stood upon the opposite corner ana when the dense
cloud OF dust thst from tho ruins had passed
away ne hurried to the scene Only moment before
three worAmen who were in the building hal left it,
a cracking Of the wall having given alarm In
his haste TO escape one OF the workmen Mr.. Foster.
a iathcr, employed on the third Story, jumped down
nearly entire flight OF stairs. but escaped unin
Jured
DESCRIPTION THE BUILDING.
visit to the building was made last night by
HERALD reporter. He found the hous, surrounded by
curious sig htseers, who we're warded from danger by
n Gordon Of boards and lanterns placed around tho
premises BY the police. Severn officers were also
present guarding the house ana rendering assistance
In making that part OF II left standing
About one-half the west side OF the building facing
on Broadway mad fallen H. a huge of bricks
aud timber lay piled up the sidewalk. Tho
rear wall rems,nod standing as did also the front
part OF the building In the gaping breach cou d DO
seen by tho nsht OF tho street lamps the wall OF
tho adjoining house and the deoris OF tho
floors that had been snapped In twain by tho
TALL The house itself fronts Finy- third street,
occupying space OF about twenty-five fcet II Is
built entirely OF brick and Is four stories in bc'snt.
On tho corner II was designed to have store extend
ing along Broadway distance OF, perhaps. thirty
rect, with entrances on both Broadw way aud Fifty
third street. The foundation was laid about three
months ago and II expected that the entire struc-
ture would be completed within a few weeks.
AS sPBiSxEs.
From The people connected with tho building, who
stood around Watching and assisting tho laborers ia
proppng up tho walls, the reporter could get no IN
formation.
go to the big man." at length said one with
knowing look, emo knows all about IT,"
Tho reporter thereupon went to the big man,
whom no found standing near the workmen, watch
ing their movements
II can give the HERALD no particulars" he said.
81 don't know anything about it, aud won'' know until
after vest CATION"
But have you no theory as TO how the accident
currcd,r pressed tho reporter
"None," answered the man OF large stature walking
away After awhile. however, he returned. and stated
that the building was owned by Mr.. Eiward Liver.
more banker Of No. 10 Nassau street, and that Mr..
Then there is no FACTOR? ?" asked the reporter
mo, SIR" replied the man.
THEORIES ACCIDENT
From some OF the neighbours the reporter obtaine ed
q plausible theory OF the accident. Said oue:-"If
you notice the pillars which support the
81. Sh.s d rom yoe sec o.S ss;
n. IL rested on nag stone which was on the
lace OF n sewer, an was dug out oy plumber
Whose namo | don't know I'm mediatcy before the
foundation OF tbs building laid This
evidently gave In. and that's build ne toll
SAID another resident OF the neig hbor ood :"Ths
building was a hmsy structure at the best and
have hoard more than one person say II was put
up chsapiy: and i'm only astonshed that IL did NOS
fall before"
From other ncishbors the reporter learned that the
person charge Of tho building was Mr Files, who
was employed by Mr.. Lvermorc.
The worknen engaged around the building declined
TO make any statement evidently acting under In
atr bell ef AZ
the blasting which had lately been going noar by
had shaken the foundation but LOOK oil admonition
from OF his CO aborers sealed his mouth. An IN.
vestigation viii DO made by tho Department Of Build.
| tngs.