New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-05-24
is THE MAYOR IN DANGER {?
THE CORONER AND HIS JURY INDIGNANT.


THEY THREATEN TO RECALL HIM AND MAKE HIM
ANSWER QUESTIONS OR GO TO JAIL.
Coroner Levy's jury which is not only invcsti-
eating the cause of Lineman Thomas Murray's
death. but also is trying TO ascertain what ought
to be done with the electric light wires TO render
them harmless, feels sore over the snub admins
tered to it on Tuesday by Mayor Hewitt who fatty
told the Jurynen that it was none Of their bust
ness to inquire about remedies, and CURLY refused
to answer any questions that had not direct
bearing on Murray's death. The jury would like
TO get even' with Mayor Hewitt for that snub.
So would Coroner Levy. Yesterday the jury de-
bated with the Coroner the question whether they
have the right to demand answers from the Mayor;
and if So whether they should have him summoned
again as a witness; defy his anger; insist on
answers to proper questions; and If the Mayor re-
fuses, have him committed for contempt. Fore
man Lynch started the discussion, and he was
vigorously supported by Juryman Caiinan, who
had previously shown that he wasn't afraid of
the Mayors wrath Said Foreman Lynch:
Yesterday submitted great deal from the Mayor
that we ought have been obliged 10 submit to- Now
should like know Mr. Coroner II you have the right
to compel q witness to answer questions.
Coroner Levy-I think that have
Mr. Lynch-There is in New York who can give
intelligent answers than the Mayor If he peases
lie could place the responsibility where 1t belongs five
minutes suggest that he be recalled to-day or tomor
row.
Coroner Lcvy-If that is the sense Of the Jury will
have him recalled
Juryman Farrc-I don't believe that we would get any
benefit that Gle acted very dlsagreeaby yesterday
and he would probably be in the mood again.
Juyman WELLS it this jurys duty to find out merely
the cause OF Muiray's death?
Coroner Levy-No. it has great deal moro than that
TO get at
Juryman weil-wel, tho Mayor informed US yesterday
that our ceased when had found out the Of
Murray's death.
Coroner Levy (warmly-The Mayors opinions about the
duty and coroners jury are decidedly faulty
the law stands, the coroner has the power Of
magistrate. II you find out in this case that any Official
whether it be the Mayor of NewYork or any other Official
been dreic in his duty you have the right to censue
him in your verdict
Juryman Callnan-If you have the power compel the
Mayor to answer questions would like the Mayor
back again.
Coroner Levy (facetously-Are you not afraid to see
him again2
Juryman Callnan leroicay)-I have been afraid
TO face any when 1 in the right The CHIEF
Magistrate of this city, sitting In that chair yesterday de-
berately and nsoeny refused to answer questions which
you considered pertinent If 1 had been In your place
with the power to commit him he would have gone to
Ludlow Street Jail the Tombs; 1t was deliberate.
downright squsrely- meant insult
Mr. Callinan sat down with the air Of man
who was conscious that he had discharged MS
duty and deserved well Of his country
The discussion waXed warm, and nearly every
member of the Jury took O hand in II. Coroner
Levy said that the Mayors conduct was exceed
ingly reprehensible." One juryman thought it
would not be advisable to get the Mayor back,
because 1t would make bears pitt OF the court
room. Juryman Callinan pertinacious and pug
nacious closed the debate. He said that he had
on Tuesday asked the Mayor the exceedingly
proper, respectful and pertinent question why the
wires were not under ground where the subways
had been constructed, and the Mayor had refused
to answer ON the ground that we were going on
answer that question, or stay IN the Tombs or
Ludlow Street Jail until he had purged himself
of his contempt 1t ultimately decided that
the question Of recalling Mayor Hewitt should be
left to Coroner Levy, and an adjournment was
taken until 2 o'clock on Monday afternoon, so
that he might have plenty of time to think the
matter over. The Coroner declared that he was
not afraid of the Mayor, and when he got on the
witness-stand would be well loaded with ques-
tions. If he refused to answer the questions then
he would have to take the consequences, however
dire they might be.
The jury didn't receive any enlightenment from
the testimony that elected. Charles W.
Pearce, assistant superintendent OF the Brush
Company, couldn't understand how Murray met
with his death Chief Shay, OF the Fire Depart
ment, said that the electric light wires caused
twenty-five fires last year. John Richardson,
superintendent of the Bureau Of lncumbrances was
of the opinion that he had no authority to remove
electric light wires and poles.