New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-08-25
4 DISASTER AND ITS MORAL.

A DISASTER IND lIo "OhAb'
The chief cause of the collapse Of the Park
Place building was undoubtedly the overweight
inc Of the upper floors While there may have
been an explosion of the inflammable materials
stored in the basement, there is no direct evi-
dence of it. Even if there were an ex-
nloson near the street-level, it would not ac-
count for the immediate breaking away OF the
unnermost floors and walls. The most reason
able theory which can be formed OF the disaster
is grounded upon the weight and vibrations Oh
a large number of heavy cylinder presses III
constant operation in the upper floors of fraii
bu;lding that was unequal to the strain. Ihese
nrosses all faced in the direction OF the street
front. and the strain was not equalized as IL
would have been if one-half OF them had Deen
set crosswise so as to impart vibrauon ironi
side to side. The strain was exerted Ill ole
direction year after year, and the noor-oean'.
were gradually weakened and shaken OUT OF
their fastenings These beams in front ana III
rear were fitted into sockets of the 2O-ncn Wills
and were supported in the middle by CROSS,
girder of wood. The effect of weight ana
vibration toward the front would naturally have
been to force the beams out oil place IN INC
rear and to break down the floors and push ouO
the street-wall where the heaviest presses were
in operation. The building having no interior
walls but only a few wood columns anu neh'
plaster partitions, was literally shaken to pieces
IN the end like DR.. Holiness famous one-horse
shay
Tho investigations which will be conducted
whom tbe ruins have been thoroughly searched
for tho bodies of the victims will, we hope
bring 70 light all the facts respecting the FAULTY
construction of this building. 1t would DC al
least premature to condemn the architect OF
constructor or owners of this structure on hasV
concentrations respecting the inferior qlallty
If the mortar or the insecurity of the floors.
Loose writing about shoddy mortar ana
crininaly built mantraps' is not 10 .he
noint The essential fact is that a build
ing which would have been equal to the wear
and tear of commercial business or of light man
ufactnring was not strong enough to bear the
strain of heavy cylinder presses and the con-
slant rumble of machinery on the top floors.
Overwhelming and undue vibration gradually
weakened walls and floors, and at last came the
awful crash and the wrenching of 70 to 80
persons out of life into eternity.
1t is hardly necessary for us to urge the
nroper authorities to conduct a most thorough
and searching investigation respecting the
causes of this disaster, which has overwhelmed
so many families in sorrow, want and despair
The best expert testimony in the town ought tt
be secured, and the responsibility for the col
lapse of the building determined after the mos
painstaking inquiry. Much more, however
than a searching investigation is required. Inc
Park Place disaster is warning that calls 1ol
Immediate and stringent action on the part Of
tho Bureau of Buildings. That building which
was gradually giving way under heavy weieht
at the top was one of many old structures where
the original calculations Of architects and con
structors had been exceeded by the requirements
of manufacturing. 1t had passed Official In
spection year after year. and so have many NOR
buildings of similar construction in which heav!
machinery is operated in the upper floors VIVA
public safety demands without delay Is gen
eral and critical inspection of all buildings II
this town in which large forces of operative
and workmen are employed. Ordinary method
of official examination failed to disclose the In
stability of this structure and the dangers ant
risks to which its occupants were exposed
| Something much more radical and effective vii
be required before public opinion will be re
assured.
If the building law be not sufficiently strln
gent it must be amended at the next session
| Of the Legislature. If the appropriations 10
the Buildings Bureau are inadequate-and w
apprehend that they are-more money must b.
placed at its disposal A special inspection o
every building in this city and in Brooklyl
that is used in whole or in part for manufact
uring purposes ought to be the sequel OF TIL
horrible affair." Neither legislators nor Official
need to be in any doubt about this matter. Al
aroused public sentiment demands immediate
action and will not tolerate any excuses o
nretexts for inactOn or negligence.