Evening journal., 1891-03-06
nae RAILROAD ResPoNaaILE.
Verdict OF the coroner's Jury in til
New York Tunnel Disaster Inquest.

Verdict OF the Coroner's Jury In the
New York Tunnel Disaster Inquest.
NEW York, March 6-The coroner's in
quest into the cause OF the accident IN
the tunnel OF the New York Central rail
road in this city on the morning of Feb. 20,
and which cost the lives of six persons, WAS
concluded last night by the jury returning
a verdict They find that the danger signals
were properly set at the time the New
York, New Haven and Hartford train
passed them but believe that owing to the
density Of the atmosphere in the tunnel at
the time, Engineer Fowler, of the New
Haven train, did not clearly see the signal.
They also find that the officials of the
New York, New Haven and Hartford
Railroad company are Immediately re-
spOnsible for the loss of life because Of the
failure of Engineer Fowler to distinguish
the danger signal and thus causing the
collision with the shop train; and further,
that the officials Of the above company are
responsible for the death by suffocation
aud burning of two Of the victims Of the
wreck, caused by the upsetting Of a car
stove which set fire 10 the wreck
They recommend that the legislature
compel the New York Central and Hudson
River Railroad company TO make addi-
tional openings in the tunnel, and also
that two men be employed in the signal
cabs in the tunnel instead Of one as at pres
ent. They further recommend that a uni
form rate Of speed be adopted for all trains
passing through the tunnel.
Coroner Levy announced that he would
issue warrant for the officers and directors
Of the New York, New Haven and Hart
ford Railroad company and have them
placed under bonds to await the action Of
the grand jury. Engineer Fowler and
Operators McManus and Breen win be re-
leased from their bonds.
Among the railroad officials who will be
arrested today are Directors Chauneey NJ.
Depew and William Rockefeller. The
others are: Charles p Clark, president;
Il. M. Reed, vice president; o. NJ. Shep-
hard, general superintendent; w. d.
Bishop, jr., secretary; w. l. Squire, treas
urer; II. M. Kochersperger, comptroller;
Charles 4. Hampstead, general passenger
agent; Charles Rockwell, general freight
agent, officers, all OF New Haven. The
other directors who are equally liable with
the officers to prosecution, are
Joseph Park, George N. Miller and Viii
son G. Hunt, of New York city; f. H.
Trowbridge, Of New Haven; William ID.
blShOp ana Nabhhuibl w neelef, OF Bridge
port; Henry c. Robinson and Leyerett
Brainard, of Hartford; Henry S. Lee, Of
Springfield, Mass President Clark and
Vice President Reed are ex-oficio mem
bers of the board of directors.
Il will be noticed from this list that thir-
teen of the persons whom Coroner Levy
wants live in Connecticut.
This brings up an interesting question
OF a political aspect. If these persons re
fuse to come TO New York TO answer to
the complaint against them it will be
necessary at one stage of the proceedings
TO secure requisition papers for them from
Governor Hill.
But Governor Hill having refused to re-
cogniae requisition papers from Governor
Bulkeley 1t Is certain that Governor Bulke-
ley will refuse to honor such papers from
Governor Hill.
II these thirteen persons do not choose
to come to stand trial therefore, 10 is en-
tirely likely that they can stay away in
perfect safety.
But the five New Workers, including Mr..
Depew and Mr. Rockefeller, twenty-five
times a millionaire, will have 70 get their
bail bonds ready today. As the officers Of
she road spend most of their time in New
York 1t will not be difficult to serve them
With the arrest warrants.