New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-09-05
by the horrors of civil war, and that its baptism
NAV escape being sOiled by blood
SUPERINTENDENT BRADTS TESTIMONY

SUPERINTENDENT BRADY'S TESTIMONY L.
The testimony of the Superintendent Of Build
inps at the Park Place inquest yesterday re-
veolad state of affairs which ought to be
changed forthwith by some means. 1t proved
tho need of a new law, and it at least suggested
the mood of a new superintendent. Mr. Brady
,yas NOT technically on his defence, but the
force Of circumstances really compelled him to
ossrne that attitude lie adhered steadfastly
20 tho theory which he originally assumed, that
the wreck was caused by an explosion thus
disputing the judgment of numerous witnesses
not less competent than himself and taking
nosition which he brings no proofs to sustain
II is entirely natural that he should seek to
defend his department against every suspicion
of ineficiency. and of course he has perfect
right TO have and maintain, as best he can, an
opinion of his own but in the light OF events,
and remembering the weight of adverse testl-
mony, it is rather alarming to hear him say that
he does not consider the fallen building to have
been overloaded. It's construction, to be sure,
he does not altogether approve of, but he leaves
us in doubt of his disposition to condemn a
similar plan hereafter.
In pointing out the obstacles to thorough
inspection of buildings alleged to be in dan
gerous condition and the difficulty OF making
them safe under the present law the superln-
tendent was more convincing. We agree with
him that the task of keeping vigilant watch
over all the buildings, new and old, OF this
great city with the force at his command Is
immense If not impossible. If he is right IN his
Interpretation Of the law it does operate to pro-
tect conscienceleSs and negligent owners ana
tenants against interference. Mr.. Brady, lor
example, declares that he cannot spend dollar
to make dangerous building temporarily safe
nor compel Others to do So while the courts are
considering a complaint. And to this he adds
the more startling assertion that ne mas no
authority to remove a plank or even pull up
a carpet, without the owners consent 1or the
purpose of ascertaining the actual condition OF
a concealed part. He thinks the law should be
so amended as to permit thorough eXamlna-
ton of any building, with or without the
owners consent, and We agree with him. 1t
may be objected that such power would en-
courage yexatious and damaging interruptions
of business, and even open the way to system
of espionage and blackmail but the same may
be said of almost any means OF public protec-
ton. Every community has to run minor risks
to obtain essential security.
Amateurs are not competent to pass upon the
computations of experts respecting modes OF
construction, the strength of materials and the
safe limits of weight and strain; but there Is no
reason to doubt the assertion which has been
frequently made on good authority since the
Park Place disaster, that New-lork contains
numerous buildings which are liable to collapse
at any moment. 1t is certain that thousands
of structures have been employed for purposes
never contemplated by their builders, without
even pretence of ascertaining whether or not
they were adapted to these new uses. And, ac-
cording to Superintendent Brady the law sup
plies most inadequate means of determining
their condition and of making them safe If they
are dangerous. The rapacity Of owners, the
foolhardness of tenants and the grim necessities
of employees will always and inevitably combine
to take advantage of such defects in the statute
as the superintendent has pointed out. Amend
ments are required which will confer upon him
all the power which he needs, and thereafter
a public sentiment which will hold him to a
yiglant exercise of bis authority.