The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-06-20
THE FonDs THEATRE VERDICT
Col. Ainsvrorth nnd His Assistant. ana Coz.
tractor Dnnt Held ReeponsIhlr.

WASHINGTON, Juno 19.-It was decided by
Coroner Patterson to-day that Col. L. G. AIMS
worth should not be summoned to appear ms a
witness before the Coroner's Jury investigating
tho cause OF tho Ford's Theatre disaster. Z. II.
Warner. one OF tho jurors. said that several OF
the jurors would like the Coroner to issue a
subpoena for Col. Ainsworth to give testimony
Mt tho inquest, not merely in regard to his own
connection with the theatre accident but with
reference to other parties concerned.
"1nasmuch rs statements that this jury Is
preiudlccd against him have been made III the
public press and elsewhere" said Mr.. Warner.
I've think he should 10 made to appear. We
wish him to como because he has, through his
counsel said that this jury Is prejudiced
through ono or two OF its members"
Coroner Patterson said no did not believe
that the presence OF Col. Ainsworth would in
any way assist In determining how Frederick
X. Lotus tower whose body tho inquest is be-
ing heidi came to his death. Col Ainsworth
was willing to arnear before the jury ms chief
OF the Record and Pension Division. and ns an
army officer. but not as an ordinary witness.
The Coroner believed that nothing could be
gained by sum onine him in his official ca
racity. and. as Col. Ainsworth was not willing
nothing could o gained by calling him.
The testimony taken to-day was principally
IN reference 70 we clhihttor 81 tIe material
used 10y Contractor Dant In doing the work
beneath the old theat.e building, which was
sH4 to n be ., cG?d S oso.k retired After being
out nearly two hours the jury. at $40 +. NJ.
returned n verdict holding Col. Frederick c.
Ainswortl, Superintendent William @. Covert,
Engineer Francis SaRse, and Contract tor George
W. Dant and ench OF them. guilty Of criminal
negligence. and that Frederick {. hinsworth.
William q. Covert. Francis Sasse. George
". Dant are responsible for the killing Of the
said Frederick i. LOTUS" The Jurors alao
shy that the failure Of the Government
Of the United States to provide for skilled
surerintendencc Of he work OF repair and al.
Department is most unbusne sslike and repre-
hensible and we are OF tho opinion that II
such Superintendent, had been provided In
tho case OF tn" work on the Ford's Theatre
building the awful tragedy might have been
nvertcd."
At the request Of tho Coroner District Attor-
ney Thomas read the verdict aloud. Not a
sound disturbed him. II was supposed the an
nouncament would he fol owed hy n scene. but
when Mr.. Thomas finished reading and laid
down the paper not man In tho room spoke.
There was an oppressive Hence for III oment
and then the voice Of Lieut.. Amiss requesting
His Instructions were oheyed to the letter.
Coroner Patterson decided not to issue war.
rants for the commitment " Answorth. Dant
Covert and Sasse until tomorrow morning. in
order to give them an opportunity Of obtaining
bail Col. Ainsworth has already secured a
bondsman. Contractor Dant Is very i'll at his
residence. suffering from a nervous attack
brought on through the accusations made
against him in connection with the disaster