New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-23
ARCHITECT BEHRENS.
FOREMAN THOMAS MURRAY.
SUPERINTENDENT WALKER.

McIntyre's order. Each of the five men was he'd in
$3.50 bail The charges against them was man
slaughter in the second degree
The inquest was resumed yesterday morning be-
lore Coroner Fitzpatrick and a jury OF experts IN
Part LII, General Sessions. The court was again
crowded with people and great interest was mani
tested in the proceedings. John B. Ireland. the own
er of the collapsed building early on hand and
so was ex-Inspector Buckley. About score OF law
yers occupied in the front part of the court
BUCKLEY DECLINES TO BE SWORN.
Before the session began Mr. Tierney said he
wished to make statement regarding his client.
Buckley Il don't think, said he. that 1t is fair
to call Mr.. Buckley a witness in this inquest.
He was not inspector at the time the building COL
lapsed and is in 10 way to blame for the disaster.
As his lawyer. / therefo.e advise Mr.. Buckley not
10 take the stand and in difference 10 my advice he
declines to be witness in this inquest"
ION what grounds does he decline?' asked AS
sistant Dstrct-Attorney Mcintyre.
II am not obliged TO state the grounds" replied
Mr. Tierney.
Coroner Fitzpatrick said that Mr.. Buckley
not accused Of anything up 10 the present time.
and insisted that he be sworn. Mr.. Tierney main
tanned his position, and after considerable discus
sion the matter dropped Cor the time being.
Thomas Murray, Parkers foreman, recalled.
He said he noticed the cesspoo when the cellar
being excavated. but had not told anybody about 1t.
The cesspool OPEN said Murray. land could
be seen by anybody.
One Of the jurors asked Murray II he did not
think there should have been eighteen inches OF
concrete under the central pillar instead of twelve
and tho witness admitted that he did.
why didn't you tell the Inspector" asked juror
NO. 2 William Bergen) that you Murray) were
being obliged to do unlawful work?'
The witness made no reply.
ibid Mr.. Parker speak TO you about the cess
rsool aft the collapse?" asked Mr.. Mcintyre.
Yes sir" the reply.
did Mr. Parker reprimand you for not telling
him about the cesspool?" asked.
well. he said should have told him about it."
answered the witness
why did you tell Mr.. Constable. Superintendent
OF Buildings that you never saw the cesspool?"
was the next question.
II did not know who he was, and didn't want
TO give any information" said Murray. He was
still, employed by Mr. Parker. he said. and was
working for him now at building at Eighthst.
and broadway. He learned his trade in London.
and was not familiar with the building laws Of
New-York.
INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT THE CONCRETE.
Foreman Conover asked the witness who in
structed him to lay twelve inches OF concrete
II got my Instructions" said Murray. from Mr..
Behrens the architect, TO lay twelve inches OF con
crete instead OF eighteen inches The witness was
cross-examined by Ira d. Warren. who represents
Has anybody been asking you to put the re-
sponsbiity for the collapse on Mt Behrenss shoul-
ders?" asked the lawyer.
NO. SIR" replied the witness. Il don't want TO
put the blame on anybody, and don't want TO
shield anybody. Nobody spoke to me about the
concrete but Mr Behrens who said to lay II twelve
inches"
The witness was asked about the memorandum
made by Youdale in his notebook. 10 which he mad
testified on Wednesday. The memorandum was as
follows: with reference 10 concrete In centre
piers. MI Behrons said the twelve inches would
DO y
Q.-Whai date this memorandum made by
Youdale? Alt made. | think. about Decem-
Der 5. The witness few moments later said he
was not sure about the date. but 1t was either
december 6. or ..
Odd you tell Mr. Walker the superintendent
OF Mr.. Parker, about the change In the laying OF
the concrete? Ayes sir. did.
Q-What did he say? Ale went away first,
and then came back and said II was all right. and
10 go ahead.
In reply TO Mr. Wellman.. the witness said he had
not Inspected the stone that was placed on the
concrets
Q.-Woud you be surprised TO know that the
stone hollow where IL rested the concrete.
Al didn't examine It, and can't say whether IL
hollow.
Mr.. Mcintyre here caused sensation by asking
the Coroner 10 place Murray under arrest
IF Murray is placed under arrest" said Coroner
Fitzpatrick. Il think Behrens. the architect and