New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-20
WORSE AND WORSE.

Proof accumulates fast the inquest goes
on that the collapse Of the Ireland Building was
not an accident but an atrocious crime. The first
days proceedings elected from the architect
ample evidence OF his utter unfitness for the re-
sponsbty which he had accepted. He not only
drew the plans. but was employed TO superintend
the whole work Of construction, and upon his
certificate of excellence in materials and work
manship payments on account were made by the
owner Yet he testified that he had known moth
ing Of the old well over which the foundation
protluded; that he had made only casual ex-
animation Of the soil OH which populous build
ing was to rest; that different kind and quail
ity of stone had been employed without his con
sent or previous knowledge in certain parts Of
the structure from that prescribed IN the specil-
cations, and that where the contract called for
eighteen inches Of concrete only twelve had been
laid as he was subsequently surprised 10 learn
This Is the person upon whose inteiileenoe anu
fidelity scores OF worklnen We're largely de-
pendent for their safety. and numerous prospec-
tive tenants were solicited TO stake their lives.
Mr.. Behrens. the architect was put on the
wtnessstand again yesterday, ana DIS Testimony
WAS at least in one particular still more extraor-
dinary lie declared that the building inspector,
fine representative Of the department directly re-
sponsbe for the honest and lawful execution
Of the plans was himself bidder for the mason
work in the interest Of a firm with when he IS
connected His bid was rejected, ana therefore
the architect surmises that he must nave Deeh
especially watchful and solicltous to ind defects
In the work Of a successful competitor In our
Judgment, II would be more rational TO conclude
that an official capable Of taking private 1nai-
cal interest in a lob which 1t was his public duty
to guarantee might readily be brought under
stronger inducement to conceal than to expose
fraud. This man, 1t Is said Is no longer en-
Moved In the Department Of Buildings. 1t Is
obvious that he was employed too long, and the
question inevitably arises, How many more in
spcctors OF his kind are in the service OF the
city? This is a branch Of the investigation which
Superintendent Constable needs TO conduct with
rigid care and as expeditiously as possible.
Already 1t Is apparent that this fallen building
in West Broadway was miserably scamped The
architects fees were cut down TO plttance,
contractors were shaved, an atmosphere Of reck-
less and shabby economy pervades the ruins, ana
the owner has kept himself so far out Of sight
that it has been necessary TO Issue warrant for
his arrest. in order that he may be brought be-
fore the Coroners jury TO tell his own story
1t is not proper to forecast his testimony, but
he must take the stand, and show first Of all
why he has hidden himself 1t has not yet been
ascertained al just what point and for just what
reason the building which fell in ruins and
buried its inmates first gave way; but 1t has
been proved conclusively that avarlce and Grim
inal neglect entered into its construction at many
points, rendering the whole fabric a fraud and n
deathtrap. 1t Is consequently evident that prose-
cuton ought to follow investigation without loss
Of time. In similar cases the plain obligation
10 punish guilt LIDS been avoided Indeed, one
conspicuous exception Eliminates n record Of
Official remissness. The public temper a. well