The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1896-11-12

habitants near the sewer, causing malaria
and other deadly diseases
Dr Helfer. former city physician Of
Hoboken, came next and examined by
Mr.. Charles L. Corbfn, said that the
sewer was distinctly a nuisance and "a
dangerous thing for the city already"
and the filthy " water lowed over li the E lots.
Jury.
Very unfavorably,' replied the doctor,
shaking his head. las a practising ply
sieian ! believe that much i'll health is
Recalling Dr. Mitchell Mr.. Corbin asked
him what were the elements OF danger
asking for the abatement sof the nui-
"The State Board" answered the secre-
tary of the Board, 1.-THE State Board con-
sidered this the most dangerous nuisance
in the State"
'.Why?' asked Mr. Corbin.
Because of its location and because of
the large population in its vicinity" said
DR.. Mitchell.
This is not a question of its being
more dangerous than any other nuisance,
rupted the Vice Chancellor.
Street Commissioner Boyer of Hoboken
testified that Hoboken had not attempted
to mitigate the nuisance by building an
other sewer.
II suppose you thought that it was Jer-
sey City's business to do that2" said the
Vice Chancellor.
yes, sir our people have always held
that opinion" replied Mr. Boyer.
DO you think" continued the Vice
Chancellor. questioning the witness, that
City would burst any sewer?''
II don't-don't. know about that was
the cautious reply.
Corporation Attorney Spencer Weart
who generally conducted the cross-ex-
animation for Jersey City, was proceed
ing to bring out Hoboken's responsibility
interrupted him, saying that he could
not do that If Jersey City permitted
brook or surplus water to mix with the
sewage and thus result IN break
Mr.. Weart explained that Jersey City
only wanted to do its duty in the mat
ter. The acts under which the commits
sions were appointed were procured by
Hoboken,. and these commissions had
monkeyed with the problem but had done
nothing. AS for the sewage in the pipe
that came from West Hoboken, and not
from Jersey City. The evidence in the
present case, he said would be used by
Jersey City to secure further legislation
Better stop getting statutes and go to
work. said Vice Chancellor Pitney amid
much laughter.
Mr. Minturn for Hoboken cross-ex-
amined Mr.. Boyer and drew from him
the statement that Hoboken derived no
benefit from the Ravine Road sewer, and
no part or the city was drained by It,
One of the victims of the nuisance, a
Mr.. Meigs, a lumber merchant, testified
that after heavy rains his yards were
flooded, and the water which flowed
from the sewer was particularly offensive
to him.
Another victim, Mr.. webber, who runs
a cooperage factory a few feet from the
break of the sewer at the foot of the hill,
said his men were obliged to stop work
when the wind blew the perfumes of the
sewer through their windows.
There was much merriment over the
testimony OF a Hoboken Health Inspector,
Mr.. Grinnelly, a big, burly red-faced man.
weighing about 300 pounds. He had a hor-
rible. tale to tell about the sewer and its
injurious effects. Judge Blair asked him
if Hoboken inhabitants had suffered from
the sewer, but the Vice-Chancellor inter-
rupted, saying It was immaterial.
your Honor" blandly replied Judge
Blair, ''Dr. Helfer said Hoboken suffered
in health, and l want to know what this
inspector thinks about it. However, we
will take him as an exhibit of the injury
DONE" Naughter.)
Thomas H. Mccain, civil engineer of
Hoboken, who drew the map of the sewer
which Mr.. Corbin displayed on the wall
of the court, was called and explained the
position of the sewer.
AN adjournment took place at one
O'clock