Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-05-17
WANTED AN INQUEST.
Mr.. WOOlfOrd Files Complaint
Against the Coroner.

Mr. Charles S. Woolford of 1411 18th
street northeast. father Of Harry WOolford.
the boy who was killed by an elevator in a
eth street store last evening, called upon
the health officer this morning for the pur-
pose of lodging complaint against DIR. w.
p Carr, the coroner of the District From
a statement made to the health officer by
the bereaved parent. it appears that Mr..
Woolford called upon the coroner. in
formed him that he is the father of the
boy. and asked that an inquest be held. so
as TO determine the cause of the accident.
The coroner. so Mr. Woolford stated. re-
piled: Il have already satisfied myself as
to the cause of the accident, and 1t is I'M
ma terial to me whether You are Sausfled or
not
Feeling that he had been treated harshly
in the matter Mr.. Woolford called upon the
health officer. DIR. VIM. c. Woodward, to
see what could be done in the matter Mr..
Woolford stated that as the father of the
boy killed he naturally desires TO learn the
full particulars Of the accident. which par
t!cularS, he believes, can only be aScer-
tanned by the holding of an inquest Inc
health officer explained to him that the
coroner is not an official of the health de-
partment and referred Mr.. WoolfOrd to
Commissioner Macfarland. who has imme-
date supervision of the coroner and his
office.
To Commissioner Macfarland Mr.. Wool
ford explained the matter, ItttiNiH6 IIoiii
the Commissioner not only words or sym
pathy but also the assurance that the coro-
ner shall be asked to submit report in
the case 1t is understood that Commits
sioner mcfarland feels that Mr. Woolford
made only natural and reasonable re-
quest when he asked that an Inquest be
held. and if the bereaved father received
the treatment alleged against the coroner,
ii is expected that that official will receive
an intina ton to the effect that the alleged
harshness does not meet with the approval
of the Commissioners, and must not be re-
peated.
Commissioner Macfarland at once di-
rected that the coroner be notified TO ap-
pear before him.
In response to this summons, DIR. Carr
called upon him this afternoon telling the
Commissioner his side of the case. He said
he Lad not been harsh with Mr. Woolford
Until the latter intmated, so the coroner
charged, that he tthe coroner) did not want
10 hold the inquest because If Il desire to
shield some one Then. explained DIR. Carr.
he told Mr.. Woolford that he had no light
to make such an animation; that the law
authorized the coroner to determine these
matters and that he had satisfied himse If
by a careful inquiry, which ought, thought
Dr Carr TO satisfy Mr.. Woolford. No
sharp words were spoken by the coroner,
he declared to Commissioner mcfarland,
until the alleged intimation of Mr.. Wool
ford.
Commissioner mcfarland after hearing
the coroner's explanation. remarked that
he desired that the Inquest be made to
satisfy the father of the boy, and that he
desired that hereafter. in all cases. the
coroner shall TO everything in his power
to satisfy those interested. Mr.. Macfar-
land impressed upon the coroner. although
speaking generally, that it is his purpose
TO treat every one having business with
him, no matter how humble. as cour-
teously as possible. and that he expects
every official and employe of the District
to do the
II was subsequently announced by the
coroner that he would hold an inquest,
and orders were issued accordingly.