New-York tribune., 1901-04-25
PHILBIN IN BRIDGE CRUSH
TWO MEMBERS OF THE GRAND JURY
INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
SQUEEZED WITH HIM.

The grand jury yesterday took up the crush at
the New-Yorlx entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge
AS fitting sequel to the days proceedings two
members of the grand jury. with District At
torney Philbin guide. unannounced made
thorough inspection of the bridge terminals last
night during the rush hours. They were j. j.
Higgins and William Colgate
The visit was kept secret in order that no
special arrangements should be made by the
bridge authorities or the Manhattan railway
people. District Attorney Philbin assumed the
function of guide. and advanced toward the
loops of the Brooklyn streetcars. The crush
great. Mr.. Higgins was cut off from his COM
panions and District Attorney Philbin tried to
go back, but pushed ahead by the crowd. as
also was Mr.. Colgate. Mr. Higgins finally
caught up.
District Attorney Philbin lodged across the
outer track of the loop, followed by his COM
panions. All displayed great agility. They had
to- On the next track taking ON it's
human freight. The conductor was hanging to
the guardrai on the rear. while a husky starter
pushed the passengers onto the rear platform and
into the until every available inch of space
was occupied. District Attorney Philbin called
the attention of his companions TO this car.
From where the party stood it looked like a foot
ball game Another car started up, with men
and boys hanging to the step railing and trying
to get in. These scenes of cramming the
with humanity were repeated every few minutes.
District Attorney Philbin and his companions
held short conferences one pointed out some
fact to the others.
At the passageway marked ''William-st. exit
they looked over the balustrade at the crowd
Two policemen stood there. The District At
torney addressed few questions TO one of them
Crush nothing" said the policeman. This
amt marker to some nights. You ought to
come round when there is a crowd. Sometimes
have to pull the people up
Then the District Attorney and his two COM
panions made for the ticket booth. He acted
very deliberately, and loud murmur came
from the long line behind. The ticket agent
shouted to the District Attorney: Wake up.
there Get a move on! This is no lodging
house!'
The District Attorney hurried toward the first
flight of steps, closely followed by the two
grand jurors. They Immediately in the
midst of dense mass of humanity, and one Of
the members almost got lost in the crush. They
had no time TO talk They were pushed for
ward up the stairs They went with the crush.
which came in from both sides at the balconies,
and went upstairs. where the bridge cars arrive
and depart.
The trio of investigators watched the rush
for the bridge trains. Mr. Colgate and District
Attorney Philbin had earnest consultation,
during which they pointed to the empty plat
form at the extreme western end of the train
shed. Then the District Attorney suggested
that they move on and headed for the stairway
where the crowds surged up onto the platform.
He sooner tried ii than he stopped.
How are We going to get off this PLATFORM"
said he, somewhat despairingly.
You couldn't get through that crowd with
mounted squad" said policeman. Come with
me; 1 will show you way He did so.
After this the party went to the City Hall sta
ton of the elevated road.
A reporter asked the District Attorney for
some expression to the result of his OBJ
servations.
We'll. really you will understand IL would be
hardly proper for US to express any opinion at
this time I will say that our trip has proved
a success"