New-York tribune., 1902-03-25
MOREOF ACAVE-IN FEARED
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS TAKEN IN DE-
PRESSED PARK-AVE. SECTION.
OWNERS COME TO AN AMICABLE
UNDERSTANDING


1t was apparent yesterday from the activity
on the east side of Park-ave.. between Thirty
seventh and Thirty -eighth-st.. that grave ap-
prehensiOn for the safety of the abutting build
ings is entertained. Many heavy yellow pine
tirbers. ffty-eight feet long. were placed hori-
zontally the weakened foundations and
against the sides Of three more buildings. The
number of men about who wore fire line badges,
the presence of officials OF the Subway Con-
struction Company. the forty-eight members
of the emergency force from the Buildings De-
partment and. than anything else. the
steady moving of household goods from the
block. gave distinct impression that the
outlook from the point of view of property
owners ominous.
Although subway engineers said that the extra
bracing TO the buildings was simply making
safe safer" the fact that Nos. 81 53 and 80
We're being shored up yesterday evidence
that the decomposed rock on which these build
ings stand. had either been slipping again or
believed to be more in danger of slipping
than hitherto. These houses owned by H.
II. Flagler. Mrs. NJ. T. Willett and F. w. De-
voc. Furniture was removed from these houses
yesterday. No 81. owned by D. Leroy Dresser.
president Of the Merchants Association. is un-
safe. The stoop and areaway guards will be
torn down. and the building will be protected by
spar braces. This came disappont-
ment TO Mr. Dresser, who believed that his
property was without the danger line.
No is willing TO say positively that the
damage from the cave-in Will not spread inch
by inch. The lack of such assurance does
not in any way decrease the alarm which is
becoming general among the Park-ave. resi-
dents. They show disposition TO act quickly.
before their houses come tumbling down over
their heads.
The meeting Of property owners scheduled at
; o'clock this evening at the Hotel Manhattan
instead of the Murray Hill Hotel. has been
reported-wiIl give them opportunity TO unite
on some definite plan. John b. Mcdonald. the
contractor and Chief Engineer William Barclay
Parsons yesterday talked with representatives
Of those who will meet this evening The sub
way officials made an excellent impression on
the very much dissatisfied owners-sO excellent
that it may safely be predicted that no suits
Will present be brought or plea for an in
junction to stop the subway work will be en-
tered. The subway officials. the property owners
said, were anything but offended that the lat
ter should wish TO institute investigation Of
the present condition OF the tunnel under them
by engineers Of their own choosing.
"If these gentlemen can find anything Of
value" said Mr.. Mcdonald to Tribune re-
porter, they will do us great service. Our
own engineers have had large experience In
rock blasting still they would welcome CO.
operation from engineers chosen by the property
owners
Mr.. Parsons said that he thoroughly sympa-
thized with the householders At his suggestion
Perez NJ. Stewart, Superintendent OF Buildings.
Inspector Garvey through the cut imme
dately under the houses Accompanied by Mr..
Mcdonald and Mr. Parsons. the representative
of the Buildings Department made thorough
examination Of the walls Of both tunnels along
park-ave. Inspector Garvey Will present a writ
ten report of his investigation 10 Superintendent
Stewart.
Mr. Stewart arrived early yesterday morning
at the wrecked houses. and stayed through the
day. He IS closely watching the condemned
buildings, and confers frequently with subway
engineers. His action yesterday in ordering
more househoders to remove their effects from
their homes and his braCing OF Nos. 81. % and
81 with heavy timbers were favorably COM
mented on by the property owners themselves.
The latter will be unable to return to their
homes for over month.
Ira A Shaler, sub-COntractor, was busy man
yesterday He frequently conferred with Mr..
Mcdonald and Mr. Parsons. These men, to-
gCther with Superintendent Stewart spent the
day I'm front OF the damaged buildings. This
close attention their part satisfied the crowds
about the line OF policemen that the conditions
below ground had not grown more favorable.