New-York tribune., 1902-07-24

Rennarka bic heroism displayed by Police
man George Holder. of the East Fffty-frst-st
station, late yesterday. when he dived into the
East River at Fifty-second-st. and rescued two
children who were being carried into mid
stream on the swift running tide. After getting
hold Of the drowning children he had the battle
of his life, for they struggled so furiously that
II seemed as IL he would be compelled TO leave
them to save his life Several times he
sank with the two youngsters. while a large
crowd of excited women and children at the
BlackwelPs Island ferry landing, at Fifty-sec-
ond-st. watched breathlessly, and offered up
prayers for the policeman and the brother and
sister.
After desperate struggle lasting nearly half
an hour, Holder managed TO swim TO the bulk
head and he and the children were dragged
ashore while the crowd cheered Justify and
surged around the rescued youngsters and their
rescuer.
The children were Rose spitzbader. twelve
wears old and her brother, Peter. eight. who
live at No. 347 East Fffty-frst-st. They had
been playing log which projected over the
end OF the bulkhead. Peter, while, heaying a
heavy stone, lost his balance and lurched back
ward. His sister thrust her hand toward him.
and as he tunbled he caught it and dragged her
in with him. A wild cry was set up by their
playmates, and several Iongshoremen and ferry
hands were attracted TO the scene. but they
feared their own lives would be in danger II
they attempted TO rescue the children. knowing
the current TO be treacherous.
Holder however, being attracted by the
cries without even waiting to dof his helmet,
plunged into the river and made for the drown
ing children. He made for the girl first He
seized her with his left hand, and then swan
toward the lad who had just disappeared. The
voungster came near the surface again, ana the
policeman grabbed him by the hair before ne
could sink again
with the boy under his right arm and the girl
under his left Holder started TO swim against
the strong ebb tide TO the bulkhead All three
bv this time and it seemed to the spectators
that Holder and the children would never reach
The bulkhead. ~,
The two youngsters were clutching frantlcally
at the policeman and struggling desperately 10
get on his shoulders Unable TO move ms
bende there was only one thing for Holder to
do and that was TO turn over on MS Dach'
when he attempted to roll over, however, the
children renewed their struggles, and Holder
narrowly escaped sinking After extreme ann
Guilty he managed to turn over, ana althoush
able 10 use only his feet he succeeded IN SWIM
ming TO the pier. The children were Immersed
reneatedIy and by the time Holder reached the
bnlkbead they had become unconscious.
Some months ago. while arresting a thief'
Holder was beaten about the BODY SUSTAINING :
severe internal injuries. He has Deen out Oh
the hosnital only a few months ana at times
found extreme difficulty In walking. In MS
swim Yesterday he SAID, he endured sharp
nsins 4, his abdomen but he would have
drowned before he would see the chloreh
Derish He was in such an exhausted coholtioh
last night that he was sent nome anu ms haihe
placed on the sick list ,.,oo, oondi
peter was reported TO be in critical cohoi-
ton last night the result OF the accioeh'