Evening journal., 1903-08-11
TWO DAMAGE SUITS
ARE INSTITUTED
Philadelphia Officials Investi
eating the Horror at the
Baseball Park
MAYOR INSPECTS THE WRECK

Philadelphia, Aug. 11.--Mayor Wea-
yer has personally interested himself
in the investigation into the cause of
the collapse of the promenade at the
Philadelphia national league base ball
park, which resulted in the death of
nine spectators and serious injury to
over 200 others. The mayor, accom-
panied by Director of Public Safety
Smyth, visited the ball park, and later
the two officials held a conference with
Coroner Dugan At the coroner's re-
quest, Director Smyth will not issue a
permit for rebuilding the walk until
after the inquest. The bureau Of build
ing inspection under orders from
Mayor Weaver, appointed a special
committee Of expert builders to exam
inc the broken promenade. Their re-
port will be submitted TO the coroner:
Mayor Weaver. after his visit to the
base ball grounds, said
Il can readily sec how the accident
I happened. The floor Of the promenade
was covered with tin to keep out the
water but. instead, the water leaked
in and rottcd the wood AS for the
responsibility, it rests with the people
who constructed the walk and with
those whose duty 1t was to keep it in
repair
John l. Rogers, who was principal
owner of the Philadelphia base ball
club when the present pavilion and
"beachers" were built. had a confer
ence with President Potter Of the club.
Later, in an interview, Mr.. Potter said:
Il feel that no precaution was omit
ted on the part Of the company TO pro-
tect the patrons Of the park. It was
one of those accidents that occur when
a large number of people, actuated by
a common impulse, do something un-
expected"
Robert Cling died at the hospital
from his injuries, making the ninth
/ fatality as a result of the accident
The unknown man reported killed, it
was learned, was William Graham, who
had been previously reported dead.
Two actions at law were instituted
to recover damages for injuries re-
ceived in the accident. The suits are
directed against the lessees Of the
grounds, to determine the liability.
The remaining two games of the Sc
ries with Boston were postponed. The
schedule will be resumed tomorrow.
Meanwhile. scores OF homes are grief
stricken. Three hospitals are crowded
with patients, about the bedsides of
whom are witnessed countless num-
Der of pathetic scenes. 1t is said l3 OF
the patients are dying.
Joseph McDonough. who is at st.
Luks's hospital with a fractured skull,
became delirious. and springing from
his bed threw a glass at DR.. c. w
!, Thomas. The patient then kicked a
screen out of a window and attempted
to jump to the street, but was held
back by attendants.
Frederick Baumann has never re-
gained consciousness since he was hurt
Attended by the young woman to whom
ne is engaged. he lies at the point OF
death in the Samaritan hospital.
Another man. similarly attended, is
James Douglas McCauley who was the
first patient received at st. Lukss after
the accident He has a fractured skull
and is in a very critical condition. lie
is engaged TO be married.
Edward Hedley, a member of the
Vesper crew that captured the worlds
championship at Paris, may never pull
an oar again. One shoulder was dislo
Gated and one wrist was fractured dur
ing the accident and he is now at st
Joseph's hospital. He also suffered Sc
we're bruises on his knees and head.