Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-06-17

satisfactory. There are now only ffty-three
victims of the disaster in the hospitals.
II developed today that a new horror had
been added to the terrible conditions re-
sulting from the Slocum disast through
the over-offlciousness OF some person at
the morgue. As a result some of the bodies
of the dead probably never will be identi-
fled and will go to last resting place in
the humble plot furnished by the city's
charity.
Plans in Identification Bungled.
When the bodies were taken by hundreds
from the water and laid in rows on the
grass at North Brother Island. each was
tagged with a number. That number was
carefully recorded. and the papers. vaiua-
bles and trinkets which would have served
to positively identify the bodies were re-
moved and placed in separate packages.
each package bearing a number correspond
ing to the number on the body from which
- the articles were taken.
These packages then were placed In the
custody of the coroner. Scores of the bodies
1T the morgue We're burned or bruised be-
yOnd recognition, but it was hoped that all
might he claimed by friends by means of
the papers and jewelry.
When the bodies were taken to the
morgue they were placed in numbered
boxes. but In many cases these numbers
did not correspond with the figures the
bodies previously had borne. AS a result
the plans were completely upset, and the
numbered packages of valuables became
practically worthless a means of identi-
fylng the unfortunate owners.
one case which came to the attention of
the officials today that of A. r. Hill of
Williamsburg. Mr.. Hill called at the
morgue yesterday and identified the bodies
of his brother-in-law. William Richter. and
the wife of the latter, and they were re-
moved ta the office OF an undertaken In
the afternoon the bodies of Catherine and
Lillian Richter. three and four years old.
respectively, also were identified by him.
When he called at the morgue today with
an undertaken who was to attend to the
burial of the bodies they could not be
found The bodies were numbered 1T3 and
Ia. respectively. and the authorities at the
morgue have no record OF any such bodies
having been given to any one. though they
had a record of the Identification made by
Mr.. Hill on yesterday. 1t Is thought that
some undertaken was given the bodies in
place of two others which should have been
taken through a confusion in the numbers
Secretary Cortelyou on the Ground.
Secretary of Commerce and Labor George
H. Cortelyou. who had n long conference
with Robert s. Rodie, inspector of the sec
ond district of New York. after his arrival
here said today that he would give his
personal attention to the federal investiga-
ton of the Slocum disaster.
Mr.. Cortelyou has gone to Westfed,
Mass, where he will deliver two addresses
He will return to New York tonight and
begin at once the preliminaries of the in
vestgation Before leaving for Westfeld
the Secretary said
Il wish to say that a most thorough in
yestigation will be made into this most
awful tragedy, and that no stone Will be
left unturned to lay bare the whole truth
with regard to it.
merce and Labor. / am the head of the
federal inquiry into this affair and 1 pro-
pose to give it my personal and, in SO far
as possible, my undivided attention until
the matter is finally settled AS soon as
practical the board of inspectors will get
together and take testimony. This inquiry
will be separate and distinct from any pro-
ceedngs brought by city, state or county
officials.
Will Hold Inquiry Himself.
Il want to correct an impression that
seems to have gone abroad that this in
yesifgation will be left to subordinates in
the department. This is absolutely untrue
j will hold the inquiry myself and will have
ample assistance from the most prominent
and efficient men In the department Every
one who can throw the least light upon the
matter will be brought before the board
and the taking of testimony will continue
so long as any one can be found who can
aid in arriving at correct estimate of
the facts. The sttings viii continue until
the whole truth is known
Mr. Cortelyou said that if 1t was found
to be true that employees of the govern
nent have been criminally negligent in
their inspection of boilers In New York
hsrbor the public can rest assured that no
one will be shielded. but that the blame
will be pla ced where 1t properly belongs.
II want it thoroughly understood con-
tirued Mr. Cortelyou, that the federal au-
thorties will protect no one; but until 1t IS
demonstrate ted that some has been lax
In his duty. or worse. l will stand back of
every one in the service.
Until we have an opportunity of making
the investigation l ask that the public will
suspend judgment / promise to do all that
i can personally and officially"