New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-10
CORONER BILL WILL WIN.
MANY PREDICT VICTOKY.
The Feature That Arousc6 Opposi-
ton Noe Rp1nOUed.

The introduction IN the legislature OF senator
Flsbergs Coroners bill in such modified form as
TO be more acceptable than the former bill. which
failed OF passage q year ago. strengthens the
movement which The Tribune has supported 10
abolish the coroner's Office. Last years blu. De-
cause Il appeared to be directed against in
dividuals than against undesirable system, laio
Itself open to certain criticism In the modified
form OF the present bin however, an attempt mas
been made oh Tiste the objections on this score
The bill OF 1903 provided for the summary aboli-
ton % the coroner's Office. Under the new Dill.
however the coroners Will be permitted TO serve
out their terms OF Office and any vacancy can be
filled for the unexplred term by appointment Inc
news OF the reintroduction ot the bill In its new
form vas received with lively feelings Of satisfac-
ton in this city yesterday by those interested IN
the long needed reform.
Mr.. JEROME APPROVES THE BILL.
District Attorney Jerome on tho presumption
that tho new bill had preserved the substantial
features Of the old one indorsed the wisdom OF the
bill. I examined the old bin OF Senator Elsoers
at tho time" he told Tribune reporter. and.
while I thought its wording might have been
changed somewhat and to advantage. IN it, sub
stantial essentials the bill seemed TO be not only
reasonable. but In fits policy a wise measure"
To James TAYLOR Lewis, counsel OF the New
York State Medical Association. which. with the
New-York State Medical Society. has been press
Ing for the passage or the bill. shown The
Tribune's interview with Senator Eisoerg. He ssid:
HOW IT WAS MODIFIED.
The bill OF last year was criticised because it was
directed AGAINST certain inoividusls. instead OF
lous system and disarn this criticism tho former
bin was modified 10 allow the coroners now In Of
fee TO remain ana serve out their terms. Il was.
s;lch fnncons as were es3ecalIv a subject of at
tack. and simply leave them duties which would be
the least harmful until the end OF their term The
plan 10 be adopted. is 70 give all capable coroners
physicians the first chance 20 hold the office OF
Ineeesi examiner IN the new bureau OF inc hea!th
made after competitive examination: The fact
classification had TO be held, and that time would
be required in establishing this new bureau IN the
ssI Ibs d me % d, ~. az JsnIaEv
J. 1876. which would give ample time for all the
necessary arrangements to be completed. so that
deaths could he in perfect working order
The sections referring to the duties or the medl-
aware OF the death of another suddenly by any
.as9aIty OF by criminal violence, or when u unat
tendel by physician snall Immediately noufy me
Department OF Health or police officer that upon
instantly sent TO the place where the body Of the
person lies and there ne shall determine the cause
Health Department II in the opinion OF the med-
he may proceed 20 make an autopsy i'm tho presence
Of the District Attorney or representative or the
discreet persons and in such case the medical
examiner must also send a copy OF his report to
It viii 10 seer At glance that all the antlquatssd
bodies oftentmes twenty-sour hours late. then call
ing Tor jury. which is reported 10 be frequently
with, and the OF death will then be- ascertained
quickly and IN cases OF criminal violence the Dis
trict Attorney will have the advantage OF an i'm
mediate report and immediate autopsy ostentimss
OF the greatest value IN the Subsequent erim-
nal prosecution
IL the public could only look at the salary list
published IN The City Record Of attaches OF the
coroners' offices in tho various boroughs and see
the salaries paid .or clerks. stenographers and as
sistauts. II woud step in and uphold the HANDS ~
those who trying to substitute this bureau or
scientific men for absurd relic Of antiquity.
Representatives Of the great State medical bodies
have made study OF this particular bit or quasi
considering the best method OF quickly determining
the OF sudden suspicious deaths from o
medical standpoint alone. as they consider this 20
be the sole province Of these examiners, and their
suggestions have been Incorporated into this bill.
Accident and arbitrary ruling OF tho Speaker
latura prevented the passage OF the til Rs - was
which provided for the instant abolition Of the
corDners' Office: but under the proposed bill they
WI be allowed 10 serve out their terms OF ONCE,
and any vacancy can be filled for the urcUpired
term by appointment
Dr. Henry r. Purdy. who IL member Of tho
Committee Public Health Of the state Medical
Association. confident that every objection was
dlsarmed-
The only objection last YEAR he said. was 20
the clause sunmarily abolishing the coroners' Of
fee This the sole objection even among those
Republican Assemblymen who opposed the bill
As this objection IS now removed az the measure
Is just urgent as Il vas and tho same Senators
last year will consider the measure. 7 cannot
imagine how the bin can fail to 70 through"