New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-18
TO INVESTIGATE FIRE.
Jersey Coroner Holds HeIicOn Hall
IRgueSf on ThurSd0y

T5nglewood y j. March Il (SpeciaD.-Cor-
oner Lees and Prosecutor Rooster are investi-
eating the fatal fire at Helicon HalLhere yester-
day morning, when life was lost and so
many of Upton Sinclairs cooperative colony
had narrow escapes from death. There are
many rumors afoat, all of which have reached
Coroner Lees.
Il asked Prosecutor Rooster 20 assist me IN
this matter because it needs an extensive in
ouirv I have heard many things that lead ne
10 believe that the fire was of supicious as
well as mysterious origin" said Coroner Lees
to a Tribune reporter.
40 many references have been made to the
fact that the premises were insured for $40
600" he added. that ! concluded to obtain as
sistance in making a close inquiry l have
learned that a local painter caused papers to he
served on Mr.. Sinclair few days ago 10 recover
81 600 and it is rumored that several Engie-
wood business men have claims against me
COLONY. Rumors are not evidence hut II IS my
duty to keep these rumors until the nvestisa-
ton is ended.
some say that it was impossible for Helicon
Hall TO be so enveloped in flames so soon after
an EXPLOSION OF gas as to cut off every means ~
escane and it is the general opinion that the
lower part Of the home in flames long ne
fore the gas exploded
u learn that some men were in full dress
when the alarm was sounded, and that two VINO
reached home at > a m. heard mysterious move
ments in the lower portion Of the house. where
no one was supposed to be at that hour
IT am not in a position to reach any con-
cIusion l not supposed to reach coI'c'u-
sion in such serious matter. but the rumoiS
are such that it becomes my duty to investigate
them"
Constable Myers has chosen the follow ing jury
Donald MaCkaE,
foreman: G. L. Miller William Conkin F. ".
Bergendahl. Or. 7. s TreadweN and Joseph H.
Tillotson.
Mrs Grace MacGowan Cooke and Miss Alice
MACEDONIAN. who were injured by jumping from
their windows, are in serious condition The
others doing nicely.
When Upton Sinclair at the house Of Gaylord
Wiltshire. No. sol West 1o6th street, was told last
night OF what Coroner Lees had said he replied
The people who nome late IN the
morning wsre \ ". Collier ana Miss Summers.
my secretary They mad Just returned from the
theatre In New York Miss Summers came out Of
her later to enter another room. The pa
pers which were served ON me were for claims
which have been standing over for tho last three
months The painter made contract With Mr.
Noyes and myself decorate tho rooms at S2 a
room. He rendered TIE bill at the rate Of SO a
room We told him Immediately that we would
not pay him the bill under such circumstances.
VIC have been expecting a SUIT NJ any Time ne
colonys affairs have been I'm confusion owing 10
tho desperate illness Of the superintendent. Mr.
Randeu II necessary send him to cuba.
and ne had also been acting hookkeeper we
were uncertain about our accounts and what bills
ought 10 hc paid
Ever since Mr. Raude'rs return tho colony has
heeu working clear this matter mp. and at the
time OF the fir" the complete list ot bills dHe was
ready for Submission to the board OF directors.
Tho colony was 80 prosperous financially that IL
had refused money. Its stock subscribed and
nversuhscrihcd ] lad received offers OF about
$4,000 iu response 10 my prospectus ana statements
~ future plans sent out i'm February. Fifteen hun
dred dollars IN during the last week and
$ 90 e tho way 10 from abroad