Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-11-09
PROBING POISON FUME
Government Experts Are In
vestigating Deadly Gas.
REMEDIES MAY FOLLOW
Coroner hewitt Hopes That Manu-
facture May Be Regulated.
THREE VICTIMS IN ONE GRAVE
Jury Is Sworn In, but No Inquest
Probable-Inquiries From
Householders.

Il am glad the federal government
has taken a hand in the investigation of
the Bremerton tragedy and the menace to
life from carbon monoxide gas" Coroner
hewitt said. Il feel certain the inquiry
will be thorough.
II am not familiar with the law gov
erning the making of gas. l think the
investigation that is in progress. however
will bring out all the facts pertaining to
the question of how it is made and
will remedy defects If any are found
The deaths of tho Bremertons are the
first that had come to his notice in which
carbon monoxide was the direct cause
DR.. hewitt states. although he thinks it
possible that monoxide has figured in
other fatalities.
During the past few years. he saws. a
number of persons hav" died from in
haling gas where gas stoves were left
burning in sleeping rooms. In most of
such cases the tubing had become de-
tached. and the gas had escaped from
the pipes.
Would Regulate Heaters.
Henry B. Davis. inspector of plumbing
has recommended to the Commissioners
that regulations governing gas water
heaters be amended to require heaters to
be so constructed as to remove all pos
sible danger from carbon monoxide
He believes all gas water heaters can
and should be provided with door,
which will give access to the burner and
all heated surface. for the purpose of
lighting and cleaning and that flue for
the heater should be provided to carry off
noxious fumes. emanattng therefrom to
the outer air.
Nv
use of pilot lights on these heaters be
strictly prohibited. His. amendment will
probably require that gas water heaters
In use be made to conform with it,
Apparatus Being Examined.
Portions of the gas stove and hot water
apparatus supposed to have been respon-
sible, partially or entirely, for generating
the poisonous fume in sufficient quantity
to Kill the three members of the Bremen
ton family last Friday have been re-
moved from the home in which the
tragedy occurred and taken to the chemi-
cal laboratory of the bureau of chem
istry.
There the experts in gas chemistry will
make a thorough examination. The tests
will be conducted under the supervision
OF DR.. John Haywood, whose statement in
The Star last Saturday was the first
scientific explanation of the action of
carbon monOxide.
Three Victims in One Grave.
The funeral services over the three
bodies were held this Afternoon in the
chapel at Oak Hill cemetery. Rev. DR..
Marshall of North Capitol NJ E. Church
officiated The three bodies were placed
in one grave.
Coroner hewitt swore i'm jury of six
men this morning to investigate into the
cause of death. at Wright's undertaking
establishment. where the bodies lay The
members of the jury are E. r. Martin
Of 476 Q street northwest, Rev. ". L.
Lynn OF Bradburn Memorial Church,
Thomas McKnew. Thomas B. Walker of
the firm of J. L. Walker Sons. M. A. Tan
ger. 100 1th street northwest, and A. L.
Reed. 1881 N street.
Beyond taking the oath. the jury did
nothing. The coroner told them to hold
themselves in readiness in case an in
quest is held. The swearing in OF n
jury when II has been summoned Is a
legal formality made necessary by law.
whether or not an inquest is held.
The coroner said he did not expect any
further developments
Il believe the cause of the generation
OF the poisonous gas is known / have to
swear in jury in case anything should
happen requiring an inquest
II L were to permit the bodies to be
buried or removed from the city, and
anything should arise Of questionable ma
ture. l would be in a predicament. So
have arranged to have the jury in readi-
ness
Inquiries From Householders.
Since the tragedy the coroner has been
deluged with letters and messages from
persons who are anxious to know the
truth concerning the cause of the deaths.
One Of the anxious is H. c. Huston, &C.
cupying the fiat next to the Bremen
mans
DIR. II. C. Yarrow, S14 18th street. was
among those who communicated with