The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-11-24
Investigation Shows That IN
Spector ISham Failed to
Report Progress.
WILL AWAIT ACTION
OF CORONER'S JURY
Fine Small, But Contractor May
Be Held on Charge of Grim
inal Negligence.

AS the result of the collapse of the
building at North Capitol and NJ streets
yesterday. W. Isham, an assistant build
ing Inspector. was today dismissed from
the service OF the District government
Commissioner Morrow today returned
from Pittsburg, where he attended the
funeral of his grandmother, Mrs. Re
becca Marshall Johnson, and immedi-
ately began an investigation OF the &C
cident.
Major Morrow said that his inquiries
developed that Isham inspected the
building in question. Saturday last, bat
failed TO report that the structural work
was in progress. His excuse, said Major
Morrow, was that he was under the i'm
preston that permit had been granted
Punishment Small.
Asked as to the probable result of the
accident Major Morrow said that while
building regulations impose only a fine
of from 81 to 500 IN the case of the
erection Of a building without a permit,
the grand jury may hold the owners
and contractor as well as Isham guilty
OF criminal negligence. depending. OF
course, upon the action OF the Coroner
jury.
The permit" said Major Morrow,
would have been granted within q day
or two and II the work had been con-
Quoted on proper lines and was properly
inspected IL would probably have been
az SAFE as any warehouse building in
the District. The iron trusses were OBJ
tanned from the old Pennsylvania train
shed and were passed upon by c. w,
5OmmerVlllet the District cOmputer.
Some Of the parts were rejected. hut
t4aI which was accepted was considered
OF suTnC1ent strength and durability to
ted to
The accident In my opinion was due to
break In one OF the "gin poles" a
form Of derrick.
Argument for Legislation.
ut is another argument for the en-
actment OF legislation for which Build
ing Inspector Ashford and I have long
contended; to provide for the issuance
Of building permits only 70 competent
architects and builders. In this instance
the builder, under such a law. would
be held directly responsible. Al the
coming session OF Congress I shall re-
new my former recommendation 10 this
eject, as believe IL is the only method
by which accidents OF this kind can he
avoided.
Mr., Isham, the Assistant Inspector NJ
Buildings, whose failure to report to
the Building Inspector the condition OF
the building, received a salary OF 81 a
day He has been in the service OF the
District about six months.
william a Newman, the subcon-
tractor whose employee, RAYMOND
Hibbs, was killed yesterday In the
COLLAPSE of building at the corner OF
North Capitol and NJ streets, will prob
ably be able to give some assistance
IN fixing the blame for the death OF
Hibbs. Mr.. Newman gave several rea-
sons today why such q calamity might
have been expected because of the
character OF steel used in the construc-
ton.
When asked whether a permit had
been given for the work. Mr Newman
said he did not know. but that an in
specJor was present every day. He said
In many Instances the inspector had
Instructed him how 70 place the steel
trusSes.
Attorneys for Walter +. Donaldson.
the contractor who is putting cd the
building Tor the National Warehouse
Company declares there is no founda-
ton for the alleged charges OF Mr..
Newman.