New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-02-22
PRIEST CAR VICTIM
BADLY HURT At NIGHT.
Many CIergymen Visit Him at Belle
UUe-Identity Mystery for Day.

a middIe-aged man was taken in ambulance
from Lexington and SOth street to Belle
vue Hospital late Saturday night. He was suffer
ing from scalp wound and possible fracture OF
the skull a result OF attempting, the police
say. to board southbound Lexington avenue car.
The victim was dressed like clergyman, and
after much mystery the part OF the Bellevue
authorities it was said at the hospital that the
patient Father Daniel c. Cunnou, OF Corona
Long Island. but he Is not connected with either
OF the churches there, sccOrdng TO priests In the
TWO churches. 1t was said at corona tnaS the
priests address No. 464 West 1&d street
Late last night IL said the patient had
slight chance Of recovery
woman who with the priest at the time
OF the accident appealed to DR. McLane to ride in
the ambulance. and he consented.
DR.. Hooker in charge OF the receiving
room when the unconscious taken in.
The woman gave the name Of the man as John
Finnegan," his age forty years, his occupation
that OF a physician and his home as Corona Long
Island. She gave her name as Mary Fin
nesan,' of No. 42s Sixth avenue and said she was
his nearest friend
While waiting in the reception for the
orderles to convey the injured man 70 surgical
ward the woman searched through the unconscious
mans pockets, the Bellevue authorities say. The
admitting physician informed the woman that the
hospital would charge of any money or
other valuables the possessed, and she re-
piled:
Il do not want his money or valusbIes, but ne
has something else in his pockets that I must
hsvs."
Soon after the man had been admitted and the
surgeons had diagnosed his injuries. the patient
was removed TO the annexed pavilion where
physicians who have been attached to Bellevue are
permitted to take special cases. exclusive
ward in tho hospital
The woman did stay long on Saturday night
but she visited the hospital twice yesterday. with
apparent disregard for the visiting hours Through
out the night Saturday and all day yesterday and
last night various members OF the Roman Cath
Ollie priesthood called at Bellevue Hospital and
asked for priest, but ''FInns-
gan" Several women also called the hospital
yesterday. None Of them asked for Father F1nne
gan"
The address flied by the woman. NO. 42s Sixth
avenue proved TO be a dining room, woman
named ''Finnegan' being known there.
When asked about the patient Assistant SGperin-
tsndent Richard said
Il not IN position to talk I merely
subordinate hero See Superintendent Smith"
After twenty priests had visited the hospital and
the telephone operator had answered several calls
from persons nQuiring concerning the condition Of
this patient the Bellevue authorities said that
Father Daniel g Cunnion. or Corona Long Island.
was the patient
Investigation subsequently, showed that Father
CunniOn was formerly connected with tho Mission
OF the Holy Name. at No. 1917 Bowery, which was
founded BY Archbishop Farley. but LEFT the mission
a year and half ago. removing from the city, HIS
then lived at No. II Oliver street, with Father
James G Curry.
The police OF the East 25th street station report
that while Father Cunnion attempting to board
a southbound Lexington avenue he fell.
tanning probably fatal injuries.
The visits OF the priests 10 Bellevue continued
untH late in the night. last night. orders being
given the attendants show any priests who
might call directly to the bedside Of Father Cum
Mon.
Father James R. Curry pastor Of St. James's
Church, In James street said last night he did not
know where Father Cunnions charge at pres
ent. The Rev Mslick A. Cunnion, pastor OF st.
Raphaels Church, No. 5o2 West E1st street, is
brohter OF the Bellevue patient and the Rev. Dud-
ley Cunnion. OF the assistants in the Church
OF Our Lady OF Mercy. East 1sOth street and Web
ster avenue, The Bronx. is also brother. A third
brother is Francis 2. CunniOn, OF No 40T East
10th street, who is member OF the Board OF Ed
uCation.
Some years ago, when Father Daniel c. Cunnion
to Kingston. y. Y. attend the dedication
OF college building n torpedo was exploded acci-
dentAIy BY some OF the students and he lost one
eye g result. He educated in Manhattan.
hut ordained In Rome