Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-01-16
Explosion IN Factory
Called Bomb Outrage
Continued from Page Ono


police thni, he may know something of the
affair lie was burned about the hands
and body, and went to the hospital for
treatment.
officials Of the company say the ex-
plosion was caused by crossed wires on a
switchboard, the spark caused by The
blowing out Of the wires gnlted gas from
u gas. machine. they said
POLICE sKEPTICAL
The police. however, are skeptical of this
explanation. Detective Ralph Gold said he
believed II was caused by a bomb. Several
policemen expressed the same op!aion,
The police say efforts have been made
by striking members Of the American Gar
ment workers TO induce the employees of
the Kirschbaum firm 70 Join them for sew
eral There have been several small lights
and near-rots near the plant IN the last
few weeks. Police and city Hail and
special detectives have been on duty there
for the last week.
Tho efforts of the Amogamated Gar
ment Workers TO influence the Klrschbaum
employees evidently met with little success,
The Iiirschbaum firm is one of the largest
manufacturers OF clothing IN the country.
Its eght-story building occupies the block
on Broad street from Carpenter street to
Washington avenue. The engine room Is
In n building in the rear, which faces Watts
street
The first intImation that the employees
had of the explosion today was a shock
which was distinctly felt. Then came the
terrific blast Women screamed and the
workers rushed for the exits, Overseers and
the firm officials succeeded In quletlDG
them, though several became hysterical.
Israel Senderofr 1920 North Lawrence
street, became so hysterical that he had to
be taken to the Howard Hospital for treat
ment. He said he thought strikers had at
tackled the plant.
INJURED MAN UNCONSCIOUS
When the debris in the engine room had
been partly cleared, Chosh was found un-
conscious with his face, hands body and
clothing burned. He works as a presser
on tine second floor. He told the police
he went to the engine room to have an
iron repaired and noticed a small blaze
in a corner When he tried to put 1t out,
he remembers big fare and nothing else,
The pressers explanation Of the eNplo-
sion differs from that Of the Arm. Doctors
said there was an odor Of powder on his
clothes.
Deteetlve Gold said he had learned that
Chosh came to Philadelphia from Milwau-
kee last June.
"Chosh's Injuries, that Is, his burns are
not serious" the detective explained, IT
may be that he is injured internally and
for that reason he Is being kept at the
hospital. When he recoyers sufficiently he
will be photographed and copies OF the
photographs will be sent broadcast in an
effort to ind out IL he Is known by the
police In other cities"
According 10 detectives, the injured mans
explanation for going to the engine room
Is a plausible one. Irons are repaired there
several times daily. II was said
A preliminary examination showed that
a hole two feet In diameter had been torn
IN the concrete floor; the machinery was
crippled. Doors and windows also were
shattered. One large and heavy door was
blown more than thirty feet and over a
high fence. Parts OF the fence also were
blown away.
Many Of the employees were sent home
after the accident Part OF the plant. the
police say was closed for the day.