The Washington times., 1922-08-26
KN|CKERBOCKER
CLAIMS CAUSE
|. TILT IN NSEhATE
Myers and Wadsworth Ridi-
cuIe Idea Congress Was to
Blame for Tragedy.

-
erbocker disaster--especiaiiy with
reference TO the movement now on
foot to have Congress make an
appropriation for the survivors and
victims Of that tragedy--cape in
the Senate late yesterday.
Senators Myers Of Montana and
wadsworth Of New York ridi-
culed the idea that the Federal
Government was in any way obli-
gated to care for the Knickerbocker
victims. Strong exceptions TO their
attitude. however, was taken by
Senators Ashurst of Arizona and
Robinson Of Arkansas.
"I have been astounded to read
in the newspapers. said Senator
Myers, that the victims OF the
Knickerbocker disaster are organ
izing TO demand from Congress
money out Of the Federal Treasury
to compensate them for the suffer
ings which they sustained IN per
son In that frtghtful catastrophe.
or incurred from the death OF
relatives. I cannot see, to save
my life, how on earth the Govern
ment can be held legally or morally
responsible for any damage that
ensued from that disaster. The
owners Of the building. the con
tractors who erected 1t, and so
forth, are the parties to whom VIC
times who are now living and rela-
tives of dead victims should look
for reparation.
"Raid on Treasury"
"The Knickerbocker victims. how
ever. plan an organized raid on
the Federal Treasury. The Federal
Government is considered easy. We
are to have another organized
minority knocking at the doors OF
Congress for q raid on the Federal
Treasury. II the victims Of that
disaster are compensated by Con-
gress, shall be ready to throw up
my hands and say there Is no pro-
lection for the taxpayers OF this
country; that the Federal Treasury
Is simply open 70 anyone, who
chooses to organize and raid II.
Senxtor Ashurst interrupted the
speech 70 say he had personally in-
vestlgated the collapse of the
Knickerbockef Theater and that he
also thought Congress Is to blHme
when Il keeps on It's pay ron in
this District building inspectors
who would approve such fiimsy
and dangerous structure"
Moreover. they are about to re-
build the Knickerbocker Theater on
the same site. where the vibration
of the cars at the corners OF the
Iintersecting streets Is almost suf-
ficient to throw down the best
constructed buildings, much less a
flimsily constructed building. such
as the Knickerbocker was. 81.
"It seems to me that IL Con-
gress and the committees of Con-
gress sit idly by and rermit such
poorly constructed buildings to be
approved, we cannot escape some
responsibility in the matter. in
sist that we have a responsibility
that we cannot shift by saying that
we do not know anything about It.
Robinson Defends Plan.
Senator Robinson said that while
he believed the FedeSal Government
had no legal responsibility TO COM
pensate the Knickerbocker vic.
tins. he did not see that there is
anything immoral or unjust In Con-
gress giving some consideration TO
some proposal for relief in such
ca seS.
"I emphasize the fact that while
Congress is exercising it's powers.
while Congress Is performing all
the State functions that State au-
lthorities perform, we cannot with
indifference wash our hands OF
such accidents as the Knickerbocker
disaster"
Senator wadsworth stated he had
never heard Of similar claims be-
ing made, and thought II would be
Just as logical for victims of rail
road accidents to sue the Govern
ment because the train equipment
is inspected by agents OF the Inter
state Commerce. Commission.
At this point the debate ended.
Il was apparent the claims OF
compensation for the victims OF
that tragedy Will have strong sup
port when the issue is brought be-