New Britain herald., 1923-02-19

s~~~~-~>~~e~e~>~~~~~, New York. Feb. i9.--A fire many times as disastrous as that which ycs- tcrday swept a unit of the Alanhat- ian State Hospital for the Insane on Wards Island may at any moment break out on the AIadman's Isle.
 This was the warning sounded to- day by Supt Heyman as various in- vestigators began to study the latest of seven blazes which have threatened the island since iS97..
 The little dab of earth in the mid- dle of the East river just north of treacherous Hell Gate, given over to the care of the mentally unsound, is dotted with about 75 separate struc- lures, of which 50 are used to house patients. Of the entire number, but two are fireproof according to Dr. Heyman. who asserted that he has vainly implored the legislature for additional funds with which to pro- tect his charges from fire
 Buildings Overrowded.
 Yesterdays blaze destroyed but a part of a great building, which, over crowded as it is, sometimes shelters 2,200. The building is 50 years old.
 The islands fire fighting force is wholly inadequate, according to Dr. Heyman.
 Dr. IIeyman adds that he has re- peatedly asked for chief and 10 paid firemen. but got only the chief
 pr. Heyman said the island faces a fire menace much greater than that an ordinary settlement because it is located on an island not easily reached and because it has among it's inhabitants many recog- 1ized pyromaniacs.
 Eight Inquiries On.
 Eight inquiries were under way to-. lay into the tragedy on Wards island, little jutting rock in the swirling waters of Hell Gate where yesterday ire swept ward of the Manhattan State hospital for the Insane, killing F patients and three male attend tnts.
 3 Probably Cremated.
 Nineteen bodies had been recovered ,efore dusk and removed to the city norgue, but six more remained in the ce-covered ruins. These, it was fear d, had been cremated, and Supern- endent Marcus B. Heyman express | doubt whether more than charred. ones ever would be recovered.
 Blast May Be Cause.
 The blaze. was believed to have cen started by terrific blast in Hell late which broke the insulation on lectric wiring, causing a short cir uit
 A curious hush pervaded the island uring the night. The bedlam of cries nd rawlings which ordinarily might ave been expected was entirely lcking.
 The whole population of the asylum resented a phlegmatic calm after the ay of sorrow, a day on which the lsane acted most sanely.
 Dangerous Maniacs.
 The one unit of the 75 on the island lat was attacked by flames housed le violently insane--men of homici- ll tendency. who might at any mo- ent have leapt at the threats of leir. rescuers.
 But leap they did not. A few ruggled as guards tried to push their ay to safety through the smoke and tmes, but not single attack upon , attendant was reported. The fire marshars office was the enc of today's first Investigation. there at 9 o'clock were e three attendants whose effective ork was chiefly responsible for the Hill, the attendant in large ef the ward: Michael Camp II, and John Curry. Later these men were ordered to port at the office Of Medical Exam 6 CT Norris.
 Probing the Ruins. Meanwhile the state architect, with force of men, was aiding in probing c debris of the buried wing, while
 Floyd Haviland, chairman Of the ate hospital commission, was mak- 2 a further examination of the ins before submitting his report to )vernor Smith. The possibility that the district att rney's office might launch fifth vestigation also loomed.
 Other investigations. The sixth investigation was being -ected by the hospitals board of inagers. which met twice yesterday Il has set another meeting for Wed- sday
 A seventh investigation. concluded t night by city detectives. resulted
 a report to Detective Captain rey that the fire in all probability Il been caused by a short circuit Q to the Hell Gate blasting Bflgadier General Edward' Burr, in
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