Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1923-01-19
EXPLOSION MAY
BRING ABOUT
INVESTIGATION
Residents Demand Truth as
to Amount of Explosives
at Morgan
FREEH0LDERS MAY ACT
Hercules Plant Officials Deny
Any Fire or Explosion at
ParIin

SOUTH AMBoY, Jan. 1s:-The
explosion yesterday morning at the
Morgan general ordnance depot near
here will likely result in the people
in this vicinity demanding an imme-
diate investigation into the amount
of explosives still stored at Morgan.
The explosion yesterday morning
had the effect of startling residents,
especially housewives, and bringing
forth visions of another catastrophe
similar to that which occurred at the
shell loading plant in the fall of
1918.
Reports from the Morgan plant
have been most assuring, declaring
that it will require .'only couple
more weeks" and all of the explo-
sives will be removed. Residents
here point out that these reassur-
ances have been forthcoming for
several months and still the explo-
sives have not been altogether re-
moved. An explosion such as that
of yesterday morning, or a fire such
as that of a few weeks ago tend to
awaken the residents of this section
that the Morgan plant is as free
from explosives or as safe as reports
would indicate.
During the time the freeholders
were at the plant one of the work
men was injured on the hand by fail
ure to use the safeguard that had
been provided for the operation. Mr..
Dey declaring that it was miraculous
that the mans head was not blown
off.
Though the freeholders had signi-
fled their intention of investigating
the fire hazard among the old stor-
age buildings at the plant and max
ing certain recommendations 10 the
war department to safeguard the
buildings of property in that loca-
| lity, no mention of such investigation
mission, however. will sail on the
In all parts of the city yesterday
housewives were startled to no niue
extent by the explosion. The ordeal
OF the famous Morgan wartime ex-
plosion, with all its i'll effects, again
came to the minds of the more
timid, as from every doorway peo-
pie strained their eyes toward the
Morgan plant. Fear for the SAFETY
of those employed at the plant, espe-
cially from the families who have
relatives working with the salvage
company was raised. and for a con-
siderable time after the shock, peo-
ple scurried about for information
that might ease their minds.
From all sections the question OF
laxity on the part OF those in au-
thority-who could stop the further
salvage at the plant, was raised. Re
ports to the effect that only a few
more days of activity at Morgan and
the place would be cleared, are con-
sidered a huge joke. IF there still
remains only little salvaging," said
one man yesterday. sit should be
given up as finished. ere the death
toll, that has already claimed a
number of local youths is added to-
It is understood that the Board OF
Freeholders will make another in
quiry into yesterdays explosion, and
rumors to the effect that the free
holders will take drastic steps tc
stop further work at the plant, are
considered we'll founded.
Officials of the Hercules Powder
Company plant at Parlin today de-
MED the report published yesterday
that there had been an. explosion ano
| fire at that plant. The plant officials
stated that no powder is stored al
the plant and that no fire or ex-
plosion occurred.