New Britain herald., 1923-02-19
MADMANS ISLAND
 REAL FIRE TRAP
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 charge fer the war department of inc dredging Of Hell Gate, declined to comment on the theory that blast. ing by the dredges was the original cause Of inc ire, He said if this theory was advanced seriously. he would iaaagurate an Investigation also,
 Wiring Is lilamed.
 Following the second meeting of the board. Dr, Hayiland said that the explanation Of the possible origin Of the fire as given out by Dr, Hey man was plausible and that he was convinced that defective wiring was responsible,
 pr. Hayiland supported nr, Heyman in his contention that the burned building was greatly oyererowded. For this reason i75 patients were trans ferFed 10 other state institutions since January 1. but this only partly re- lieyed the congestion.
 10 an Funeral Large.
 funeral barge moved down the East river shortly before midnight, carrying to the Bellevue mergne the
  In only i've cases was Identification possible. so thoroughly had the flames done their work. The bodies, how ever. will Dc held at the morgue for possible Identification later.
 War Veterans Die.
 James II. Hines. one Of the pa- tlents who perished. was a veteran of the world war. His wife said he had returned from France with his mind greatly impaired.
 Mrs. Hines said that her husband had escaped from the island two weeks ago by hiding in boat. Stop ping at his fathers house. he obtained some fresh clothing and then had vis- ited his wife and six year old daugh- ter for two hours before guards came for him.
 Several other world war veterans perished in the flames.
 Crazy Man Hero
 A maniac whom the doctors prefer should be know simply as John Doe was an outstanding hero of the fire. John Doe had always wanted a heroic role. Twice opportunity had present. ed itself. but he had weakened. That was when he was sane.
 Unconscious Hero
 His third chance came after his mind had snapped. This time he made good-but tonight, sleeping un- der guard. he did not know II.
 John Doe is man of giant build. It seemed as if that huge frame must house the heart of lion.
 When the United States entered | the World War, John Doe got his first chance. He enlisted under the colors of Uncle Sam and went to the front | with the plaudits of the home folk ringing in his ears.
 But in the trenches it was different. chine gun bullets, took the heart out of him. He deserted.
 Dangerous Maniac
 Then the fierce desire to be a nero, l to become a killer of men, returned. | and he joined the armies of the Kaiser.
 Again under shell fire, his courage oozed. Once more he deserted.
 The war ended. John Doe returned to America Then reason fled.
 Finally John Doe landed in ward of the Manhattan State hospital for the Insane. "Homicidai maniac" the doctors said of him. Dangerous man the most dangerous on the island. said the attendants. A specially sharp watch was kept on John Doe, who evinced the will to kill
 Yesterday, the flames cracking around him, dense smoke binding his eyes, John Doe was seen by atten- dants leading the weaker to safety. | This way men. Fire escape here,' he said quietly. He was the calmest man in that hall of death.
 But last night he was again under , guard, unconscious of the dream flnst- :, ly fulfilled.