Jewish Community of Waterbury Declines to Act As Unit in Fire Case

Community Stirred Over Catastrophe Resulting in 3 Deaths (Jewish Daily Bulletin)

Local Jewish leaders, including Alderman Charles Schnitman, who had considered calling a mass meeting of the Jewish people of the city for the purpose of denouncing all those responsible for the fire which destroyed a group of buildings on Baldwin street, of expressing sympathy to the Moynihan family which lost two boys in the fire, and possibly for raising funds for those who suffered by it, have abandoned their plan.

After consultation, it was decided not to take any concerted action nor to ask the Jewish community to record itself as a unit. The punishment of those responsible is in the hands of the authorities and it was concluded that any action in the nature of denunciation of culprits might be misinterpreted. If any individual wishes to express an opinion or contribute to the relief of those who suffered from the fire there is nothing to prevent his doing so as an individual.

This action was contemplated in connection with charges brought against Louis N. Leopold, president of the Waterbury Furniture Company, that he had hired two men, Jacob Weiss and Maurice Shalnitz, Jews, to set fire to his furniture store, the burning of which last Sunday morning, resulted in the death of two children. John and Joseph Moynihan.

The body of Jacob Weiss was found among the ruins. Shalnitz, who was found unconscious, is now in a critical condition in the New Haven Hospital. Incriminating evidence against Louis N. Leopold is said to be in the hands of the authorities.