Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1819-06-26
PITTSBURGH, MAY %.

PITTSBURGH, MAY %.
| Fire.--On Tuesday afternoon last,
about O'Clock, the citizens of this place
were alarmed by an explosion, which
Immediately directed their attention to
the United States arsenal, about two
miles distant 1t was soon discovered
that some of the buildings were on fire,
and the citizens with an alacrity highly
honorable to themselves, Immediately
repaired to the place with the city en-
gines; before their arrival in sufficient
numbers, however, the buildings in
which the explosion had taken place
were so completely enveloped in fame
that nothing could be done to save them'
their attention was therefore directed to
the ncighboring buildings, which, though
often IN danger, were finally preserved.
The Buildings destroyed we're those used
and occupied as a military laboratory;
and we are informed upon good authori-
ty that the fire which produced the ex-
plosion was produced in what is called
the drfving room of the building by the
charging or driving of rocket. The
officer having charge of that branch of
the establishment was present in the
driving room when the accident occur
red and with bravery deserving the
highest commentator, used every exer-
ton in his power to stop its progress,
without effect, at the risk OF his life
The train of fire found its way from the
driving to the comhosition room, in very
few seconds-where large quantity was
prepared for immediate use, on the ex-
plosion of which the roof was blown off,
and about one half of the building in
stantly levelled to the ground; and al
though at the time of the explosion there
were eight men in the building, they
were all miraculously saved by the i'm
mediate assistance of the garrison. Some
of them have been seriously injured, but
no doub. is entertained of the complete
recovery of the whole. Too great praise
cannot be given to the interchangeable ex
ertions of Major Wooley, and the officers
ard men under his command--as well
as to the large body of citizens who so
promptly repaired to the place, and rem
dered every assistance in their power,
Statesman.
In addition to the foregoing calamity,
the mail of yesterday afternoon furnish
es us with the following -
U. s. Armory, SPRINGFIELD, Ms. AhrH29
On Monday the Goth inst. one of the
coal houses, at the United States middle
water shops, took fire by sparks from
chimney in ono of the forging shops, and
was mostly destroyed. 1t contained
about 1900 bushels of coal, $4,000 Of
which were saved. The whole loss to
the United States is estimated at 1905.
The adjoining buildings were preserved
from the devouring element by the spir-
tied exertions of the armorcrs and citi-
zens, to whom much praise is due for
their conduct on this occasion.-i6.
MAY 90.
Meeting Of Congress.-From all that
we see and hear, the many reports in
circulation, respecting an early meeting
of congress, are entirely without founda-
ton. The society for the promotion of
national industry, and the encourage
ment of domestic manufactures, in Phila-
delphia, have circulated petition to the
president on the subject, which contains
number Orwell known facts--but they
certainly are not of that description to
require this kind of interference. The
following is from the National Atetli-
yencer -
8" An attempt is making to produce an
impression On the public mind, of an in
tention to convene Congress at day
earlier than that established by the
constitution--It may prevent misappre-
hcnsion to state, that, from all we can
learn, there is no foundation whatever
for such a runner. The, common sup
position of deficiency in the revenue is
entirely unfounded, the receipts have
equalled, if not exceeded, expectation.
There is at present not even plausible
ground for anticipating call of congress.
The propagation of such rumours, as
have tendency unnecessarily to agitate
the public mind, has an injurious effect
at least, if not mischicvous object"
| Upon which the National .AdDocats
remarks -" 1t will be remembered that
SuSn ID tno pressure d. present III LnS'
land, not only in relation to produce and
manufactures, but to public credit, that
the effects are very seriously felt in this
country. Under these circumstances,
it is reasonable to infer, that spectators
will endeavor to. create, by reports, GER
tain impressions, which may give to
them a favorable opportunity to improve