The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1834-11-26
EROM EUROPE.

The Racket ship Caledonia, Capt uralaii, affN-
cd at New-York on Sunday in the short passage of
twenty five days from Liverpool bringing papers to
the day of sailing 2ist London'to the 10Th inclu-
siye.
The English papers are mostly filled with the
particulars of the great conflagraon the total des-
truction Of both Houses of Parliamet by hre. II
does not appear whether it was caused by accident
or design--an examination is ordered to ascertain
facts. The pccuniary loss to the nation cannot yet
be ascertaincd 1t was estimated at upwards OF
G200,00 in the cost of the public buildings alone.
BURNING OF BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIA-
MENT, LONDON.
Yesterday evening, (Oct. 10y between six and
seven o'clock fire broke cut in the House of Lords.
he flames spread very rapidly, and great alarm inn
'medaely prevailed. Detachments of policy soon
arrived from the different station houses, and the
engines from the different fire stations were brought
to the spot with the utmost expedition. Immense
crowds of people at the same time assem- bled and
filed up the different avenues to the building. AT
first there was deficiency Of water but supply
was soon procured, and the firemen made the ut
most exertons to get the fire under; but 1t had al
ready gained such strength that their efforts appeared
to have little effect. unfortunately, tOo there was a
considerable wind from the south west.
The fire was first discovered in the lobby of the
House of Lords. From thence it communicated to
the left wing of the building burning with irressti-
BILE fury BY half past seven the flames had com
petely Quilted the interior of the building, with the
exception of tlIc Parliament office and IN a few
minutes afterwards the roof fell in with tremendous
crash. The fire, the tierccness of which was height
ened by the increasing freshness of the breeze, then
communicated itself to the House of Cammons, and
the whole range of building soon wrapped in
one blaze. The scene at this time was grand and
terrific. The flames shot up to great height and
obscured the light of the moon, and contrasting, in
striking manner the brilliant light which they threw
upon the surrounding Objects with the general
blackness of the sky. Not only the streets III the
vicinity but the different bridges, were covered
with immense mutudes, gazing with mingled awe
and admiration the scene of destruction.
Soon after the breaking out of the fire, Sir join
Hoblousc arrived, and gave directions for the i'm.
mediate removal of the public records, an operation
which he actively and anxiously superintendent
They were carried out of all the different offices
&c. where they were deposited and put into all sorts
of vehicles-hackney coaches, cabs, wagons, &c.
which were put III rcquisiton for their conveyance
to places of safety. Many of them were placed ii
private dwelling houses opposite; but the greater
part convey ed to the various Government offices
In performing this duty many of the firemen incur
red great danger, but nothing could exceed thei
zeal and disregard of personal risk.
As the fire extended itself in the direction o
Westminster Hall, the utmost efforts were mad
(and happily with success) to preserve that venera
bic cdifice.
A party of the Foot Guards were nearly cut OF
at time, while doing duty one of the western
turres of the Honsc of Commons Some portion
Of the intcrmida,e building fell, and left them in
most precarous situation, surrounded by the flames
They were however, rescued by the application c
fre-ladders.
At half past ten most of the furniture of the EN
chequer and other law courts had been removed {
, the pavement nearly opposite Poets Corner. A
, this time, the fire bursting through the window
5 was blazing with fearful briancy. About Il II,
t fire reached the Speakers house, which in half a
hour, totally destroyed; but fortunately the valu
able property which it contained had been previous
ly removed.
, BY three o'clock this morning the fire S
much abated, that no apprehenslons remained of ii
Extending further. We are grieved to learn, th5
when part of the roof of the House of Common
fell in, three fremen and one of the Life Guard
were buried in the ruins but they got out alive
} Many persons were seriously injured; but we hay
not heard Of any loss life.