Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1838-05-10
Erom the Charleston Alcre,.rn.

The universal confusion that must of
course reign after such scene as the late
fire, has dictated TO us the prudence of max
ing few particular statements unless where
there was no possibility Of mistake. Our
own feelings exaggerate every thing, and
the expression Of them adds to the despair
which it is duty rather to alleviate
Charleston is not ruined-the spirit of the
people is not broken-hope has not fed.
But we have suffered deeply, terribly. By
what means we can recover from the blow,
will be The subject of Immediate consiera-
ton to the Whole State. In the meantime
great features Of this conhag ration for fututc
use.
1st. The city was not prepared with the
means of effectually blowing up buildings,
and 10 all spectators it was apparent that
penued so completely in the jaws OF the fire
that there was no time to clear away the
rubbish or bring in the mid of the cueines.
In numerous cases Of blasting which occur
cd under our eye,thc ruins were wrapped i'm
flames an instant after the explosion
2nd. The extent of hose was not sufficient
to command water from the rivers, aud the
long continuance of dry weather rendered
the supplies within tho city utterly made
quate 10 operate Oh the fire enectually even
in the outset. These two things were in
tIinately connected. Tho want of water.
rendered 1t more necessary tha: the blast
ing should have been at such distance from
the fire as 10 give chance to clear the
ground.
Have the City Council considered the
practicabiliiy of constructing pipes from the
rivers, into which the water could be drawn
III such cases. and conducted through some
of the principal streets. If we are not mis-
taken this is the manner in which N York
is provided, and it seems to possess great
advantages over hose extended through q
great distance and of course liable TO q thou-
sand accidents in the general confusion of
a fire.
3rd, The City seems to have been great.
ly negligent in the care Of chmnies. We
are not certain that the fire originated in
chimney, though it is so said, and is highly
probable. But no one can forget the fierce
ness with which the fire burned in the Chin
ncys generally. Their height, the strong
current that shoots through them. the length
OF time which tho cindcrs retain fire. all
make them the most dangerous part of a
burning house, and we would strongly i'm.
press upon those who have still houses n
lose. the necessity Of Immediately and gen.
orally attending to this matter. We arc in
as much danger of second fire, rs we were
Of the first, and perhaps still worse prepared
for it.
4ih, Tho structure and materials ofbuild.
ing IN the City arc matters or deep copsid-
Grafton AT all the principal points of the
Ilre, it was stayed by brick wall. DR..
Porcher's honsc was saved, and through il.
probably the whole region from Church
street to the wharves, by his brick Office
Meeting street was saved by the new The
street by fire proof dwcllinu
hat alone interviewed between one of the
iercest scenes of the fire, and whole squares
of buildings, mostly wood. that must have
,een swept, but for the stout resistance ofl
his house. |: is true, that at all these points
he most heroic exertions were made bv the |
sretnen and citizens-but they would have |
,een vain without the aid of brick wallis
Z IS equally TO be remarked that manv
blocks of brick buildings were lost, bv the
luant'ty OF wooden out buildings. fences,
So. with which they were surrounded. In.
Iced the imminent danger 10 which DR..
'Orcher's house was exposed, and which
made it almost miraculous that it ESCAPED.
rose principally from little wooden sta.
lie built up against his Office. and the pre-
ervation Of MIR. Heywartl's costly mansion.
irclcd as it was completely with flames.
would have been physically impossible.
Without the protection of tho brick wall TINT
ncloscs the grounds.
New LoANs.-A loan of million of dol