The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-07


BURNING OF THE GREAT SUoAR REFINERY OF
wooLsEY Co.-On the 22d instant one Of the
most destructive fires that has occurred in this city
for some time, took place in the sugar refinery OF
Woolsey & Co, in South street, near Clinton. The
fire was first discovered at about one O'Clock. Mr..
Platt the foreman on returning from dinner, heard
the alarm Of fire. and found that IL had broken out
in the eighth story Of the building, fronting South
street, which was used n drying house. Mr..
Platt FASTENED 10 the spot and found the flames H.
The establishment being provided with a hose gang
in every story, he kept playing upon the flames
with the one next 10 the burning mass until IL was
burned in his hands, when he was dragged from his
perlous situation by two Irishmen. Mr.. Plat then
gave orders 20 have the tanks all cut that the water
might run over the floors; this done, but avaied
nothing, as in about fifteen minutes from the time
the FIRE was frat discovered the whole Of the two
upper stories was wrapped in a sheet Of fame. A
strong northeast wind assisted the action Of the
flames About two hundred barrels Of refined sugar
were all that were saved.
The alarm bell Of the establishment rang at the
beginning Of the fire, but was not heard at great
distance II was about half past one o'clock before
the City Hall bell tolled and in about an hour after
IL rang general alarm. Shortly afterwards there
host Of engines and hose carts on the ground,
which did every thing possible to stay the progress
Of tho fire. The flames, however, continued 70
spread in every direction, in spite OF the vigorous
efforts made 10 arrest them The infiammsble ma
ture Of sugar, turned into spirit by the action Of
tre, hastcned the work of destrucuons ana az tne
red, or rather purple, flames shot upward from the
burning mass, the sight was truly sublime. The
rain fell in torrents but seemed 10 have little effect
except In keeping cool the surrounding buildings.
About two O'Clock considerable portion OF the
large store containing the drying house, and in the
immediate vicinity OF the chimney, fell with tre-
mendous crash, terrifying those who were near the
avalanche Of bricks. One portion after another fell
part Of the wall falling the roof Of the store in
South street, leased from Duryea, crushed large
portion Of IT, and exposed the building to the de-
vouring flames.
The tobacco inspection house was in imminent
danger, but, from the precauiion and exertion OF
the clerks, the danger was obviated.
The books and safe were rescued with much diff
fculty
The amount Of damage is very great, being esti-
mated at nearly half million.
To aggravatc the calamity, four hundred and
sixty men are thrown out Of employment This
refinery was established in 1898, and was the oldest
and most extensive ON this continent u was nine
stories high independent Of the garret, and with
the tobacco inspection, and store OF Mr.. Duryea,
occupied by the company, and one or two dwell
ing houses, constituted an entire block. Only a
small portion Of the damage is covered by insur.
ance, the company having lately let policies run
out 70 the amount Of $3.50, 0,O00.--N. Y. Ezprsss.