The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-02-06
A vandaI Outrage I'm southwark.


A vandal Outrage I'm Southwark.
Weregret TO say that we are called upon to record
the particulars of another act of yandaiism perpe-
trated by some Of the ruffians with whom the Ere
department of PHILADELPHIA Is unfortunately cursed
Tie house Of the Weccacoe engine company, in
Queen street, below Second, Southwark was en-
tered ut an early hour this morning set on fire. all
the valuable effects Of the company destroyed and
their beautiful building Quilted out defaced and
blackened
The particulars of this shameful affair n far as
we have been able to obtain them, are Theses About
three O'Clock Waterman Of the district saw three
wharf, He thought this singular but he did not
suspect any thing wrong at the time. While going
the four O'Clock round, Waterman Gasoline, at
Front and Catharine streets had his attention at
Catharine street. He hailed and questioned them,
without, however, getting any satisfaction from
them. One of the party gave him an impudent re-
ply, and, accclerating their speed the whole of
them eludcd him, two Of them escaping into
wood yard, and the other through Mead Alley
little after four O'Clock Waterman Lucas, being
in the vicinity of Second and Queen Streets discov
alarm, the hall bell was sounded. and several of
the fire companies of the district promptly repaired
to the scene. Some of the members of the Wecca-
front door was forced. II was found that an en-
trance had been effected into the place at the rear,
the carriage Of the company "a crab) taken from
where it usually stood, the street door, drawn
Il,
means of combustbles, composed of benches, pic
ture frames, &C., piled up under 1t. The carriage
was in flames, and being pulled into the street. the
The corporation apparatus was got into service as
soon possible, and the Southwark Hoec and other
district companies, ms well as some of the compa-
mics from other parts of the city, arriving oppor
timely, and lending active aid, the fire confined
to the engine house, and finally subdued. Some
two hours, though, elapsed before it was entirely
distinguished. Several frame properties immedi-
ately adjoin and surround the building, which
luckily were not touched. The interior Of the first
story was completely demolished, and the orna-
mental front ruined almost beyond remedy The
fire burned through the floor Of the second story,
and likewise through the floor of the third story.
These two stories were occupied by two Of the pri-
mary public schools of the district. The desks,
seats, and other furniture OF the rooms sustained
considerable injury.
shed, at the rear Of the house, in which the COM
pany kept their fuel, torches, oil, &C., was demol-
ished-and we wish we could say that the mischief
stopped here. We must add. with shame for the
stigma thereby inflicted upon the good name of our
city, that besides the equipments of the company,
all the paintings and framed rolls; all the Indian
bows and arrows, and other devices mathematical
of the name Of the company. which adorned the
walls, were broken and torn 70 pieces and the frnR
ments committed to the falncs The handsome
wreathes which the company and its members had
received AZ presents, and marks Of honor from fair
hands, ON the occasions Of recent parades, shared
Aso ooAAic iosc. Inc Dooks, comparing toclr IL
brary, and number of valuable papers, were too
consumed. Even the splendid Bible, presented
them by the ladies, fell prey 70 the devouring
element
The magnificent born presented to the company
by the late Thomas ID. Grover, and which was
priced above all price, 10 missing. The Gaze that
contained IL was recovered, charred and half con-
sumcd, but no trace OF the horn itself has been dis
covered. II Is believed, therefore, 10 have been
stolen. Had II been melted by the fire. some vest
ige Of il must have been found In the ruins.
The total amount Of damage done by the FIRE 10
estimated at about 8 500. The company was in
surcd for $500 in the Fire Association. The Vice.
cscoc lately sold their engine To Of the fire
panies Of Camden, N. J.
The outrageous incendary act is attributed 70
panyi and IL was with much dificulty that instant
retaliation upon the house Of this company. in
Catharinc street, was prevented. So indignant
were the members Of the Weccacoe engine that Il
was no easy matter TO restrain them from seeking
revenge at once Some OF them shed tears At the
loss OF favorite relics, and other property Of the
company, which can never be replaced The FIRST