The New York herald., 1851-08-01
Destructive Fire in Kensington - Incen-



About four o'clock this morning, Mr. William
Altemus starch factory, situated at the southeast
corner Of Second and Oxford streets, hensington,
was discovered to be on fire, and, although the
alarm was instantly given, all efforts to preserve
the building unavailing, and the entire estab-
lishmeDt is now heap Of ruins The fire was first
seen in the stable and balcony in the eastern part
Of the place, which are some distance from the
drying furnace giving underiable evidence that il.
was the work of some ruthless incendiary. Ii Is
said, moreover that there had been no fire in the
building for two days.
The factory consisted Of large three and a half
story brick buildng, extending Oxford street
from Second TO Perry street, adjoining and south
of which was frame building Of similar dimen-
sons. The whole Of the buildings occupied about
the eighth Of square. The stable on the south
east corner Of the lot two stories in height, WAS
also entirely consumed. 1t contained quantity Of
| hay and feed, and three horses. The animals had
very narrow escape from being burned 70 death
Mr.. Altemus had on hand large stock of starch,
and about three hundred bushels Of wheat, which,
| together with the machinery of the establishment.
has been totally destroyed The entire loss is about
$4,000 There was no insurance upon the stock
and fixtures, and only % 500 upon the building, in
the Franklin. Mr.. A. is an industrious and enter
prisiEg man, ard losses by this fire about all his
earnings for the last niEe years, We deeply SNIP
pashise with him tn hi sevtre loss.
The roof Of a new double three story brick
dwelling, belonging to Stewart Hineman. situated
on Ferry street, south of the factory, was par
italy burned of. Ia the rear Of this house were
two two story frame weaver shoIs, which, with
their contents, consisting of a number OF carpet
looms, quantity OF carpet yarn, &c, were de-
stroyed. They both belonged 10 Mr.. Hineman,
and were occupied by John Hickey and Mr..
Mccall. 1t is stated there was no insurance upon
them. The dwelling house on Second street. ad-
joining the factory, was also 80 newhat damaged.
The wind was blowing a gale at the time, and
| sparks were carried to great distance The scene
Of the fire is but short distance from that OF the
disastrous corfagration OF sunday morning.
I Iha hroa liper ouf azh cf fha uzaI
another alarm about eight o'clock, and a number
Of the engine and hose companies repaired to the
spot. Some Of the hose companies we're in service
nearly all the forenoon.
When the fremen came npon the grou nd al the
second alarm, dispute arose between the members
Of the Carroll and William Penn Hose nn.apan,es
about their respective rights to a fire plug, which
en5edin SIGHT The disturbance was immediately
,aeed by the interference Of the Marshars police
The two most conspicuous belligerents in the
melee was arrested by officer Blackburn, while in
/ conflict with each other. Their names are William
Wistsr, director Of the Carroll and DanielK Cape
! fought bravely in the Mexican war in Capt. Nay
/ lor's company Of Phila depbia Rangers.
Officer Blackburn, assisted by officer Anderson,
took the pris oncrs before Alderman Clark. Alter
an examination. the Alderman decided that, 40
cording TO the testimony, Capehart the aggres-
sor, ard that Wistar bad only acted on the defen-
sivc whereupon, Wistar was discharged. and
; Capehart beld 20 bail in 500 10 answer Ia de-
+ fault Of the required surety, a commitment was
made out against CapehsIt, and he was placed in
the custody Of officer MeAnnally. Alderman
Clark very prope-ly teek occasion TO say at the
hearing, that q would hereafter deal with the ut
most rigor with 81 fremen brough. before him for
hghtirg. While officer Blackburn bad the young
nen in custody, woman 5esct one Of them With
the greatest fury.
In the rush that was made by the disturbance. at
tie time Of tie arrests. heavy fence that sur
rounded portion Of the demolished factory, was
pushed down, and came very near killing or main
inga number Of persOns.-PkLad. Builetin, yaly3 81.