The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-12-25
LoCAL MATTERs.

Fine ~ Yesterday morning, between seven and
eight o'clock, citizens were startled by the
alarm that the Capitol fire. moments
reflection, however, induced not few to believe
that this was false report, conceiving that the
edihce was proof against such destructive agency.
However, smoke was fret seen issuing from the
library, and the guard who was then on duty effect
ed an entrance by breaking through panel of the
door. table in the room discovered in
flames, which extended to the shelves in the
alcoves the northeast side. By the time assist
ance arrived the room was so densely filled with
fire and smoke, that those who had entered were
/ forced to retire. bringing with them only we have
been informed, four five of the portraits Of the
Presidents, which adorned the walls. The con-
tents Of the library were, therefore, left to the
action of the fire. 1t not long before the flames
dartcd through the ceiling, which was Of wood,
succeed, and soon extended to the roof, which
of the same material, sheathed with copper
Papers and documents in the committee rooms
adjoining, and the original manuscripts of the
House of Representatives in the vicinity, were
quickly removed to places of safety, and guards
placed over them.
Shortly after the alarm there were thousands of
persons on the ground, many Of them rendering
assistance by passing up buckets, which were filled
with water at the fountain on the west front of the
Capitol; company OF marines, ordered from the
barracks, likewise were actively employed. The
firemen, Notwithstanding their excessive fatigue
and exposure to of the (perhaps) coolest morn
ing of the at the fire of the Franklin House.
nobly came 10 the rescuc. suction was brought
into the rotundo. and an engine placed on the east
portico, which were worked, while other companies
supplied them with water. These men remained
until shutdown, and then retired. having
| completely subdued the flames. The water, in the
early part of the day, froze it reached the
ground, and cakes of ice discernible on many
a coat.
! The library, situated in the centre of the west
'front.' constructed with great taste and beauty
The room, ninety two feet in length thirty four in
width, and thirty six in height. having alcoves
over which were two galleries extending through
out the apartment. The room was handsomely
ornamented, and the light admitted both from
ample windows and from three skylights above.
Paintings, marble busts, and cabinets, were part
of the attractions in addition to the elegant folios
of colored prints, and choice collection of books
gathered from all civilized countries, and from in
ternational exchanges. One of the cabinets had
recently been placed in the library. The frame
work was of mahogany, and in the maple panels,
covered with glass, were inserted choice bronze
medals, commemorative of events in ancient times,
and which deposited through the agency of
NJ. Vattemare.
MIR. Jeffersons library, embracing about seven
thousand volumes, was purchased in 1915 for
twenty three thousand dollars; and this, we be-
hevc formed the nucleus of the fifty five thousand
volumes which have since accumulated Congress
has, for series Of years, annually appropriated
five six thousand dollars for the purchase of
books and papers; and it is estimated that these
have cost the Government, in addition to the JEFF
ferson purchase, about two hundred thousand dol,
lars.
However, many CT these volumes, VIC learn, were
| kept in two small rooms adjoining the library.
! Among them eight thousand law books and
twelve thousand other works. These, it is report
! ed, were saved; if So the number of volumes de-
sroyed is thirty five thousand; some Of which can
not be replaced.
We repeat, that the contents Of the main library
room, with the trifiing exceptions already men
toned, entirely destroyed; likewise
the roof of that portion Of the building The exte
rior of the wall the west front ia considerably
blackened by the action of the fire, and several
cracks discerniblc, which may render it neces
sary to rebuild the parts which have been thus in
jured.
While the library in flames there
rious apprehension that the fire would extend to
the dome, the spiral stairway leading to which
was considerably charred Had this event occurred,
the damage must have been more considerable,
and perhaps the two chambers of Congress would
have been damaged as to require Congress to re-
move into temporary quarters elsewhere.
We noticed on the premises the President of the
United States with several Of the heads of Depart
ments, who evidently evinced much interest with
regard to the preservation of the public property.
Richard Wallach, esq, the United States Mar
shall for the District Of Columbia, was actively
gagged in giving directions, and in the course OF
the morning ordered supply of hot coffee and
substantials for the comfort of the firemen. The
Hon. Linn Boyd, the Speaker of the House of Repre-
sentatives, also exhibited his generosity by fur
nishng abundant supply of refreshments.
James A. Reside drove up the wagon containing
the welcome fare, which was coon despatched.
The Mayor of Washington active through
out the day, and, the chief magistrate of the
city. materially assisted in the proceedings to
rest the fire.
We need not particularize the signal services
rendered by gentlemen whose might be
mentioned. Never before, perhaps, has there been
such general willingness to assist at any previous
fire.
In The evening number Of marines placed
in various parts of the Capitol, as guards.
There scarcely be doubt that invcstiga-
ton will be made to the origin OF the fire, about
which there are conflicting opinions
Teegraphic dispatches, we learn, sent to
fire companies in Baltimore TO hold themselves in
readiness TO come hither in special train of care,
should their services be required but subsequently
their aid was deemed TO be unnecessary.
FRE.-Between one and two o'clock yesterday
morning citizens were aroused by an alarm
of Are, which resulted in the burning of brick
building on the corner of Sth and ID streets, occu-
pied by MIR. Thomas Baker house of public
entertainment known the Franklin Hotel, and
owned by Mr.. Patrick Kavcnaugh of the steamer
Columbia, who resides in Baltimore The fire is
supposed to have been the result of accident the
part of lodger in the building, which wellnigh
occasioned fatal consequences to portion of
the family. The actual destruction of Mr.. Bakers
property, understand, is covered by insurance
CoRoNER's INoUEsTs-Coronor Woodward yes.