The Nevada journal., 1852-11-19

leveled to the ground to prevent the
confagration spreading to the wood
en- buildings on the south side of Wash-
ington street.
California Co. No. 4, which, we are
informed was early in the action, was
most efficient at this point, and their
pipe being stationed in the vacant
space, half way between Merchant
and Washington streets, they contrib
uted largely to prevent the flames ex-
tending to the latter.
On the north side of Merchant, the
fire burned down to Bolton, Barron g.
Co.'s brick building, by which its fur
ther progress was efectuaIly checked.
All danger to the north was now over.
1t had burnt down the south side of
Merchant 70 The y. S District Court
Room, and could advance no farther
in that direction. The danger now
waA of its spreading south to Clay st.
MIR. Hossefross, Chief of the Fire De-
partment, had foreseen that, and had
dispatched two companies, the Cres-
cent, No. 10, and the Howards, at an
early stage Of the fire, to prevent its
crossing Clay street From the south
side of Merchant street, now envelop-
ed in huge sheet Of flame, it com
municated to the row of frame build
ings on the north side Of c lay, extend
ing from the California Exchange to
the brick building, occupied as cloth
ing store by Lobdell e. Austin
Among the stores burnt here were
those of Mr.. s. X. Labatt, fancy dry
gools, millinery establishment,
Keye's clothing store, Everett's hat
emporium, fancy bakery, sho,
store, another clothing store, and
German bakery.
The fire had now consumed all the
frame buildings ON the square bounded
by Kearney, Merchant, Montgomery
and Clay streets, leaving the brick
buildings unharmed. But while it still
burnt fiercest, the danger of its cross
ing Clay street TO the Arcade, Rabe's
budding, &C., was imminent. They
were scorching, every moment threat
eEing to burst out in flames. At this
point were fought the hardest fights of
the night. The St. Francis Hook &
Ladder Company were busily at work
pulling down the frame structures,
while the new Company No. 10 play
ed one of the most powerful and best
managed streams we have ever wit
messed, alternately upon the burning
side of Clay street, and that threaten
ed, just opposite. They were ably
assisted by the Howards, and by their
united exertons the fire was confined
within its limits, until it finally sunk,
and the danger was over. The En-
pire Co with their new engine, play
ed steady stream, that did great ex-
ecution. IN fact, so far as came un-
der our observation, al the fremen
worked manfully and intelligently. and
acquired new laurels by their efficient
management of this confagration. -
Thanks to them and the brick build
ings, it was stayed within compara-
lively narrow limits, and the whole
loss will probably not exceed $780,
600.
The new City Hall was in immi-
nent danger for a long time, the door
and windows in the rear being unpro-
ded with coverings. After the Union
caught, it soon spread down Merchant
street, or the north side, and that
whole neighborhood being a mass Of
light material, the flames leaped with
fearful rapidity from building to build
ing. The burning embers fell beside
the rear of the City Hall, and set fire
TO a lot Of lumber lying Immediately
beside the open doors and windows.
An attachment from one Of the en-
gines was passed through the Hall and
directed on the burning mass, whilst
water was freely thrown by means of
buckets on the floors, which smoked
under the excessive heat.
IT Vas matter of doubt at one time
whether the flames could be kept in
check in that quarter, as the heat was
s., intense that it was almost impossl-
bic to approach near enough to be OF
Ii sa,rvire