The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-04-27
OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
PUBLIC FUNERAL OF THE VICTIMS.
MEETINGS OF THE REMEN
&c, &C., DC.

The public heart throbbed heavily yesterday, while
the story of the wholesale slaughter of the night
was sweeping over the city. Perhaps npt since the
Hague street explosion few years ago. any disaster
occurred within the limits Of New York which has fallen
80 sadly upon the public ear, excited such deep SYM
pathy, this Without moments warning, one blow
deprived many of gallant fremen of life, and
stretched Others with broken limbs and burning Aesh
writhing upon bed of pain. More sad the reAec
tions upon this affair." when associated with the that
it was voluntary sacrifice These not strsck
down while engaged in their respective avocatons which,
calling them to this post thus led them DEATH but
they voluntarily offered up their lives to property
and to stay the aames evncing that self sacrificing
spirit which alone makes deeds heroic.
The Of the fire Is still unknown, but it is attend
ed with very suspicious circumstances nasmuch it
broke out in the highest story Of the building, where,
we understand, FIRE used, and none necessary.
The building being old and dry and filled with combusti
ble material the Gre spread with great rapdity 1t
first at about o'clock in the evening, and at u
O'Clock blaze went up from the ground floor to the
roof turning the building into huge of fame.
The fremen rushed into the building, while destruction
gathered around them apparently bathing in the very
fire. In few minutes after the commencement of the
conAagration ali hopes of saving the burning building
being renqushed the aim to prevent the spread of
the FIRE to the adjoining houses. To do this it
cessary to hose pipes to the top Of these buildings
where they could be used to most advantage For
this labor two fremen, with coil OF rope,
leaped upon the roof of No 233, next to that
Are and sending end of their rope the groxna
it fastened to the hose pipe which they drew up
the roof These engaged in this work for at
least fifteen minutes during all which time the flames
mounting high above their heads and careerng their way
by the force Of the wind frequently the very fire stretch
ing out its kissing tongue, wrapped itself around them
This all performed in the open sight Of the immense
crowd below who waited with feyerish anxiety the
salt Of the work. Hundreds turned away their gaze
able to witness the extreme peril of these daring
The wall of building No 1885, rising high above them
fined them to their position At length the pipe in
their hands and being to others the roof of
No 1885, these left their place in safety and the
crowd below breathed freer when they gone This
is only Of the many scenes of peril which were
witnessed.
The fire companies early on the ground and soon
several streams pouring upon the building but with
little effect furously did the flames perform their
work Engine Company No 81, which suffered
ly by the subsequent accident sent stream the
roof Of the building feat which called forth the hearty
cheers of the populace. All the companies worked we'll
and doubt by their extraordinary exertons was
confagraton very much limited
The police headed by their Chief were on the ground
and did good service Mr. Matsen soon he arrived
at the scene Of conAagraton, understood that appre
tensions Of danger from entering the building enter
tanned by many and to satisfy himself aid sent
IN the upper stories far he could CO. to reconnoter
He reported there heavy safe in the upper stories
and the inside of the building would probably fall when
unexpected. The Chief Immediately ordered every man
under him to leave the building, and the last body of
men just stepped outside the door s when the crash
was heard which fraught heavily with death
At the time this order given, the Chief had about
seyenty-fve in the building, most of whom no
doubt saved from death by this timely interference of
4heir commander Mr.. Matsel himself among the
most active the ground, and had his coat nearly
scoched from his back