The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-08-14
FIRE NIarslAalx Ol..cc.

INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE ORIGIN or FIRES.
FIRE IN BRoADwAY.-On the I'd July fire was
discovered in the basement of Thompson's saloon,
800 Broadway. The evidence shows that boy be-
longing to the establishment was in the habit OF go
ing into the wine cellar to get alcohol for the lamp
at the segar stand On these occasions he always
took a lamp with him. In pouring out the alcohol,
the fumes arose and ignited from the unguarded
to this occurred in the cellar Of j. W. Geery, gro
GERS, No. 7l9 Broadway, on the 10Th August, 1854,
causing the loss of several thousand dollars, since
which time Messrs: Geery have always used closed
lantern. which is the only means Of safety. An open
light should never be used for such purposes.
ANOTHER FIRE IN BRoADwAY.-A fire was dis
covered in closet in the second story Of No. 53s
Broadway, about II o'clock on the night of July
Sd. 1t was put out very soon. doing but little
damage. The investigation has shown that the fire
originated in trunk, that the door OF the closet
was never locked, and that upon several occasions
suspicious persons have been turned off the preIn
ses. 1t was evident that some one entered from the
street, and set it on fire. There could be no motive
for any Of the occupants in forcing the premises rs
exhibited BY the testimony. s1..e
No. $50 WASHINGTON 6rREEr.--About 10 o'clock
on 4th Of July night, a FIRE was discovered in the
fourth story OF No. $50 Washington street, among
lot Of brooms and mats. After careful investiga
ton Of all the facts It Is supposed to have originated
from some rockets or Roman candles being thrown
through the window. The balls Of fire thrown from
Roman candles are dangerous, as they will hold fire
for some time after explosion. KY =.
PRINCE STREET-It will be.recollected that about
halfpast IL o'clock the night Of the 4th Of July
the toy and fireworks store, No. l38 Prince street.
was on FIRE, and that several persons who occupied
the rooms above had narrow escape from suff0ca-
ton. On thorough investigation, 1t appears that
the fire undoubtedly originated from the sponta-
neous explosion of some coOred roman candles,
which had been in Mr. Jones' possession over year.
The danger of keeping colored fireworks Of any de-
scrpton in stores is becoming evident that 1t Is
to be hoped before another Fourth we shsll have a
law ordinance prohibiting the storage Of such
combustible merchandise.
WATER STREET.-On the 4th Of July, in the af-
ternoon fire was discovered in the fourth story Of
No. 1872 Water street, in the photographic establish
ment of John Hooper.
James Burke, one of the witnesses, testified
that he was standing the corner Of Maiden
lane and Front street, with several other boys,
between three and four O'Clock on the afternoon
Of the 4th July; that he saw Mr. Wallace Hooper,
photographer, come up Front street from Fulton to
Maiden lane; that he passed up Maiden lane toward
Water street and then turned down Water street to-
ward Pine street; that in fifteen or twenty minutes
afterwards he went to the corner OF Pine and Water
streets, to another boy; while on the corner he
smoke issuing out OF the premises Of Mr.. Hoop
er; that be ran directly opposite to Mr. HIS win
dow, and called out fire, as he thought Mr.. Hoop
er was on the premises.
Bartholomew Pronin testified-That he was with
james Burke when Mr. Hooper passed up Maiden
lane, but thinks it was between two and three
O'Clock; that the boy Burke called ont, :" Mr. Hoop
en- and that Mr.. Hooper turned his head and looked
over towards him; he is satisfied it was Mr. Wallace
Hooper, as he has known him for about two years
past: he went to the corner Of Pine and Water
Streets saw Burke there. who called out there was
fire in Hooper's place; he pointed up to the build
ing: i looked up and saw smoke coming
out of the window l called out fire, turned round
and looked down Pine street, at that time saw Mr.
Wallace Hooper going along Front street toward
Fulton street; he just stepping on to the side
walk at the coroer Of Pine street; he looked up
and must have seen the smoke he did not come
to the FIRE to my knowledge.
Michael Haley was also in Maiden lane and saw
Dir. Wallace Hooper pass along.
Mr.. Wallace Hooper testified that he works
for his father, ut No. 1872 Water street, that he has
no interest in the establishment, any more than en-
ployment; that on the 4th of July he was not in
the city Of New York: that he resides in Brooklyn,
aud that he remained in Brooklyn oil that day; he
heard that boy said he saw him in Maiden laue on
the 4th; told him he was mistaken; don't know
any one enough like myself to be taken for me.
The premises bore the appearance of wilfu firing,
but the evidence did not develope the guilty party.