Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1856-04-23
Citizens Meeting at Emuire Hall.

Pursuant 10 the notice, the citizens of
Warren assembled at Empire Hall,
Tuesday evening. April 18Th. for the
purpose Of investigating the cause of
the late fire, at the new building Of Mr..
Charles Smith, and adopt whatever pre-
cautionary means the meeting should
deem advisable for the better protection
of their dwellings from FIRE. The meet
ing was organized by appointing Jeffer-
son Palm, Esq, Chairman, and John r
Morley, Secretary. After a few re-
marks by Mr.. John Hutchins, Mr.. A. D.
Webb, who first discovered the fire, was
called upon to give TO the meeting what
ever Information he was possessed Of in
regard to its origin. which was in sub
stance as follows: On the night of the
fire at / o'clock. Mr.. Webb, on his way
for a Physician, passed the house of Mr..
Smith and saw a light in one of the up.
per windows, and smoke issuing from The
chimney, but suIposing the house to be
occupied, he passed on. On his return
home. in looking from his window he
noticed that the light had greatly in
creased and that larger quantities Of
smoke were issuing from the chimney.
He Immediately gave the alarm of fire.
Mr.. John r. Williams being among the
first that reached the house after the
alarm, stalled that there was a fire in
the northwest corner, Oh the second
floor, and also a fire in the cellar. Seve-
raj other citizens were called upon, who
seemed to confirm Mr.. Williams state
ment. Mr.. Charles Smith stated that
the building was always kept locked,
when Mr.. Bell, who had charge of the
house, was absent, but that be had
found for several weeks back, that the
cellar door had been repeatedly broken
open.
Mr.. Marvin stated to the meeting that
several of our school houses had been
broken open and occupied between Sat
urday evening and Monday morning
Mr.. Cox stated hat his Office had seve-
raj times been entered by the key which
he was in the habit of leaving hanging
on the door post, and remnants of cigars
and stray playing cards, plainly indica-
ted hat the room had been occupied for
the purpose of gaming. The testimony
generally elected, seemed to confirm our
citizens in the belief that there is a class
of men or boys proving around our
streets at night, and taking possession of
every unoccupied building or room con-
venient for their use. Mr.. Marvin took
the occasion TO make some very able re-
marks to parents in regard to their al
lowing their boys to be in the streets at
night, ignorant of their whereabouts
The Rev. Mr.. Balm, and 7. ]. McLain,
spoke very effectively on the same sub
ject.
On motion by Rev. Mr. Balm, 1t was
Resolved that We deeply sympathize with
Mr.. Smith and his family, in the loss OF
their beautiful residence, and that we ten
der him whatever aid he may require Of US
in ferreting out the guilty party or par
ties, and bringing them 10 punishment.
On motion by John Hutchins, Esq
1t was Resolved, that the Town Council
Of Warren be requested TO offer a liberal
reward for the detection Of the person or
persons who set fire to tie premises of
Mr.. Charles Smith. Through the sug-
gestion of the Rev. Mr.. Balm, the chair
was also authorized to appoint secretly a
committee of seven who should investi-
gate the matter thoroughly, and collect
whatever evidence should come under
their notice, indicating the cause of the
fire.
The citizens were also instructed TO
report any evidence they might become
possessed of, bearing on the subject, TO
the chairman, Jefferson Palm, Esq.
The meeting then adjourned.
JEFFERSON PALM, Pres.
JOHN r. MORLEY, Sec.