Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1860-03-13
Fire.Escape Apparatus.
EXHIBITION OF VARIOUS METHODS OF SAVING
LIFE AT FIRES.

EXHIBITION OF VARIOUS METHODS OF SAVING
LIFE AT FIRES.
fhe GermanaXdrners gave public exbibi.
tlon yesterday, intended to show the practical
use which can be made of certain desc riptiops
OF apparatus for saving life and property at
nres. The place selected for the purpose was
their Gymnasium in Orchard street. and the
hour Al o, clock p. m. A large crowd witnessed
the experiments, testifying their admiration
by shouts Of applause at the successful termi.
nation OF each feat. The first thing tried was
tie canvas bag, which was similar to that used
at former trial at the City Hall, and which
was then fully described. Mounting to the
third story by means of their portable ladders,
this instrument was hauled up by means of a
cord, which was dropped for the purpose. and
fastened to one of the open windows. One per
Son after another, both adults and children.
was then placed within its open mouth and
safely descended through it to the street. the
lower end being held out at an angle which
gradually retarded their velocity until they
reached the ground. Various articles of fur.
nlture were also sent down in the same way
without injury. The second were the story.
ladders, strongly but lightly built.with large
curved hook ut one end. Standing on the
gIouhd these ladders were raised by one man,
VINO placed the hook over the window-sill of
the second story; he then mounted it, closely
followed by one or two comrades, each having
strong canvas belt around his waist attached
to which, by hook. was a roll of stout cord
nile one held on to his companion by the
belt to prevent his fall, the same ladder was
instantly transferred to the third story. to
which the two mounted again. entering the
window, where they were supposed to be ready
TO rescue any person whose escape has been cut
OH, and pass him unharmed to the street by
means of the canvas bag or the ladders,
The Italian ladder, which was the next ar
ticle exhibited, consisted of sections of 81 feet
IN length, and having only four rounds in
each, one part fitting into the other 80 as to
make 1T very secure. A small wheel at the
upper end gave it easy motion as it was pushe
up the side of the building until the ton of the
house was reached. The gynnasts then as.
cended and descended upon it. showing with
what facility they, at least, could make it
available in an extremity for reaching the
highest building, in the rear, or at any place
where long ladders could not be introduced
The last cOntrivance was the well-known taut
blanket, or canvas, which is intended as a der
nier resort, where persons are compelled to
throw themselves from the windows of a burn
ing building to avoid suffocation. 1t was held
oy the four corners, strongly supported by as
many Turner's, while one of their number
jumped into it from the third story, and landed
without injury.
The entire exhibition was novel and highly
satisfact tory, showing that in the hands Of so
experienced gymnasts, at least, these contri-
vance, can be put to excellent use in saving
life, when the ordinary means have failed 1t
was stated by DIR. Gaerdner, under whose su-
pervision the exhibition was made, that it was
not the purpose Of the Turner's to organize a
distinct company or to interfere in any way
with the established routine of the fremen,
but they would probably invite the Common
Council and Board of Engineers to witness
their experiments at some time and place con-
venient to themselves, and if after full inves-
tigation, their plans should be approved, they
would cooperate with the department in every
way to give efficiency to the new undertaking
". !. Times