The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1865-08-17
acknowledgement:
THURSDAY MORNING, AUGUST IL.
THE F1REox TUESDAY EvKx1xc.-It

4HE FIRE on TUESDAY ENEEISG--lt
is a matter of surprise TO all who have
examined the premises which were the
scene of the confiagration, that SO little
property was destroyed. Originating
in the most compactly built portion of
the city, with some haIf-dozen old frame
buildings furnishing fuel for the flames
which had gotten fairly under way, it
seemed for a time as though the whole
square must be destroyed, and this
would probably have been the case had
il not been for the remarkable combi
nation of fortunate circumstances. The
stable in which the fire originated was
located directly in the rear OF the prem
ises of Mr.. S. g. Robinson. 1t is not
known if it was kindled by accident or
design. It was used by Mr.. Stamm, of
the Pemberton House, who says that
nobody connected with his. establish
ment had been in the stable for some
time previous to the breaking out of
the fire. The houses of Mr.. S. G. Rob-
inson and Wheat q Sons caught almost
simultaneously, and both buildings
are very badly damaged. The back
building, belonging to Mr.. Pollack,
was also in great danger, being
i'll the immediate vicinity of the
stable. The barge board and the
ends of the rafters were several times
on fire, but were extinguished by citi-
zens who stood on the flat roof, and
with the aid of wet blankets and buck-
cts Of water, saved the building. Mr..
pr1. e 10.
damage to his house and furniture can
not be much less than four thousand
dollars, on which there is no insurance.
The building occupied by Wheat &
Sons belongs 10 the estate of the LATE
Joseph Caldwell. The damage is esti-
mated at from fifteen hundred to two
thousand dollars, no insurance. Mr..
II. Il. Wheat loses the greater part of
his furniture. The stock of Wheat Il Son
is however considerably damaged, their
loss is nj least partially covered by insur-
ance. Messrs. Harper Il Brother were
not injured by the fire, but lost about
three hundred dollars worth of hats,
which were carried off by thieves. Mr..
Victor SauvigOt suffered some slight
damage from water, but considers him
self very fortunate, his premises being
very much exposed 10 the flames.
The old frames on Water street owned
by w. +. Peterson and J. X. BotsfOrd
We're entirely destroyed, but we pre-
sumo the owners do not consider them
any great loss. The firemen worked
theoretically and faithfully, but the
means at their command were not suC-
ficient for the emergency. The hose
which is the best, and III fact the main
reliance in case of fire, were evidently
in bad condition, and large portion
of them entirely unfit for use. 4 con-
siderable number of sections were
bnrsted by the mere pressure from
the fire plugs, and by far the greater
portion of the water was wasted on the
street. Tie hand engines were on the
ground but could not be operated to
good advantage. The engine of the
United company worked well but it
seemed difficult to get n sufficient sup
ply of water to keep her at work. We
are also informed that the Hope finally
succeeded in getting goodstream from
the river by means of her suction. It
was evident, however, to every one that
the fire department needs re-organiza-
ton and retitting i'll the way of nppa-
ratus.
There was also too much confusion
and indecision, evidencing the want o
an efficient head to direct and control 81
as to produce concert of action. w,
heard aa fireman remark that it was nj
most impossible for the members of tn,
companies to find their reels and hose
from the fact that few boys who ma,
happen to be i'll the vicinity of the hos
houses are i'll the habit of starting OF
with the reels the moment the bell
commence ringing. When the mem
beers arrive they find them gone. \
night with the streets crowded AM
everything in confusion valuable tim
is lost before they can get systematic
ally to work. All these things shoul,
be remedied at once, and the etficienc
of the fire department promoted b.
every possible means. Owing to tn
few serious fires which have occurrc,
in our city for several years false Sc
curity has been engcndered and tn
organization and care of the fire de
partment has been neglected. TIL
growing interests of the city, the in
creased value of the property, and tn
valuable and better class of build
ings that have and are bcin,
erected demand that this condi
ton of things should be changed
In the greater portion of the city tn
hose is far more efficient than engines
and if large wnter mains were laid i,
one or two of the principal streets thes
two instrumentalitics would afford III
best protection against fire, and wit
one or two steam engines We would h
prepared for all emergencies.
ATHENEUM.-At the present tim
there are confined i'll the Atheneums
pntV-piphf DriSOuorS TTJ,o,- 49,, ~ 80