The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1870-05-05
Local Correspondence.
ALroouA CRY. Nav 2. 1870.

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FA'end Mac-The fire fend has been again
devastating our city, three destructive fires
haVlng occurred within twenty-four hours
all beyond doubt the work of incendiaries.
ABOUT ii O'Clock on Saturday night last the
terrifying cry of Fire! Fire !" resounded
through our streets and awakened the ma
Jorlty OF our citizens from their peaceful
siumOers. On reaching the vicinity of the
conhagration, l discovered that the building
ADJOINING the Masonic Hall, and belong gin g
tnereto, was in a sheet of flames, and as the
structure was filled with combustible mate
Iiai, 1t was soon barned to the ground. The
large stable belonging to the Grant House
also caught fire and was almost entirely de-
stroyed. The Masonic Hall building was
likewise considerably damaged by the de-
Vouring element.
On the following (Sunday) night, about
the same hour. the cry of fire once more
rang out upon the air, and this time it
proved to be more serious and destructive
catastrophe than the one which had preceded
IT, he scene OF confagration was found to
be IN the vicinity Of Eleventh avenue and
10th street, and when l reached the locali-
ty l was Mortified to fiud that no less than
four stables, eeveral outbuildings, and n eat
deal OF other property, were within the gras
OF the fire fiend and beyond the reach of
human succor. Scarcely had this fire been
suodued, when flames were discovered issu-
ing from the roof of the brick dwelling house
owned and occupied by our mutual friend
lin. Brophy, ESQ.,, and before the steam
engines could be brought into action, this
building was not only so badly damaged
that 1t will have to be rebuilt, but the house
adloiDpg, Of which Mr.. John M. Bowman
is the owner and occupant, was considerably
injured, although not rendered unfit for oc-
cupancy. That all these con fagrations were
the work of incendiaries it is impossible to
doubt. AS evidence conclusive of this fact
1t is said that three Of tie stables were lock-
ed and secured, and that they were all set
on FIRE simultaneously. That all the fiends
IN human shape have not yet been banished
from our midst is very plainly manifested in
these renewed deeds of dabolism.
It is perhaps needless for me to say in this
connection that the ever Viqildnt and faithful
fire laddies were on hand in en- incredibly
short space of time, and as they went to
work with perfect Good VIII and deter
miDation to save all the property it was pos
slble to save, they were not long in establish
ing their Empire in the very midst of the
pandemonium which surrounded them. Il
was indeed aston fishing how soon the flames
were subdued after tie steamers were got
rightly to work. Had it not been for tie
facilities thus afforded for overcoming these
fires. and for the noble and untiriug efforts of
the brave and faithful men who compose the
several fire companies of this city, it would
have been my duty, in all probability. to
chronicle the loss of entire blocks Of buildings
instead of the comparatively few which we e
Tapped up by the fiery element. And yet
those gallant men who risk their lives and
devote much Of their time to this noble work,
not only do not receive any compensation,
but it frequently happens that instead of
being encouraged by words of praise and
gratitude, which they richly deserve they
are made the subjects of reproach for not
accomplishing what is invariably beyond the
power of human exertiaus to accomplish.
Hon. B. Z. Rose. chief engineer of the fire
department, l regret to say. was struck on
the temple and prostrated to the earth tY a
brick which fell from the cornice of MIR.
Brophy's house. Mr.. Rose. who is one of
the most skilful and intrepid iremcn and
enterprising citizens of which our city can
boast, was galantly battling against the
fiery element when the accident occurred
His wound is rather a severe and painful
one, a very ugly cash having been cut in
his forehead, bat he has the sympathy and
vi It4O CullfS anu ii Ln0y
are Of any avail, he will soon be restored to
his wonted health and vigor.
Ishould have stated ere this, and it affords
me pleasure to say it. that the losses sus-
tanned by both Mr.. Brophy and Mr.. Bow
man are partially if not fully insured. The
stables and Outbuildngs. however, are total
loss TO the owners.
1t may startle you to learn that one of
the fifteenth amendments in this city. while
employed about the premises of Mr.. John
Halton, few days since, accidentally froze
fast to pair of boots belonging TO Mr.. Hal
tons son Tom. For this cool exhibition of
loyalty the "man aud brother" was hauled
up before the Mayor. and l believe he is now
enjoying the hospitalities of certain public
institution over the hill. T. l. NJ