Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-10-10

Modern Times!
THE WORK OF DESTRUCTION.
CHICAGO, Oct. 9.-5 P. M.-The awful work
of destruction still goes on with relentless fury.
From Harrison street in the south TO Division
street in the north, and from the river to the
lake-an area of four miles long by one
mile wide-the flames have swept everything
before them. 1t is estimated that one hun
bred thousand people are homeless and in a
suffering condition. The streets in the districts
still unburned are lined for miles with such
household goods as have been saved from des-
truction. Most generous offers of assistance in
money, food, or anything wanted, are coming
in from almost every city and town throughout
the country by telegraph. aThe mayor has re-
sponded to several offers, asking that cooked
food be provided as soon as possible. Firemen
are on the way here from Cincinnati, St. Louis
and other cities. The water works are entirely
destroyed. Buildings are now being blown up
on the line of the fire, to attempt to arrest its
progress.
ONE POINT WHERE THE FLAMES HAVE BEEN
STAYED.
Ldter-It is now believed that the spread of
the fire southwark has been stayed at Harrison
street, but on the north side is no elimination
of its fury, and that entire division of the city is
evidently doomed to utter destruction. There
are grave fears that the flames may spread to
the west side Of the north branch of the river
and inhabitants of streets nearest the river are
already moving to places of supposed greater
safety.
The Western Union telegraph company have
now SIX wires working cast and south, running
into a temporary Office at the corner of State
and Sixteenth streets. The Northwestern rail-
road company is running trains on both of its
branches, which are crowded with fleeing citi-
zens. 1t is now positively asserted that the
water works are still intact, but the water has
been shut off from the south and west divisions,
on account of the quantity being used on the
north side. A reliable gentleman, Just arrived
from the north division, brings the joyful intel
lgcnce that the water works are uninured God
grant that it may prove true.
THE LOSSES.
1t is impossible now to give, even approx
mately, correct statement of the losses, but
faint idea may be formed when it is stated that
every bank in the city, except two small savings
institutions-one on 22d street. in the south d.
vision, and one on Randolph street,in the west di-
visiOn-are destroyed. All wholesale stores, all
retail establishments, the post Office court
house, the chamber of commerce, every hotel in
the south division, except the Michigan avenue
hotel, which, standing on the extreme southern
limit, escaped, though it is badly scorched;
every newspaper Office-the Tribune building
which was supposed fire-proof, having finally
succumbed-every theatre, the six largest eleva-
tors, the immense depots of the Michigan South
ern and Illinois Central railroads, both the
passenger and freight depots of the latter, more
than score of churches and much of the ship
ping in the river; all are destroyed
ATERRIBLE THOUGHT.
Men who were millionaires Yesterday morning
are nearly penniless to-day; but, more terrible
than all, is the awful certainty that human beings
have persisted in the hames-how many, no one
can tell; perhaps no one will ever be able to tell
But it is known that some have persisted, and it is
only heart sckening fear that the victims of
the fiery monster may be counted by scores
Hundreds of horses and COWS have been burned
in stables; and, on the north side, numbers of
were so bewildered and confused by the sea of
fire. which surrounded them, that they rushed
wildly to and fro, uttering cries Of fright and
pain, until scOrched and killed.
BRIEF REVIEW OF THE RESULTS.
Any attempt at description of the scenes
of the appalling calamity would be idle.
The simple facts are: That the once great
city of Chicago is destroyed; that hundreds
of millions of active capital here have van
ishcd, and that nearly one third of Chi
Cages inhabitants are houseless, dependents
on charity. Any attempt to embellish would
be mockery. As this awful day draws to a
close, thousands of anxious eyes watch the
clouds of smoke which still roll over the burnt
district, with the evident dread that q sudden
change of wind may turn the flames upon that
portion of the city yet spared. There seems,
however, little cause for apprehension, and re-
Inducements of tiremen from other cities are
constantly arriving.
AID PROMISED.
Col. Wilson, superintendent of the telegraph,
is in receipt of a dispatch from leading cities,
announcing that aid is being provided for the
sufferers. Col. Clowry, of St. Louis, telegraphs
thatS7O,OOO have been subscribed by merchants
there; Cincinnati promises 500, 600; and Cleve-
land is proportionately generous. All this, and
great deal more, will be needed to relieve the
immediate pressing wants. Everything is be-
ing done by Gen. Stager and assistants to
keep up communications for citizens and the
press with the world outside. Col Williams,
superintendent at Cincinnati, reported prompt
| ~ for duty this morning. About three-fourths
, of the United States mail was saved, and taken
possession of by Col. Wood, of the post office
| service.
FLAMES IN ONE DIRECTION STOPPED BY BLOW
| ING UP BUILDINGS,
6P. M.-The flames in the south division
were finally arrested about one p. M. This was
accomplished by blowing up and demolishing
several buildings on Wabash avenue and Con-
gress street, by General Sheridan The district
burned over in the south division embraces
everything from the main branch of the Chicago
river to the lake, and covering about one hun
bred blocks.
This district contained all the leading business
houses, banks, insurance offices, hotels, etc
also a large number of churches, including st.
Marys, Trinity, First Presbyterian, Second
Presbyterian, St, Pauls, swedenborgian, etc,