The Portland daily press., 1871-10-11
by TELEGRAPH
TO THE DAILY PRESS.
The Fire.
Full Particulars of its ORR
gin and Progress
Not Less than 500 People Burned
to Death
Loss of Property three Hstn-
dred M5JIiO7a Dollars 4!

|
The Fire Under Control.
CHICAGO, Oct. 10-Noon.-The fire contin
| ued to burn all last night on the north side,bu
this morning is under control.
The Exlent of the Fire.
1t is literally true to say there is nothing re
manning of that side from the river north Il
Lincoln Park on the north, and from the nortf
branch of the liver on the west, TO the lake OF
the east. This portion of the city, except along
the main river where there was business block
was occupied by dwellings. Two-thirds OF the
population OF this district were Germans anc
Scandinavians. These people are now home
less. Some are in frame buildings on the
northwest section, and others are on the prai
rie without shelter.
Throughout the day yesterday renewal Of
fires on the west side was looked for, and a
change of five degrees in that direction at any
time would have led to that result. There
would then have been no refuge for any. Ev-
erybody had their clothing packed ready to
start for the prairie at any moment, but God
averted this last possible addition to our disas-
ter.
At sundown the wind lulled, and at O'Clock
this morning, rain 80 fervently prayed for,
came. 1t did not rain long, but the roofs OF
houses and the ground have been wet so that
now it is possible to leave fires and cook food
for the multitude.
A meeting OF citizens was held in the First
Congregational church in Washington street,
which was continued through the night Meas
ures were concerted to protect what property
was left, and to provide for the homeless
Richard and Charles Crane, of the North
western Manufacturing Co., have contrived a
plan which is being put into execution for pro-
viding water in case of fire breaking out at any
time. The machinery of their works is being
used for that purpose, and their engine and
boilers ale being used for pumping water from
the river.
Special Police.
Fifteen hundred citizens were sworn in last
night as an extra police ferce, and the Secre-
tary OF War authorized Gen. Sheridan to en-
ploy all available troops for guard, and issued
an order for 100000 rations. Five hundred
soldiers are On duty.
Fiends Vssiuea with Quick Punishmeut,
This precauUion was necessary; for as re-
markable as it may seem, there were fiends
who still sought to extend the disaster. Two
tiends caught in the act of firing house on
the west side were arrested and Immediately
hung to lamp posts, one on 18th street, near
the river, and the other three miles away in
Claiborne Avenue, north side This summary
action has checked thieves and murderers.
Firemrn from Abroad.
The arrival OF firemen and engines from Mil
waukee, st Louis and other cities, has appar-
emily restored confidence. The Cincinnatl
train arrived this a. nj. with four engines, three
from that city and one from Dayton. They
were seventeen hours on the way, having to
change their route twice, and then finally came
via Pequa and Logansport. There was an in
expressible pleasure in seeing these experienc-
ed tiremen go right to work in business way
where work was most needed. They are play
ing on coal piles to save whatever of fuel is
possible, and preventing further spread of the
flames.
A few business men with some nerve are
seeking houses for business ON the west side
Rooms that were rented last week for $780,
now readily command $500. There are not
many of these, bat enough to allow few busi-
ness men a start. ....s.-..
The Newspapers
will be started in few days or weeks. James
Medill, of the Tribune, who is one of the heav-
lest sufferers, succeeded yesterday in leasing a
brick building on Washington street, at the
tunnel. He also purchased two single cylin-
der presses used in job Office ON the west side,
and has telegraphed east for type and paper,
there being left here. Mr.. Story, of the Times,
will erect rough one story building and be-
gin to issue that paper as soon as material can
be procured The Journal is provided for on
the west side. The Post, Republican and
Stats Zetung will arrange for business as
soon as practicable, but everything must come
from elsewhere; there is nothing left.
How lhe Homeless Live.
Water for drinking and household use is So
cured from the lake and the parks, and for
horses from the river.
There are thousand people camped about
artesian wells four miles out, and perhaps ss
many more at the lake, aud on Fullerton and
Victor avenues. Near the prairie the people
are being fed in remaining churches and school
houses, in sheds and by the roadside. 1t was
cold and chilly this morning, causing great
suffering.
1t is now clearing up, but instead of this
being welcome, the people are praying earnest
ly for more rain, so fearful are they of contin-
uance of the fames This is the situation
Report of the Fire and It's ancide
Meanwhile we give a report OF the fire and
its incidents, specially prepared for Associated
Press by those who witnessed and fought flames
throughout.
The Origin of the Fire.
Late on Sunday eve boy went into stable
on Diskowen street, near the river on the West
side, to milk COW, carrying with him kero
sene lamp. This was kicked over by the COW
and the burning fluid scattered among the
straw This was the beginning of the great
fire.
How 1t Spread.
A single extinguisher on the ground, or ac
tivity of police in tearing down one or two
shanties, would have prevented the spreading
OF flames, but fhe engineer was waited for. an6
when he arrived the fireman stupified by their
exertions at the first fire on SATURDAY. NIGHT
worked slowly and clumsly, and thsir efforts
we're unavailing. The wind blew gales from
southwest, and rapidly the flames shot from
house to house and beard yard, until the district
burned the night before was reached.
Too Late.
Meanwhile the flames had crossed the rive,
north of Twelfth street, on the south side. au6
made for brick and stone business blocks rail
road depots, and manufacturing establishments
and the full extent of the danger was realized
for the first time. The fire department ALREADY
tired out, worked liked heroes. Mayor and
City government that had rested, now began
to exert themselves, but the opportunity had
been lost. The time when thorough organ
ization could have blown up buildings, or pre-
pared for the emergency was neglected. and i
was now fight for life. The wind blowing
stiff gale, had possession of fames and the
beautiful buildings, Chicago's glory, lay before
them.
Harrison, Van Buren,, Adams, Monroe AM
Madison streets were soon reached the inter
viewing blocks, from the river to Dearborn
street on the east being consumed. Three
tourths of mile of brick blocks we're con
sumed as If by magic.
Fatal Security.
1t being Sunday, the proprietors and EN-
ployees were at home utterly UNCONSCIOUS
what was transpiring. None who saw th
flames but supposed it was the remains of Sal
urday nights fire, and having confidence
the fire department were unconcerned; bu
between II and - o'clock a rumor got abroa
that the tireiwas in the business portion OF I'd
| city.
The Peril Realized.
Now the people commenced moving. Horse
were brought into requisition to take the pre-