The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1871-10-14

the river, . considerable number of persons
were cut off from crossing and could not re-
treat on account OF the flames. The water
or the fire was the alternative presented. Not
long did they hesitate.
The whole party was soon struggling in the
water. How many crossed safelyis not known,
but it is known that one brave fellow saved
little girl by plunging into the water, and
with his precious burden landed on the other
side.
GHOULs AMONG THE RUNS.
1t would seem almost incredible, yet it was
true that fends in hum an shape were even
trying to spread the great fire in broader linn
its, and were everywhere robblng the dead,
and the living and insulting their sick, weak
and helpless. Hackmen for fabulous prices
undertook to drive ladies to places of safety,
and after driving them few blocks robbed
them of diamonds, watches and rings, and
turned them out IN the midst Of smoke and
flames to take care of themselves! Villains
seized flaming nhabitante as they came from
their blazing homes and robbed them, upon
their own door steps.
Men and women plunged into the lake, to
avoid worse fate. Hackmen and express.
men lost all conscience, as to honesty, and
robbed all who sought their services. In one
instance a man was charged $3.50, to convey
his sick wife three blocks, and S2j to 500
was not considered unreasonable for a half
hours use OF an express wagon
THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE.
This, of course is much disputed point.
A thousand theories are ahoat, and each almost
equally credible. None seems more probable
than that it was started on the west side, where
alone over 20 acres of buildings were consum.
ed by thieves and robbers, for the purpose of
plumber. This theory becomes more probable
when it is remembered that in numerous in
stances after the fire began, these persons were
caught setting fire in other localities, and
though it is harsh word to use we must saw
that we are glad that they were summarly
dealt with, some having been hung to the near.
est lamp posts, and Others instantly shot. The
whole city seems to be infested with thieves
and murderers, not only these who resided in
the doomed city, but thousands from neigh
bering cities, all intent upon plumber and
robbery, and all crimes incident to a Williams
career.
SUFFERING.
Thousands of people are suffering Thou
sands of children who had never known hun
ger were crying for bread. Thousands Of sick,
feeble and helpless persons, were taken out
and laid on no softer beds than stone side
walks, with no better covering than the heav-
ems above, but thanks to the generosity of the
people in every city in the whole country, as
soon as aid could come, most literally was it
sent
First came fire engines and fire companies,
from Milwaukee, Detroit, Freeport, Rockford,
Aurora, st. Louis, Joliet, Peoria, Quincy, and
in fact every considerable place in the entire
west, and next, every train that has come to
Chicago, ever since, night or day has been
loduttt WIFI PROVISIONS, Detto anu every Man-
ner of things good to eat and drink, for the
houseless and homeless Cincinnati gives
5000, 900 in money, st. Louis, in five hours
time, raised Sl05,000 in cash, and three times
that amount in value of provisions, while
every city and village in the United States,
and even in Canada has responded to this
common call upon humanity. Our own city
of Ottawa has not been behind; we have sent
car loads Of bread and meat, until the Mayor
of Chicago has requested US to send nothing
more at present.
MARTIAL LAW.
The city is now under martial law, in conse-
quence of the great ingress of rowdies and
thieves, but quiet prevails. and things wear
a more hopeful aspect. We already hear of
prominent business men who are making prep
erations to rebuild. Eastern capitalists are
ready to supply funds, and we doubt not that
Chicago, in a few years, will be almost herself
again, or, at least we hope such will be the
case.
The Odd EollOws.