Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-10-12

packed ready to start for the prairie at
any moment, but God averted this awful
addition to our disaster.
At shutdown the wind lulled and at 3
o'clock this forenoon the rain, SO fervently
prayed for, came. 1t did not rain long,
but the roofs of the houses and the ground
have been wet SO that now it is possible
to have fires built to cook food for the
multitude.
A meeting of citizens was held in the
first Congregational church, in West
Washing ton street, which was continued
throughout the night. Measures were
concerted to protect what property was
left, and to provide for the homeless.
Richard and Charles Cramer of the
Northwestern Manufacturing company,
have contrived plan which is being put
into execution, for providing water in
case of fire breaking out at any time.
The machinery of their works is being
used for that purpose.
PROTECTION OF PROPERTY AND FOOD
FOR THE PEoPLE-Two MEN HUNG.
CHICAGO, Oct. 10.
Fifteen hundred citizens were sworn in
last night as an extra police force, and
the Secretary of War authorized Gen.
Sheridan to employ all available troops
for guard, and issued orders for 100000
rations. Five hundred soldiers are on
duty.
This precaution was necessary, for as
remarkable as it may seem there was
aster. Two fends, caught in the act of
firing q house on the West side, were ar
rested and Immediately hung to lamp
posts, one on Fifteenth street, near the
river. and the other three miles away in
Claiborne avenue, North side. This sum
mary action has checked the thieves and
murderers
The arrival of fremen and engines from
Milwaukee, St. Louis and other cities has
apparently restored confidence. The Gin
cinnati train arrived this morning 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 finally came via Pegins
and Logausport. There was an inexpres-
sible pleasure in seeing these experienced
firemen go right to work in business
way. Where work was most needed they
are playing on coal piles to save whatever
of fuel is possible and preventing fur
Their spread of the flames. The vast plain
is covered with people wandering about
seeing the evidence of a wealth that has
completely vanished in flames and smoke.
A few business men with some nerve are
seeking houses for business in the West
side. Rooms that were rented last week
for $50 now readily command $500.
There are not many of these, but enough
to allow few business men to start.
The news papers will be started again
in a few days or weeks. Joseph Medill
of the Tribune, who is one of the heaviest
sufferers. succeeded yesterday in leasing
brick building on Washington street at
the tunnel He also purchased two
single cylinder presses used in job Office
on the west side, and has telegraphed east
for paper and type, there being nothing
left here.
Mr. Story of the Times will erect
rough one story building, and begin the
issue of that paper as soon ss material
can be procured. The Journal is pro.
vided for on the west side. The Post,
Republican and Stats Zeitung will ar
range for business as soon as practicable, |
but every thing must come from else
where. There is nothing left, water for
drinking and household use is served
from the lake and parks, and for horses
from the river. There are a thousand
people camped about the arteisian wells
four miles out, and perhaps as many more
at the lake, aud on Fullerton and Vic
toria Avenues near the prairie. The peo-
pie are being fed in the remaining
churches, school houses, sheds and by the
road sides.
1t was cold and chilly this morning,
causing great suffering. 1t is now clear
ing up again, but instead of this being
welcome the people are praying earnestly
for more rain, so fearful are they of the
continuance of the flames. This is the
situation.
Further information will be sent as
rapidly as received. Meanwhile we give
a report of the fire and its incidents,
specially prepared fer the associated press
By those who witnessed and fought flames
throughout.
ORIGIN OF THE FIRE.