The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-07-27

The destruction by fire OF the girls department
of the Catholic Pr0tectory, in Westchester, and the
almost miraculous escape OF its entire host Of In
mates, is still the chief topic OF conversation
throughout the lower portion OF Westminster county
That such sudden c0nnagration-such whlr
wind OF fire should at the ominous hour OF midnight
sweep around the slumbering forms OF more than
five hundred children, and yet not SINCE hair on
one OF their heads, eloquently procaims the self
sacrificing usefulness and love of the nOble-hearted
women connected with the institution, who,
through Divine Providence were made mainly In
strumental In rescuing the little ones from h0r-
rible death. Indeed, too much praise cannot be
bestowed on the good Sisters, whose heroism on
that awful night is the theme Of thousand
tongues.
In common with many others Of both sexes, some
OF whom were led thither by curiosity while others
sought with anxious countenances to verify the
intelligence that their littleHisters daughters
really safe and sound, HERALD representative yes.
terday wendell his way In the direction of the ruined
structure. The immense coal pile situated near
the rear Of the burned building and which at one
stage Of the fire occas0ned such serious apprehen-
sions for the safety Of the frame buildings In Its
vicinity was still burning slowly, while workmen
were busily engaged endeavoring to prevent o FUR
Their destruction Of property.
THE HOUsELESs CHILDREN.
Nothing IL being left undone by Sister Ulrica, the
Superloress In charge, together with the entire
sistcrhoOd for the comfort of those who nave been
SO suddenly deprived OF q home. In this labor Of
love they are cordially assisted by the Christian
Brothers In the boys department, who have
already provided for over three hundred Of the
otherwise nearly destitute children About one
hundred more were to have been transferred
yesterday afternoon to the school house connected
with st. Raymond's Church, in the village of
Westchester, which Rev. Father Knsea has kindly
placed at the disposal Of the SuperiOress. This
latter building Is situated about quarter OF o
mile from the Protectory, =, and the little
ones domi 81 ed there win have their
the weather Is unfavOrabe. The remainder OF the
children, except few who have been taken away
quarters in the detached hospital. The wash houses
and even the hay lofts have been pressed into
speak in the highest terms Of the conduct Of all the
girls, and especially the larger ones, who braved
DANGERS OF TIE BLAZING PILE
while rendering all the assistance In their power to
save the more tender portion Of the inmates AZ
the condition of the children has been
far from comfortable; ent, without exception,
ss sSs sa SC sn sF adSd
women under whose care they have been placed.
AS a further evidence OF their contentment It was
Gentlemen maj living IN the neshbornood S04 to
provide temporary homes for several Of
by the latter, who expressed o preference for re-
naming with their companions. 1t was also under
0Sv nas nS p ~ les nave
dren until such time as the directors Of the Pro-
tectory are enabled to erect suitable quarters. It
given orders for the erection Of
LARGE WOODEN BUILDING
as a dormitory and reiectory. This is expected to
be completed In about week, and Will acc0mmo-
Among the property destroyed was large guam
tity OF wo0en and cotton fabrics just received
nom the manufacturers, in addition to an immense
lot Of made-up wearing apparel The good
Sisters likewise lost nearly all their clothing even
to their shoes. They have since, however received
the mother house of the Protectory. Wagon loads
OF clothing and provisions were sent yesterday from
private contributions have been received for the
benent of the suffering children. Appeals are made
else which those who are charitably disposed may
feel inclined to contribute Donations may be sent
to 20 Reade street In this city.
Thus far nothing is known as to the truly mystic
rous origin of the fire. The officers OF the institution
are painfully puzzled to account for It, even the
can hardly realize that tie stately structure where
is no longer standing Among outsiders various
specnatlons as to the cause Of the connagration
SUMPTION that rebeiilous gir might have deiiber
ately fired the building order that she might effect
her escape. This fendish idea Is happily cOntrO-
verified by the fact that while the fire first seen
on the second floor the inmates had all been locked
up the dormitory, two stories above, some three
hours before the flames broke out. When to this Is
added the significant circumstance that not a
solitary Child attempted to escape, the bar
barous idea set forth above is unworthy to be
entertained. The mystery Is intensified by the
fact that fire was used In the rooms at any time
as in cold weather tho entire building was heated
by steam. IL is not known yet whether the direc-
tors will rebuild the structure on its present site
or select another In the ne!ghborh0od.
In order to aid the Pr0tect0ry In this its hour Of
need 1t Is understood that number OF the theatre
cal fraternity OF this city have volunteered their
professional services at such time and place as the
directors may determine. Among those who
"Mose" Fisk, the comedian, who will exhibit
his waXwork curosities and tell all he knows about
the 'yolly Mrs. farley" 1t Is not improbable that
in this connection, the Right Rev. Archbishop Nc.
COskey and the Catholic clergy OF this diocese VIII