The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1872-06-05
THE FIRE.

The unceasing, constant labor, con-
sequent upon assisting to minister to
the necessities of our unfortunate fel-
low-sufferers, and the arranging for
and setting up of our new printing
establishment, has so occupied our
time that we find it impossible 80
write, as We had intended, descrip-
ton of the fire and its accompanying
scenes and incidents
We have, therefore, availed our
selves of a truthful and well-written
artfcie, prepared by the editor OF tne
Cumberland Daily Ne,rs, who visited
this place the day succeeding the fire.
Nc pen could fully portray the brief
but appalling scene, and none but an
eye witness can now realize the ex-
tent and magnitude of the calamity.
Partially burned Chicago, excited the
sympathy and secured. the speedy
succor of the civilized world, but the
devastation of Somerset elected only
a passing word of regret, except from
a comparatively few into whose ears
the tale of her calamity was poured.
True, Chicago is great city, proud
est of the proud, and Somerset was
an unpretending county town, humble
in its aspirations and unknown to
fame; but in proportion to their mag
nitude, the latter is by far the heavi-
est sufferer, and of course is not pos
sessed of the recuperative energy of
the former
1t is wonderful in the extreme how
ever, with what undaunted energy
our people have addressed themselves
TO the task of retrieving their losses.
From dawn to night the workman's
tools are piled necessarily, and build
ings. diminutive, crude and tempora-
~, are springing up like magic
throughout the burnt district. Where
stood elegant dwellings, are now
rough board shanties, and business
men formerly occupying handsome
rooms in stately buildings, serve their
customers from former out-houses, or
temporary structures through which
the winds Of heaven whistle at their
pleasure. A spirit nearly akin to
cheerfulness. and an undaunted self
reliance prevails, and men look for
ward to the future with hope and a
fixed resolve to defy the frowns of
fortune. Fire is a great leveler, not
only of property but of men, and
while in instances it brings TO the sur
face selfshness and meanness, it also
draws forth all that is noble and gen.
erous, and quickly proves a common
brotherhood among those upon whom
nature has placed the stamp Of truest
manhood.
Will it not do us all good, to lay
the following brief story to hearth.
"a certain man went down from
Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among
thieves, which stripped him of his raj
ment, and wounded him, and departed
leaving him half dead. And by chance
their came down certain priest that
way and when he saw him, he passed
on the other side. And likewise Le-
rite, when he was at the place, came
and looked on him, and passed by on
the other side. But certain Samar-
itan, az he journeyed, came where be
was; and when be saw him, he had
compassion on him, and went to him,
and bound up his wounds, pouring in
oil and wine, and sat him On his own
beast, and brought him to an inn, and
took care of him. And on the NOR
row when he departed he took out
two-pence and gave them to the host,
and said to him, Take care Of him;
and whatsoever thou spendest more,