Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1874-09-12

Beyond this, two efforts TO fire buildings,
in order to continue the conilagratlon and
the opportunity for plumber, were discover
cd, exposing a species of villalny which it is
alarming to know lies dormant in oar
midst. Not only store goods were stolen,
but private residences, not Immediately en-
dangered, were pillaged despite the cntreat-
les and circumstances of the owners. Ar
ticlcs of all kinds were carried away; pro-
visions were .rcmorselessly appropriated :;
stolen bread, meat, etc, furnished materials
for Sunday tcasts, where, if grace was said,
it was to thank God for the blessing of a
good fire.
From the beginning to the end the
crowd grew. From the closely populated
vicinity from Eckhart, Pompcy Smash,
Borden Shaft, Midlothian, and as far off as
Mt. Savage and Ocean Mines, people came
breathlessly to the rescue. The heroic mi
ners laid aside pick and Shovel threw
their hardy energy and endurance into the
breach, and were the last to quit the no
bic work of staying the flames.
A notable and timely arrival on the scene
ofaction was made by the Cumberland Fire
Companies in response to q Geographic re-
quest of Mayor Clary Two engines and
three hundred men added to the force al
ready employed, soon exhibited good effect
notwithstanding the inability of the en-
gines to obtain water from the fire plugs,
owing to the disproportion between the
hose and the plugs. Conspicuous among
the Cumberland gentlemen who braved the
heat, and coolly and intclligently battled
with the flames, was Col. w. H. Lowdcr-
milk, editor of the Ciriiian. Standing in
the upper story of the burning Parsonage
he directed with telling precision a stream
of water which kept at bay a fire which
otherwise, would have ravaged the square
as far as the Methodist Church. To ali
the Cumberland tlremcn our people are
deeply grateful for their generous and
timely aid. But for them the disaster
might have been far greater, and we know
we but family express the feelings Of oul
entire community when we accord then
all honor for their noble work in our be
half In this connection we have to rcgre
the want of sufficient power at the depot
to draw the engines up the hill, But two
horses, thoughtfully provided by A. c
Greene, Esq, could be found for some time
causing Il serious delay of an hour. Afte
reaching the scene of eonhagration the lacl
of water impaired the full efficiency Of th'
engines-a fact repeatedly and eloquent,
expressed by the firemen as they Responded
to cries for help from various quarters
Again, when control of the fire was obtain
ed our pco pie, absorbed in the task of look
ing after lost goods, assisting distresse
ncighbors, etc, overlooked attention to tn
Cumberland gentlemen in some measure
Fortunately, the hospitable table of Pete
Payne and John Hamm, Esq.s, atforde
good suppers to a large number.
AT the latter place some ruflianism occurre'
by parties disclaimed by the firemep as {
their number A door was forced oper
dishes thrown at the walters, etc. In tn
melee one man had his wrist and head bat
ly cut
From this row several incorrect report
have been circulated duplicating the fire