The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-02-26
From the New York Times, Saturday

The steamer Alps, which arrived at this
port yesterday from Hayti, brings the par
ticulars of Il destructive confagration in
the city of Port-au. Prince on the night of
the 10th of February, which laid two. thirds
of the city in ruins, and destroyed property
to the extent of 50 100000 Mr.. Ebert, a
passenger on the Alps, stated to a Times
reporter yesterday that on the morning of
Feb. II, when the steamer Alps was enter
ing the harbor of POrt-au. Prince, the deck
hands perceived that a portion of the city
was on fire. The attention of the captain
and crew was at once called to the fact,
and all on board were soon upon deck watch
ing the progress of the flames. strong
wind prevailed, and as the fire spread along
the wharf, and shot volumes of smoke and
flame high into the air, grand but appal
ing spectacle presented itself from the deck
of the Alps as she steamed into the port.
The fire ragged so fiercely that at the dis
lance of over half mile from the quay
ashes and burning embers were thrown up
on the desk of the vessel.
When the steamer reached the wharf at
the custom house, Mr.. Ebert says that all
the vessels lying along the quay were NOV
ing out from the flames. Accompanied by
some of the officers and crew, he went on
inhabitants. Here they were MT with
scenes of the most distressing and pitifu
character. The widest terror and excite
ment everywhere prevailed. Men, women
and children wore rushing through the
streets in every direction in the hopeless
ness of despair Men who went to bed the
night before wealthy and independent,
found their property laid in ashes and all
their prospects ruined. Some clasped their
hands and gazed in silent amazement upon
the confagration that was turning all their
earthly possessions into a heap of ashes
Others related the story of their misfor
tunes to those around them. One man
might be seen standing over a heap of fur
niture with a revolver in hand, guarding
the. only relics of mis- property that had
been saved from the burning wreck. Others
carried bundles Of clothing and valuables
upon their shoulders to place of safety
glad to be able to save anything from the
flames.
Passing into the business quarters Of the
city along the quay, Mr. Ebert says that
they found the fire drifting at such furious
rate before the wind across the blocks of
frame buildings of which Port.au- Prince
is composed, that it appeared evident there
was no means of arresting its progress.
CAcItiOho WSIc hiduS W tic
to bring the fire under CONTROL but the tiny
streams of water which were poured upon
the burning buildings from hose not much
over an inch in diameter only added fuel
to the flames. There were no means OF
staying the confagration, and such efforts
as were made to extinguish the fire were
utterly unavailing. A few old rusty pumps
their small engines and hose more adapted
for sprinklng the sidewalks than for putting
out such conhagration, were all that could
be brought into operation.
Mr.. Ebert says that great credit is due tC
the priests of the town for their exertions
to save property and preserve order among
the people. Before evening that portion
of the city lying along the quay from th'
entrance or northern side as far as the docl
of the Atlas steamship company, including
an area of about ten blocks in length b,
four in breadth, was wholly destroyed
This was the most densely populated par
of the city. The loss of life, however
was not very great. Mr. Ebert saw on
man blown into the air by an explosion
and heard of some others having been kill
ed or fatally injured. 1t is estimated tina
from 500 to 1000 houses were burned dow
and that as many families have been LEI
homeless. The fire touched the docks G
the Atlas line, but did not cause any dam
age. Over $4,000 worth of lumber wa
destroyed. Part of the market-house wa
burned. When the Alps left the port, 0
the morning OF the 18th inst, the fire wa
still burning. but as the wind had abated,
is not considered that the flames made niue
progress afterward. Port-au- Prince has
population of about 5000, and with tn
exception of a few brick buildings in Gel
tain districts the houses are all built of wood
The fire originated from the explosion of
kerosene lamp in frame building in tn
centre of group of similar structures cor
tanning stores of inhammable materials.