The New York herald., 1876-09-05
PRINTING THE NEW BONDS.
A BURNED TOWN.

DETAILS OF THE DISASTROUS FIRE AT ST. HYA-
CINTHE, CANADA-sIx HUNDRED HOUSES DE-
srEoYRD-Foun THOUSAND PRopLE HOME
LESS.
MONTREAL Sept 4, 1919
terrible connagration has almost swept the pros
porous town Of ST. Hyacnthe out of existence Tho
disaster is far extensive than that which re-
Gently destroyed tho neighboring town OF ST Johns;
the loss is widespread the hardship far more
severe Tho fire began shortly after O'Clock ycs-
terday morning in wooden shed at the rear OF the
Courier printing Office and was caused by
boys playing with matches. Under the pressure Of
heavy wind the flames spread with dreadfu rapidity.
The local fire brgadcs soon arrived, but water was
scarce owing to the supply having been cut Off for tho
introduction OF pumping engines. For two hours
tho people looked hslplessly, while house after
house and street became prey to the ames
which rising high the air carried In every drec-
tion by the surging wind. Men, women and children
flew distracedly about the streets striving to
few vauabes. but the crowd were incxorably driven
back by the advancing ire
CALLING FOR HELP
II soon became evident that unless more help at
hand the town was doomed Assistance was tele-
graphcd for from Montreal. Lewis, Acton and Rich
mond. Montreal responded by sending steam fire
engine aud six men, Lewis and Quebec each sent
steamer. Acton and Richmond sent pumps and volun-
tecrS
DISORDER AND VIOLENCE
But In the meantime, before help arrived, the
scene terrible one Confusion, terror and
dismay regned and the authorities were imbece and
powerless. Houses were torn down to stay the
progress OF the names, and property was sacrificed
reckcssly Robbery rampant aud violence in some
Instances rife. Tho people were too
TERROR STRICKEN
to do anything for themselves. ard there was conse
quenty much stolen as burned, and many who camc
to help remained to steal In the scramble for goods
and punder three fire engines deserted and burnt
When the iirencn from Montreal arrived there was
long stretch of flames, extending the whole length Of
the town. and the arrival OF the other forces their
united excrtous soon changed the direction Of the
flames and brought the conaagration under control
THE LossKs-six HUNDRED HOUSES DESTROYED
The total loss rs estimated al about 81 500 O0l About
GOO houses have been swept away and about GOO
people are homeless
There Is not bakery, grocery dry goods store
shop OF any kind re manlpg IN the town.
HUNGER AND DISTRESS
There is food In the place and tho prospects Of the
inhabtant are dismal indeed
This mofninr a bread tram was sent from Montreal
reaching ST. Hyaeintbe, fifteen ana half miles,
thirty-two minutes. Bread ana food have also been
received from Acton and Richmond, ana the Montreal
bakers are rushing up supplies.
RESULT.
or casualties there are several TO report woman
with Two children was burned to death, and a
killed bv being run over. Another man in hospital
was fatally injured.
BUILDINGS DEsrRoyYp.
The principal buildings destroyed are tho Merchants
Bank. Town Hall, ST. Hyacnihc's Bank, Montreal Tele-
graph Office Cote X Co.'S shoe factory and Victor's
tannery.
The whole business portion Of tho town is swept
away.
Tho insurance is distributed between tho London,
National New York, North British, Commercial,
Union, Royal Canadian and Stadacona