The daily intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Territory [i.e. Wash.]) 1876-1881, 1877-03-08
The DAILY INTELLIGENCER.
Thursday, March 8. 1877.

DESTRUCTIVE F.aE, A f. inmates
t.tlre O'Clock last night the CIV Of
Ere was sounded and soon the usual CT.
catemcnt consequent upon such an an
noancement was manifest upon the
Streets Men we're rushing 10 and fro
.El in the greatest confusion. Tie fir.
bell soon pealed forth upon the night
air. and IN shor. time the entire nm
ula,ion Of the city were seemingly as,ir
on the streets The flames and su9k.
were soon observed curling skyward
from the roof Of 5 the magnificent resi-
dence OF Mr.. j. T. Robbins, which ~.
cupies a most commanding position on
the hill overlooking the city, and
which j. one Of the finest dwelling
houses in our Territory, having been
constructed al q cost Of about $4,000
The excited populace were soon at the
scene of the conhagration, and many
went at work manfully in an a,semp, to
ssve, if possible. the ILL fated property.
Mos, Of the doors and windows. were
taken ont, and what little furniture re-
mained in the building ~ the time was
saved Water, however, was hot 10 b.
had on the premises ia any adequate
quantity. A we'll at the rear Of the
house was nearly dry aud cistern in
cellar WAS empty. To this fact, pro-
tably, may be attributed the final and
total destruction Of the beautiful ARD
costly residence which was credit
our city. Had there been a su.licie,.,
supply Of water near az hand there is
every reason to believe the ire would
have been e:tinguished before any ex
tensive damage was done. The night
was still and calm. and the beautiful
building, which had the advantage Of
being the most fire proof wooden build.
ings ever constructed, burned but slow
ly. After long and tedious waiting.
aud not until the fire had been burning
about an hour from the time it was dis
covered, few iiremen, with the engine
and the hose carriage. appeared upon
the scene. Considerable difficulty was
then experienced in getting water FL
nally the hose was connected with
tank across the street. and a good
stream for few minutes greatly re-
,arded the progress Of the flames This
was soou exhausted. Then water was
taken from another tank about q block
from the first, but this was soon emp
tied, and at half past eleven the few
fireman. who 10 their credit TO it said,
worked most faithfully while they
could. were obliged 10 abandon all ef-
fort. aud await the final destruction Of
the building which occurred about four
hours from the time il was discovered.
There was manifest, we are sorry to
say. rcprehcnsible indifference on the
part Of many citizens present. 4 few
tiremen were obliged to haul the en-.
CINE up the steep eminence alone un-
aided. and their progress WAS Of course
very slow and tedious. Crowds Of men
were continually rushing by them, and
though called upon repeatedly, refused
Ia lend n helping hand. A sufficient
force could not be mustered TO haul the
hose carriage up aud Mr.. Meyden-
bauer. one of the tircmen accompany
ing it, was obliged To so back to his
stable and harness up his team to haul
il mp. The fire was discovered first in
rear addition 10 the house, and
was beyond all question or doubt the
work Of all incendiary, As the house was
unoocupicd The building was insured
for 81 900 in favor of certain mortgages
the Phoenix Of Hartford, Connecticut
having 81 900 the Home of New
York, 5000 the North British &
Mercantile. $4,000 and the State In
vestmcnt 81 900. The three first poll
cies were issued out Of the Office Of Nc
Naugh, 4 Leary.