The Russellville Democrat., 1877-03-22
FIRE-PROOF CAPT. WRAA.
He Eats, Drinks ana OtherwIse DlspOrts
 I'm Blazing Fire.

Tn Bi0zamE Fire.
 Capt. Wraa, formerly of the German navy, who few months ago gave some- what unfortunate exhibition of a SC. called life saving apparatus, gave very suc- cessful exhibition of the Oestberg fire defying dress at Gilmore's garden last evening in the presence of large num- Der of spectators. In the centre of the building was erected an iron frame work, in which were arranged a number of gas pipes so placed as to send forth the greatest possible amount of heat when lighted. The lights being turned down, the band struck up some very meurnful music, and the gas-jets within the iron enclosure suddenly emitted a bright and ardent flame. Into the blaze walked Capt. Wraa. amied the plaudits of the assemblage, and proceeded to execute pas seul to the time of the music. He stood in the midst of the flames and leaned his arm on burning gas,jet. He placed an iron chair over another jet, and then sat down on it he roasted oysters in the flames, melted solid lead, discharged fireworks, and all within full view of the assemblage. Remaining in the fire for eighteen minutes, he became tired and sought rest in & little tent erected near by for toilet purposes, and, returning, continued his display, letting off more fireworks, drink ing or disposing of larger beer while standing in the flames and otherwise amusing and astonishing the bystanders. Again he went out and returned once more in woman's attire, his fire-proof dress underneath, and his female cloth ing having been burned to cinders on his back he retired again safe and unhurt
 The dress consists of cap or helmet, the frame of which is made of thin steel spring and is covered by several layers, viz: Side leather, padding, India rub Der, and an outward covering of plush velvet or moleskin. The frame Of the metal has in front round, hollow metal dice, which fits air-tight, and has four holes moved by means of knobs or handles, and ten other holes, of which three are set with glass, three others are closed by stoppers oi fire-proof and non- conducting materials, and the other four are left open. The lower part of the helmet consists of metal ring from which long springs project down and over the back. The lower part of the dress is a complete suit-arms, legs, feet and body all in one it is made of India rubber, covered outside with moleskin. The foot soles are strengthened by thick felt and wire gauge. Placed between the outer suit thus described and an inner suit of India-rubber is an India rubber bag which is filled with air by an air pump and supplies the lungs. The front of the helmet is arranged, to pro- tect the eyes from heat and smoke.
 Before entering, the fire-hose is at- tached to the outer dress to keep it sat urated with water, and to the air-bag is attached an air-hose connecting with an air-pump, thus furnishing a continuous supply of air and water, without which it would not be possible for the wearer ol the dress to remain in the fire for any length of time. These two hoses dangle down behind the suit and are of course an indispensable part eff it. Capt Wras claims that with this suit on he can take a child or dog into the flames withou, injury. He would have taken dog ir last night, but Mir. Bergh of $. P. c. A got wind of the matter and had several officers in the place.-New York World