National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1880-05-15
THE DEVOURlNG FLAMES.
The Town of Milton, Pa, Destroyed
by Fire.
Assistance Sent from Surrounding Towns
Nearly Two Million Dollars in Property
Dcstroyed-rhreo thousand Poo-
pie Bouseless and Destitute
Governor Hoyps Appeal
In Their Behalf.
Milton. ra.. Nearly Destroyed.

MILTON, Pa, May iA-A fire broke out at 10
o'clock to-day In the car works and heavy north.
west wind prevailing 1t was impossible to check
the progress Of the flames until the entire business
portion Of the town was destroyed. II is estimated
that 400 buildings were destroyed including all the
churches. The fire burned over space seven
squares in length and two in width. Assistance
came from Sunbury Danvillo WilliamSport, Lewis
burg and WntsontowD. Among the buildings De.
stroycd nro Lawson's machine shop the arInory
academy Of music. reformed pt esbyierian catholic,
lutheran. baptist and evangelical churches; banks,
telegraph Office, newspaper Offices Pennsylvania
railroad depot, gas works and nll the hotels. The
only important pusiness places saved are the roll.
ing mill nail works, Wilson's iiy-net factory and
the planning mills Several bodies have been re-
covered, but they are burned beyond recognition.
Two hundred and ifly families have been rem
dered homeless and are camping out in The fields.
supplies of provisions and clothing are needed at
once. 1t Is impossible 10 estimate the loss at
present.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
SUNBuRY, Pa, May H.--'rhe town OF Milton was
almost entirely destroyed by fire to-day. The fire
started in the HniShing-roOm of the Cur-works in
the northern end Of the town. An alarm was at
once sounded, but before the engines could get on
the groond the entre works were in flames. The
wind blew gale in tho direction OF the town. and
soon the fire was beyond all control. Aid was tel
egraphcd for, and the Sunbury fire department was
soon on the ground. The wind veered in different
directions and 1t was impossible to do any eilecal
work, and Broadway ana Front streets-the busi-
Dess part of the tOwn-were soon wrapped in flames
ana tno nrO swept from street TO street until II
reached the open country at the southern end OF
the town. III the meantime the Wlliamspor,
Danyille, Watsontown and Lowisburg fire depart
nientS had arrived, but the wind continued so high
that they could render but little service.
and only few houses here aud there
along the track of the fire could be saved. All the
hotels, churches, two banks the opera house telc
graph offices. the MitOHiGH and Independent Weekly
printing offices, all the business houses with Two
exceptions, and the depot were destroyed Tho
| body Of one man burned to crisp wns found.
Two women and several children are reported
missing. About COO families are homeless Aid
| has been rendered by the citizens of Sunbury
Lewisburg and Watsontown to the destitute people
| Large quantities OF household goods were loaded
on cars and taken up and down the road, and the
fields around the town Ore filed with goods Dur
| ing tho confusion many articles were stolen and
bonds The fire ragged so ficrcely that IN the upper
part of the town most OF the people barely escaped
| with theirlives. The wife of DR.. Cyrus Brown is
badly burned and several others are known to lie
severely injured. The scene was one of grent con-
fusion, hundreds of people pouring into town from
every direction. The FIRE was gotten under control
| about o'clock. Tho loss Is vnriously estimated
| from 81 100000 10 S20O0000 but no accurate csti.
mate can be given tonight. The mansion of cx-
| Governor Pollock was destroyed.
| MILTON. Pa, May H-The latest estimate places
the loss by todays fire at 81 100000 and the nsur
ance Gs0O0O0.
| AN APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE.
| HARRISBURG, Pa, May n.--The following dis
patch has been sent 10 the mayors Of the cities o
| this state: .-----a
THE town of Milton has this day been alnos
entirely destroyed by fire. Three thousand pcopl,
are now houseles, destitute of clothing provisions
and all the necessities OF life. would suggest tina
you call meeting your citizens at once, 10 fur
| uish Immediate aid 70 these stricken people.
| HENRY NJ HoYT, Governor"