The Portland daily press., 1880-05-17
THE MILTON FIRE.
Heart-rending Scenes in the Devas-
tated Town.
INCENDIARIES AND THIEVES AT
WORK.

MILTON, Pa, May I5.-The scene this morn
ing beggars description Nothing remains ex-
cept the black and desolate ruins Of a once
prosperous town. The people spent last night
IN the houses that were left, namely the rail-
works and planning mills. The number of
buildings destroyed is &C., Only two places of
business escaped destruction. The vaults and
books of the banks are uninjured. The peo-
pie are almost entirely destitute. Provisions
are pouring into town from the surrounding
country
The body of strange mau burned was den-
titled this morning as Mr.. Angey. He was S.
years old and was attempting to save the stable
of the poor house. Mrs. Sticker died during
the night from fright. The fire originated
from sparks from a saw mill attached to the
car works.
The town has been crowded with people all
day. The scene at noon was heart-rending.
Hundreds gathered around the planning mill,
where food was distributed by the relief COM
mittee. Several carloads of provisions arrived
during the day from HARRISBURG, Williamsport
and other places. A telegraphic order was re-
ceived from the treasurer of the Philadelphia
relief committee for 5000 and promising
more, and another from Col. Mcclure author
izng the proper parties to draw for $3.50. Two
hundred and fifty tents were forwarded by
Gov. Hoyt this afternoon and were erected in
fields adjoining the town. Four carloads of
people went to Watsontown to spend the night
Food was again distributed from the planning
I'LL UlIlS cNtuluS, duu porSOuS WHO were worth
thousands of dollars yesterday morning APP
peared to accept charitable relief. The next
distribution OF food occurs at o'clock to-mor-
row morning
Along with other relief coming here there
arrived thirty kegs of beer. Remonstrance
was made against its delivery and finally it
was returned to the shipping points. To guard
against accidents gang of men have been set
to work tearing down the ruins.
At o'clock this evening intense excitement
LII.
rekindle the fire. Some one placed bundle
of rags saturated with coal oil at the back
door of the only remaining hotel in the town,
and when discovered had already set fire to
the house. Another attempt was made to fire
the old Catamissa depot in the southern part
of the town. AS soon as these discoveries were
made the people were in frenzy. A reward
of $500 was Immediately offered for the appre-
hension of the incendiaries Much enthusiasm
ensued, the people seeming to become wild
from the fear and excitement, and many
whose property was saved esterday packed up
their goods again and prepared for fight
A temporary pOStotfice has been erected, and
the mail delivery will be resumed in the morn
ing. Some of the leading business men secured
rooms, and others will commence rebuilding
on Monday.
Dispatches are heing received from different
section of the country Offering aid. At the
request of citizens here the railroad company
has refused to run excursion trains tomorrow.
Inc local T6ll0I COulIulLu00 has issued an ap-
peal to the public, which says that after care
full personal inspection of the situation we sub
NIT to the speople of Pennsylvania and bene-
VIOLENT people everywhere the following state
ment:
The fire swept with total destruction in the
brief space of five hours, the area being one
mile long and half mile wide compactly
built. covering the entire business and best
portion of the town, and including, with very
few minor exceptions, all the churches, stores,
banks and manufactures, involving loss of
about So, 100000; and insured only for about
100000 as nearly as we can ascertain.
The statement goes on to say that assistance
is greatly needed, not only in medicine and
food and clothing but also in money as the
largest part Of the citizens are reduced to pow
erty and have no money to start again with.
MILTON, Pa, May 16.-Fully 10000 strang.
ers visited the town today. Religious services
were held by the various pastors in the open
air Immediately after the services many
went to the distribution rooms to receive food
from the relief committee The bank vaults
have not been opened yet. 1t is reported that
an attempt will be made to break them open
and it is feared that the houses in different
parts of the town will be fired to attract the
attention of the people from The vaults Thirty
men OF the 18th regiment arrived today from
Sudbury to do patrol duty during the night.