National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-05-30
ALEXANDRIA AFFAIRS.
A Destructive and Fatal FIre-Death ON n
Railroads. BurgIariOus Attempt.

There was a destructive and fatal fire
in Alexandria at eight o'clock yesterday morning.
The fire originated in the house occupied by Mr..
Thomas DOwney, mechanic employed at the
Virginia Midland shops situated on GibbOn street,
between Washington and Columbus streets, and
spread rapidly TO the adjoining buildings, con-
Stunning seven frame dwellings before it could be
controlled. After the fire had gotten fully under
way the people were Mortified by the report
that Mrs. Downeys child was yet in the
burning building, where its mother had left 1t
short while before to attend services at the Catholic
Church The mother soon arrived at the scene of
the conf agration and her agony was ptiful to be-
hold. 1t was not certain whether the child had
been removed by neighbors. Soon. however, all
doubts were removed by the firemen bringing
forth the burned and unacceptable remains of
the unfortunate child. The Hydraulian engine,
owing to rotten hose ofvery little service and,
after an hours fruitless work. was sent back
to her quarters. The supply of water
was very short so much so that only one engine
could work at one time. Many think if the supply
of water had been sufficient the flames could have
been controlled much sooner. The fault was
caused by the water company having the water
cut off at the reservoir during Sunday hours This
is loudly denounced in the city. The houses were
the property of Messrs Sullivan & Kelly. Loss
about 81 600, partially covered by insurance.
KILLED ON THE RAILROAD.
As the fast mail was coming south yesterday
about noon it struck and instantly killed an aged
colored man named John Johnson, one mile north
of the depot in this city. The man was walking
toward Alexandria, with his back toward the
rapidly nearing train.
A BURGLARIoUs ATTEMPT.
Yesterday afternoon at two o'clock some small
boys hearing noise inside the Office of ]. H d.
Smoot lumber dealer, on Union street. reported
the same to Police Officer Lawler, who soon inves
tigated the matter. The doors being fastened he
got long plank and forced entrance through
second story window, and descending found two
thieves at work. They had forced open two
iron doored vaults and Mr. Shoots desk,
and had all the books and papers pro-
miscuously stirred up in search of booty. Officer
Lawler displayed great courage and presence OF
mind and promptly opened door, arrested the
two burglars, and lodged them in the station
house. Their names were Hugh Strider, who was
some time since sent to the penitentary at Albany
from Washington, and FAM Arlington, noted
character in the cock fighting line in this city.
They will no doubt receive their deserts.
SUDDEN DEATH.
Saturday night about half-past ten o'clock Mr..
H. V. Daniel, prominent citizen of this city, was
suddenly taken with heart disease and by the time
he was removed to his father-in-law's residence
on Royal street breathed his last Mr.. Daniel was
one of the most popular gentlemen in Alexandria,
and elected to the city council at the election
here last Tuesday. He came here from CharlOttes-
vile, Va, and engaged in the merchandise bust
ness and was in the prime of life and good health.
He leaves a wife, several small children. and
host of warm friends to mourn his unexpected
death,