The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-01-10
TERRIFIED TELEGRAPH MEN.
Twenty Western-Union Opera tors Imprison-
cd In n Burning BuiIdIng-Thriliing Is
cape from Dcath-The Fire.

DETROIT, MICi., January 0.-Fire broke
out last night at the foot OF TIE elevator in
the telegraph block, evidently in some rags
kept there for use around the elevator.
! The fire communicated with sweepings,
and almost instantly flames shot up the en-
tire length OF the elevator to the roof OF
the building. In the top story are
situated the large operating-room OF
the Western Union Telegraph Company
and superintendent Office, book-keeper's
rooms, and battery-rooms. The night
force of operators had Just got to work
when the alarm was given, but so instanta-
neous was the progress Of the flames that
all egress by the stairways was cut of.
The night chief operator, NJ. s. Corbett, at
once rushed to the ladder leading to the
scuttle on the roof and called upon others
to follow him, but the scuttle was closed.
Corbett had on a thin otiice-coat, which took
fire as he mounted the ladder, and before he
could divest himself OF it he was severely
burned on hands, arms, and face. So fierce
was the fire even at this early stage that
egress by the roof was cut off. The opera
tors then retired TO their room, separated
from the passage-way and other parts OF
the building by brick wall. Closing
doors tightly they patiently waited for de-
liverance TO reach them as best it could.
The Fire Department responded with
greet promptness, and soon three steam
ers were at work pouring water into
the upper stories, while the hook and-lad-
der corps bent every energy to rescue
the imprisoned operators, some twenty in
number, including one girl. The operations
were greatly interiered with blythe multiple
city OF wires crossing the streets in every
direction. Finally ladder was put up,
and reached to the next story below the
operating-room. Men were eXhorted to
drop from the window and take chances OF
catching hold OF the ladder, but fortunately
they refused to do so. At this time flames
were roaring beyond the petition wall and
bursting through the roof, casting lurid
glare upon buildings three and four
blocks away. The Gremen, with re-
doubled energy, set about getting up
another larger fire-escape, and succeed
ed in doing so, reaching the top story
and safely delivering the men from posi-
ton which was becoming every moment
more critical AS the operators came
down the ladder they were greeted with
wild cheers by the excited and surging
crowd that thronged the streets below.
Attention was now given to combining the
flames within as narrow limits as possible.
The lower floors, occupied by the
Peoples Savings Bank and various
business offices, were flooded with
wafer, and the adjoining block was
slightly damaged by fire and water. 1t is
difficult to estimate the loss, but It is not
heavy-perhaps 100000. The building,
which is insured, is owned by c. III. Bull,
who will at once restore it. The telegraph
company at once opened communication
through railroad and other wires, and Will
speedily be in shape again, As the poles
are not disturbed new office connections
alone will be required.