Daily Republican., 1883-07-07
THE SMALLPOX HOSPITAL.
Its Destruction by Fire Last Night.

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Its Destruction by Fire Last Night
Shortly before 10 o'clock last nigh
an alarm of fire was struck from box 3
at Fourth and Broom streets, to whicl
the whole department responded, ant
found the old smallpox hospital il
flames. When the fire was discovered
it seemed that the whole interior wa
burning, and there is no doubt but wha
it was the work of an incendiary.
When the Companies arrived ON the
ground, after their long run, several OF
them showed a disposition to stand of
and let the building burn to the ground
and it was only after being ordered by
the Chief Engineer that they went into
service at all. This is not to be
wondered at, as the fear of the loath.
some disease, combined with the intol.
erable stencil from the burning beds
and bedding was enough to make men
hesitate and remain at a distance.
Nearly everything inside the build.
ing was consumed, and 1t is probably
the best thing that could have hap
pened, as it has long been problem
what disposition to make of tine infected
goods.
About one year ago Charles Fisher
who had charge of the hospital during
the smallpox epidemic of 1851, made
an effort to have his goods removed to
Philadelphia, as he found it impossible
to obtain work or make a living in this
city after the disease had disappeared
While the goods were at Warmers S
wharf, it was found out who they be-
longed to, and they Were sent back to
the hospital where they remained.
Fisher and his family, unable to OBJ
tain another house, remained at the
hospital, making a Precarious living,
until the disease WAS again brought to
this city in the early part of this year,
when he was again appointed Superin-
tendent, and had charge until II few
weeks ago, when the Trustees Of the
Poor notified him that, as the disease
had disappeared, his services would not
be required any longer. Since then he
has been extremely anxious to leave
this city and get to Camden, n. j., and
knowing that it would be impossible to
obtain teams here, or have his goods
shipped from this city, went to Phila-
delphla about two weeks ago and en-
gagged two wagons for $50, to come here
and haul his goods to that city. After
the men arrived they accidentally learn
ed what kind of goods they were to
haul, and they declined the job, driving
back with empty wagons.
The Trustees of the Poor recently
agreed to pay him $3.50 for the goods,
and the matter was placed in DR.. Ogle's
hands for settlement. Fisher was to be
allowed to take away such goods as
would not be likely to spread the dis
ed. When Fisher learned Of the action
OF the Trustees, he came to DR.. Ogle at
the almshOuse and refused to take $50,
but demanded $3.50.
The matter was presented to the Board
Of Trustees by DR.. Ogle, but they de-
clined to increase the amount, and
nothing further was done up to the
time of the fire. 1t is said that Fisher
obtained two wagons yesterday, which
were loaded with goods that had been
washed and tumigated so that there
was no danger of their spreading the
disease. These loaded wagons were
standing a short distance off last night
when the fire occurred.
The building has been used for a
smallpox hospital for the past twenty
years, and place for a new hospital on
the grounds Of the new almshouse had
recently been selected, and there is no
doubt but the building will now be hur
ried to completion. John Guthrie was
Superintendent of the hospital for
twelve years and resigned the position
about eight years ago.
During the time he had charge, the
was kept in model manner
and it was frequently a subject of won
der how he managed to keep the place
so clean, and maintain such good order
when the promiscuous nature of his pa
tents was taken into consideration.
In his long experience with the disease,
Mr. Guthrie acquired a large amount of
valuable information, and some of the
leading physicians have been known 10
defer to his opinion in the treatment of
cases.