National Republican., 1883-07-05
THE FOURTH AFLAME.

Big Firo at tho Soldiers IIome--Tho Stable
Entirely Dcstroyod-Loss $4,000 and No
xnsurance-supposod Incendiary Origin
Eight Other Fires.
The Hardwood barn on the soldiers home
ground was burned to the ground last night.
Henry McGraw, the "cattles man of the
home, discovered the fire at 11:3o. Word was
sent by mounted officer to the Boundary,
where Chief Cronin and No. 6 engine were
awaiting, and as soon as they learned
of the whereabouts of the fire and were
satisfied that water was obtainable they
went out. When they arrived at the
scene the fire had nearly burnt itself
out and the walls were falling in. The COM
pany went to work drawing water from a
pond 200 feet away, and at a late hour had
the fire under control. The building is sit
uated at almost the eastern extremity of the
home In a hollow, and very litho could
be done. The inmates of the home, in
GLIDING Gen. Sturgis, turned out but could
render no assistance, not having the neces-
sary means. The burned building was large
one, and was formerly the property of w. w.
Corcoran, from whom it was purchased. 1t
was two stories in height and was built Of
yellow brick, with ornamental trimmings
When it was built it cost $1,000. At the time
of the fire there were sixty-ive head of cattle
and 100 tons of hay inside. Tho cattle were
all saved, but the hay was consumed. The
same building was burned down about eleven
years ago, and was subsequently rebuilt. The
dairy and spring house are adjacent to the
burned building, but very Little damage
tho barn is the residence Of Mr.. Nc
Graw, while on hill to the southwest
is tho residence of Mr.. Ward, the gardner.
The water used by the fire company was
drawn from pond situate on the line of the
grounds Tho walls Of the building all fell
in making 1t total wreck. The loss was
estimated last night to be about $4,000, and
there was no insurance. The confagration lit
up the heavens with FURNISHED splendOr, and
tho reflection of the flames could be seen
from any portion of the city. 1t was first
seen by Chief Cronin and reporter from
South Washington. No alarm was turned in,
and the fire department deserves great credit
for the services rendered. Lieut.. Red
way, with all of his reserve force
was present and did much good. A large
number of people went out from the city
attracted by the glare, and fully 1000 people
gathered in the grounds Gen. Sturgis wa
everywhere at once, giving orders to the be
wildered attendants. The fire is supposed t.
be of incendiary origin as no fireworks wer,
set oil during the evening at the home.
EIGHT OTHER FIRES.
About 10 o'clock yesterday morning fir,
was discovered at house No. 500 L street south
east. occupied by Mr.. j. W. Mitchell, of TIN
Critic. The fire was extinguished withou
giving an alarm.
The stable In tho rear of Mr.. George Brett
barth's residence on b, between First ant
Second streets southeast, caught FIRE about
O'Clock last night by fire balloon falling oil
the roof, but was extinguished without turn
ing in an alarm.
Alarm from box 1856 was caused by fire il
house No. 1922 Pennsylvania avenue, owne,
by w. B. Webb, esq. and occupied by Mr., W
w. Gould. Damage, $3.50. Children playin
with matches was the cause.
A fire at 556 / street northwest did SIS
damage No alarm was turned in.
About $50 fire in the residence of NJ
Spring, corner of Third and j streets, dc
stroyed $500 worth Of furniture, etc. Th
house was owned by H. Cheseltine.
Box % was sounded for fire in roof of hous
1928 Eighteenth street northwest. No dan
age. At 445 yesterday afternoon fire wa
discovered at 81 Massachusetts avenue, wit
slight damage. An alarm was turned in frol
box 81 Box AZ, struck at IL p. m. last nigh
was false alarm.