The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-01-11
THE NEWS IN THIS CITY.
Rev. Myron W. Reed an Intimate Friend of
Several of the Dead-H. Ii. Shermans
knowledge of the House.

Rev. Myron w. Reed an Intimate Friend of
Several of the Dead-H. b. Sherman's
knowledge of the House.
A Journal representative called upon Rev.
Myron W. Reed last evening to learn what
he knew about the Newhall House As is
generally known Mr.. Reed preached in Mil
waukee for several years Immediately prior
to his removal to this city, and he has been
acquainted with that city more or less since
1856. He was quite we'll acquainted with a
number of the victims, some of whom were
members of his church, and he was much af-
fected by the news of their death in such
manner. With the proprietor, Mr.. John F.
Antsdell, he had been especially intimate,
having been engaged frequently with MIN in
religious work "Mr. Antisdell," said Mr..
Reed, twas one of the finest men l ever
new-large-hearted, noble-spirited; in fact
one of natures nobiemen. He was always
active in Christian work, and had con-
Quoted for many years mission-school, with
a membership of more than 600. His rooms
were on the second floor and he surely must
have persisted in saving others, for he could
easily have escaped from his apartments"
1.-THE hotel" Mr.. Reed said, ''was perfect
death-trap, and l never went to bed there
without feeling that in case of fire | would
be roasted in my room, with no possible OPP
portunity of escape. The guests were taken
up in the elevator, and the stairways were in
such obscure positions, and so narrow and
winding that guest would have no idea
how to find them. The halls were
narrow and dark, and the house
built generally after very ancient
model. The hotel was considered first-class,
and was patronized extensively by families
as boarders."
Among those with whom he was ac-
quainted, Mr.. Reed spoke particularly of Mr..
T. B. Elliott, lawyer, who is reported fatally
injured He spoke of him as an intimate
friend, and lawyer of exceptionally bright
promise. He said (Which is only too true)
that this dreadful casualty will occasion the
exercise of extra precautions on the part of
everyone for a little while, and then the
world will relapse into the usual careless
ness regarding such matters. Such build
ings" said he, ARE allowed to stand, just as
dead limb is permitted to mar a tree, and
we feel that it ought to be attended to, but
finally become used to it and forget it."
THE VIEWS OF H. B. SHERMAN.
Mr.. II. B. Sherman, of the Denison House.
was interviewed regarding the matter, he
having lived in Milwaukee for a long time as
proprietor of the Plankington House. He
said the Newhall House was begun in 1887,
by Daniel Newhall, wealthy grain mer-
chant and, when the first story was COM
pleted, failed in business, and left it for
others to complete. The first story was we'll
constructed, but the remaining six stories
were run up in a cheap manner, with wooden
partitions and other features that rendered
the building very combustibe. The hotel
stood in the heart of the city, on the
corner of broadway and Michigan streets,
directly opposite the Chamber OF Commerce
and the elegant Mitchell block. 1t was built
of brick and very plainly furnished, with
the office on the second floor. An elevator
was located near the center of the house,
ming the entire length of the building were
winding stairways to the upper floors. Mr..
Sherman said that the staircases furnished
very inadequate means of escape, and the
danger in case of fire was fire.
| quently referred to by the guests.
The house had about $50