Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-10-22
am, sir, very respectfully,
o. L. G.. CLAEKG.
Acting Commissioner.
Mr.. CIark's letter Is accompanied BY 4
number OF tabulatcd exhibits showing the
work u the Pension-Oflice in detail.
TIE CARTHAGE C0NFLAGRATlON.
The Whole Town Almost In Ashes-Many
People Homeless aud Destitute.
[By telegraph TO the Dispatch.I

lBy telegraph to the Dispatch.I
WATERFOWL, N. Y, October 21.-The
Carthage fire was the most disastrous that
has ever visited this part of the State. II
began in row OF manufacturing buildings
on the west side Of Black river, and
heavy wind blew the sparks for half mile
across the river 10 two islands which were
filed with manufacturing institutions.
Everything on the islands was burned,
and the fire struck into tie residence
part OF the town and sweDt the buildings
from about seventy-fve acres. This was
the Oldest part OF the town. and contained
beautiful shaded streets with fine dwell.
ings; hut to-day this territory is mass OF
smOudering ruins. One hundred aud
sixty dwellings were burned. besides
manufacturing institutions and Episcopal,
Presbyterian, Baptist. and Disciples
churches, the Town Hall, Academy, and
all the school buildings. TIL. fire spread
30 rapidly that very little household
goods could be saved. The fire de-
partments from Watertown. Lowyille.
Bonneville, and Utica responded to the call
for help. but as the fire would appear in a
dozen different places at ore time the
streams from the engines were OF little
avail. The yards were filed with dry
leaves. which were ignited by flying Gin
Cers and famed by the stiff breeze, and
were soon in q blaze. There were one
hundred dwellings on fire al the same time.
The people worked hard for several hours
10 save their properly, then they becsme
paDic-stricken, and all last night hundreds
IL them were roaming the streets or lying
in spots which the fire had not touched.
Every place OF shelter in the village being
filed with women and children, large
number OF people were brought to this
city, where they had friends to care for
them.
It is impossible 10 correctly picture the
scene OF Yesterday afternoon and last night.
strong men were weeping, and women and
children crying aS they realized that every
thing they possessed was being swept away.
Most of those who lost dwellings owned
them, having secured them by the savings
Of many years. Not one CT those burned
out was abe to stand the loss. The manu-
lecturers who suffered were doing good
business. and had orders ahead 10 keep
them going all the winter. They cannot
resume without outside help. These peo-
pie are thus thrown out OF employment
with the loss OF all they had, and they viii
have to suffer unless aid is rendered.
A committee has been formed in this city
to administer temporary relief. and over
81 600 was raised in an hour. The work
in this line will he continued until shelter
is provided for the homeless people. Money
will be ssnt to Allan +. Kellby and c. p.
Rythor. Of Carthage, who can be safely
trusted to look after the wants OF the peo-
pie. No one was burned to death, but a
score Of people were badly burned, in
cluGing firemtn. The loss will foot up over
half a million dollars. The insurance can
not now be given, but agents say il Will
not reach one third Of that amount.