The Portland daily press., 1884-10-13
QUEBEC'S SCARE.
The New Parliament Buildings
Blown Up by Dynamite.
Two EXPLOSIONS BADLY SHAT
TER THE STRUCTURE.
Only Two Persons Injured-Great
Excitement Among the People.

QUEBEC, Oct. 11.-About O'Clock this afternoon
explosion occurred at the new Parliament buld-
ings, destroying considerable portion of the ma
sonry and the windows of the new structure which
was just being rooted in. The general impression is
that the explosion was caused by dynamite, but as
none OF that material is used on the work, it is
mystery how it came there. The workmen all be-
ing away at dinner, but one man was injured, and
he escaped with slight cut from piece of stone.
The shock was very severe, and was felt all over
the city. The windows of houses in the vicinity OF
the explosion were badly shattered.
At 3 D. m, second explosion occurred but the
building sustained no damage of any consequence.
Carpenters working the building say they
noticed box lying all the morning close to the
wall where the first explosion took place, but they
supposed it was placed there by the plumbers. At
ter the explosion no trace of the box could be
found. It is now believed that the box contained
dynamite, aud was an internal machine
The second explosion was about 80 feet from the
place where the first one occurred. The new build
ing is said to be so badly cracked from the first
shock that it is feared half of it will have to be
taken down and rebuilt. After the first explosion,
sent all through the buildings to look for
other suspicious boxes, but found nothing. The
cause of the second explosion is as great mystery
that of the first. The explosions did considera-
Bile damage to windows in the vicinity of the Par1i
ament House, and almost all Of the windows in the
house ITSELF in the section where The explosion
CURED. are shattered The damage by the first ex-
plosion Is considerable A hole, about twelve feet
the third story from the basement, and directly
over the right hand entrance to the assembly cham
ber and near the place where the speakers chair is
situated. The second explosion occurred in the
northeast corner of the same building. The corner
stones. forming the support of the building, are
badly buged and it is doubtful If It can be repair
building bad been so far advanced that only part
of the roof remained unfinished. The only persons
reported injured are Martel, workman, and M.
Charebos, the contractor neither receiving serious
wounds
Several rumors are current, regarding the cause
of the explosion. The French employees state that
the work was done by Irish dynamiters while the
Irish citizens say and their opinion Is shared by
great many, that the French workmen committed
the deed with view to iDjure the contractor, but
for what reason is not apparent, as it is said the
contractor and men on the best of terms. Seri-
trouble is feared between the two nationalities
If these accusations be carried much further.
At meeting of the Cabinet tonight, it was de-
cided to offer reward Of 81, 900 for information
as to the outrages authors. Guards have been
placed on all Of the powder magazines connected
with the citadel. the military stores and cartridge
factory, and 100 mon Of Battery A are now guard
ing tho Parliament buildings. 1t is said that the
government was warned some time ago to look out
for dynamiterS.
ILATER.l
QUEBEC, Oct. 12.-The troops placed around the
building last night were Withdrawn at
7.30 p m. today and a strong guard of police put
in their place. No person will be allowed TO APP
proach the building or pass in close proximity to it
watch was kept. The excitement is s ill unabated,
aud upwards of 40 700 persons visited the of
the disaster today All sorts Of rumors in circu
lstion of the theories being that four strangers
lately employed on the building as workmen, have
been acting in most suspicious manner, and one
always remained behind, in turn, while the other
three went to dinner. Another story is told by
prominent civil service employe. He says that he
overheard part of conversation carried on in the
building between three or four men. who stated that
they would soon have their grievances set right. In
fact there is end to the rumors. The chief of
police tonight says the police discovered nothing
but thought tonight that they had pos
tive clue to the perpetrators.
Upon close inspection today of the damage done
it was found that the hole made by the first explo
sion was much larger than reported yesterday ,and
it is now believed that the entire wall of the north
eastern portion will have to be taken down. This
will entail an expense of $2o, 900. 1t is certain
now that the building will not be completed in
time to permit the government holding its sessions
there this year.