Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-06-11

~ s't"t-'~'~'
WILLIAMSBURG, June 10, 1885.
The Asylum Board continued it
labors until late last night. Mr.. lyle
arrived this morning. and the inyestiga
ton Of the origin Of the fire was con
tinued. The prevailing impression o
the witnesses who discovered the fiamel
and were first on the scene is that tn
fire originated from an electric-ligh
wire in the northern end Of Ward G
female department. The evidence i
conclusive that the flames made thei
appearance at 1890 p. NJ. The night
watches had gone through that building
between Q and 10 P. NJ, and had fount
everything as usual and the attendant
on duty.
The FIRE was discovered by Miss
McNair on her way 10 her roons which
was in that end of the building. Hei
scream brought the night-watch TO The
spot, and the alarm was given. The
fire then appeared to be ball OF hans
about three inches in diameter IN the
corner where the wires curved and
passed through the window-casing.
No other fame was visible, but further
on down the hall the reflection Of fire
above in the attic was seen through
apertures made by removed gas-fx-
tures. DIR. Moncure, who was the
first man to enter the burning build
ing, testified that upon hearing the cry
he rushed out from his apartments,
and while running across the yard saw
sufficient evidence Of a fire to To-
cate the building. Upon reaching the
end Of the hall he saw the same ball
Of fire in the upper corner seen by the
attendant, only it was considerably
larger. Thinking that bucket Of wa
ter instantly thrown on would subdue
it, he started for one. but when forty
or fifty feet down the hall he saw that
an immense fire was raging above in
the space between the roof and the
ceiling and following the ventiIseng-
flues. He Immediately abandoned the
idea of trying to put out the flames,
and bent his energies to saving the in
mates, which was fortunately accom-
plished. There was no time to waste
in dressing, and many were brought
out in semi-nude condition. A num-
Der of witnesses testify that some time
before the alarm was given the lights
were seen to flash up Suddenly. Those
that seem familiar with the electric-light
system say that this was evidence that
what is know as % cutoff" had bro
ken somewhere. The "cut-ofis" " are
placed at various intervals, and are in
tended to break the connection. To
convey an accurate IDEA Of the begin
ming and speed Of the flames, it is
necessary to briefly describe the plan
Of the building. 1t was a two-story
building facing west, with halls run
ming north and south. The window in
the north end occupied the entire width
of the hall and ran entirely up to the
roof, which was a hip-roof." A hori-
zontal yentilation-hue, made of laths,
ran above the ceiling, opening into the
main shaft. The theory Of those who
hold the electric light responsible is
that where the wires curved and
passed through the window-frame
friction had worn the insula-
tors, and the wires were close
enough ior the currents to communi-
cate and generate sparks; that fire in
variably aseends quickly; and when
its lowest point was in the
upper angle Of the hall by the mould
ing Of the wires that the fire, once
started, ascended until it struck the
yentilating fue, and following its
lraught, spread rapidly among the
oists and roof-timbers. In this con-
lection it should be remembered that
he fire did not originate on the lower
ioor. This view of the case seems to
DC very plausible, although it cannot
De shown that the wires did by any
means communicate at that point.
Mr.. Gardner, vice-president of the
Consolidated Electric-Light Company,
If New York, that put in the "dyna-
nos" and wires, was in attendance,
md was examined. He stated that the
wires and apparatus put in the asylum
we're the same as used in all the large
titles; that competent men had perform.
ID the work, and that no instance could
De cited where an incandescent light
lad communicated fire to build
ng. He then explained to the
Board his system Of light, draw
ng diagrams Of wires, and argued
o show that the fire could not have
proceeded from the electric wires. Thus
he case stands. AS yet it is impossi-
lie to arrive at any satisfactory conelu-
ion. 1t is reasonable to suppose that
he fire, being confined between a slate
'oof and plaster ceiling, had pro-
PRESSED some time before discovered.
The night-watcbes were not ubiquitous,
Tor had they any special cause, to watch
hat point, while the flame, visible in
he angle Of the hall, where there was lit
lie wood to feed upon, was hardly large
nough to attract attention at any dis
ance. But whatever may have been
he cause, so far as ascertained it was
ertainly not due to any negligence or
deficiency on the part Of the manage
nent. The investigation on this point |
vas pushed TO the utmost by Senator
Atkinson, and the evidence was con-
:lusiye from all sources that the
Institution was perfectly conducted up
o the time of the fire, and that after
Yards everything that could have been
lone to save inmates and buildings was
lone. AL the persons connected with
he institution who should have been
N duty were there; the proper attend
nts were in their respective wards;
be watches, male aud female, were in
iaerent parts Of the buildings. after |
aving made the first round, while the |
nen in charge of the dynamo were at
heir post. Rigid investigation has |
roved this.
The Board this morning took steps
0 have temporary buildings erected for |
use Of patients, and passed
resolution of thanks to the people Of |
Williamsburg for services rendered on
he night Of the fire. A similar resolu-
on will be forwarded to the Richmond |
ire Department. All of the male pa
ents are now in the asylum, the miss
,g one having been caught near Rich
,ond. This leaves only one unaccount-