The Portland daily press., 1886-10-20
AID FOR EASTPoRT.
capt. j. S. WinsIow's Story of His
Trip.
List of Contributions Foots Up Nearly
$1,000.

ter He could say this, that too much as
sistance could not be afforded the unfortu-
nate inhabitants. 1t must be borne in mind
that at least 1000 people employed in the
sardine factories, are entirely without means
of support. They need everything in the
way of clothing bedding and supplies. To
get some idea of what was burned at East
port he would in general terms say that the
fire which started in Capen's sardine factory,
three wharves south Of the International
Company's wharf, burned as far north as
two houses north of the old John French
residence, distance of over half a mile. In
breadth there was belt consumed for 1000
feet in width east of Water street, continue
ing in width to the John French house, while
all east of Water street including all the
wharves, except Milliken's, was entirely
consumed. Mr.. Bradford told him there
were thirty-fve to forty dwelling houses
burned Many of the people who were
burned out are cared for by the people whose
houses still remain, while others are provid-
ed for in Prescott Hall, and the skating-rink
Mr.. Winslow hopes it will be borne in mind
that all help that can be given is needed, and
| that too, speedily. He says that a more
wretched picture cannot be imagined than
was presented on Saturday when the steamer
landed at Eastport. A dreary waste met the
eye, the air was full of ashes, blown high
and circling in eddies, under the influence of
the lbitter cold wind which had clean
sweep, while the sea stretched out in the dis
lance cold and leaden, and the nostrils were
filled with an almost unbearable odor from
the smoking, seething factory ruins and 9TH
er burned material. Monday there seemed
to be rather more life shown as the weather
was pleasant and warmer.
Captain Winslow says the people of East
port have always been proud spirited and
enterprising They will not beg for aid. 1t
must be free gift to be acceptable. A I'M
ion meetinglwasiheldi Sunday night in the
Baptist meeting house which was addressed
by the different clergymen and others. 1t
was there stated that there seemed to be
great need of warm clothing for the weather
was growing colder every day. Mr. Mutt
said at the meeting it was absurd to talk
about Eastport not being rebuilt. AS bad a
fire was experienced twenty-five years ago
and people took hold with will and build
much finer city, and this would be repeated
in the present instance. Capt. Winslow said
in some cases the loss was total. He in
stanced the case of gentleman who had not
only his place of business and merchandise
all burned up, but his residence with every
particle of furniture also, and he had not a
dollars worth of insurance.
Captain Winslow says while the Portland
people in the fire of 1866 suffered more in
the destruction ofitheir homes, PASSPORT has
suffered vastly more in proportion in the
destruction of her business places. Not
withStanding they have suffered less in
homes, they have suffered enough, and the
fact should be kept prominently in mind
that food, clothing and bedding are needed,
and needed right away. The International
Company will carry all that is given.
In regard to the International Company's
wharf Capt. Winslow says it is entirely de-
stroyed to a little below high water mark.
The piling is gone and the main wharf is
burned below high water mark distance of
| two or three feet Arrangements are in pro-
| gress for fitting up Milliken's wharf for the
| steamers of the company, so that their bust
| ness will be facilitated until their own wharf
shall be rebuilt in time for next seasons
business.
Capt. Winslow said he was quite pleased
to see the freight the steamer brought up
yesterday He had not supposed there
would be any, but great quantity of dried
fish, sardines, etc., had been hauled into the
country during the fire. and as there was
plenty of unemployed people in Eastport
they gladly took the job to haul part of it
back to the steamer and thus give her good
freight for Portland.
At meeting of citizens held in Eastpor'
Monday committee was formed consist
| ing of 20 leading business men, who were to
act in connection with the local Ladies'
Benevolent Society in relieving cases of
present restitution.
Mr.. T. Frank Jones, manager of E. Russell
& Co.'s mercantile agency of this city, des-
patched to Eastport Immediately upon learn
ing of the disastrous fire there, Mr.. L. c.
Gatcomb, the city reporter here. Mr.. Cat
| comb returned yesterday morning with full
report of the losses and insurance of the
business men of Eastport. Subscribers to
the agency upon application to the Office can
| get full particulars in regard to any indi-
vidual case they may be interested in.
Mr.. Gatcomb reports that he found the
people there bravely hopeful in spite of the
crushing blow the industries of the town
have received. In regard to the restitution
of the people there, he tells of a man who
lost all his possessions in the fire and who,
on the night following, passed the night
with his family of six under the shelter of a
tent hastily built of boards and sacking.
Mr.. Gatcomb thinks there may be 20 or 80
cases of equal restitution. The total loss by
the fire cannot yet be stated with accuracy
but the best estimates place it at very nearly
million dollars. The total insurance will
reach 100000.
The following additional contributions
wore renortpd Yesterday