Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-03-23

taken place IN Manchester since tne
burning of Buck & Hoff's mill sbout two
years ago. Six frame houses, including
a number of out-hOuses. were destroyed,
and not until about 2 o'clock this morn
ing were the flames under control.
Tbe Alert Fire Company WAS soon on
the ground, Int on account Of the limit
ed facilities it was not able to render
much assistance. The nearest water was
about half mile away, and even had
the Richmond Fire Department been
sent for-an idea that did not occur to
the Manchesterians until the fire had
made considerable headway-it could
not have helped much in subduing the
flames.
THE ALARM.
The alarm OF FIRE was given by col
ored man named +. Il. Mann, who, while
walking up Hull street. when in front OF
the grocery store OF Gibbs * Brother, at
the southeast corner of Hull and Fifteenth
streets. saw the store on fire. After an
attempt to get INTO the house Mann broke
open the door and awakened Mr.. Lawson
Burford, clerk Of the firm, who was
asleep in one of the rooms above. AS he
jumped ont of bed and fled from the
mouse, half clad, the floor OF the
second story fell in. His escape
was miraculous, for had he been
in the house minute longer he
would have persisted. in less than ten
minutes the store and stock had been
consumed. The out.houses were also
burned. In the stable were two horses,
buggy, and wagon, but these were
saved. The house was owned by j. Il.
Gibbs. and worth about 81, His
partner was his brother, c. +. Gibbs.
The stock was worth between 81. 900 and
q. 500. House and stock insured.
OTHER BUILDINGS BURNED.
The wind. which early in the night
had been high, had somewhat abated,
but not enough to play neutral part
when the flames rolled and the sparks
rose in the air. Quite TO the contrary,
for soon the adjoining buildings caught,
and were razed to the ground by the de-
vouring element. One house belonged
TO A. +. Goullman, whose family had
lust moved into the upper part OF 1t,
though the building had not received IFS
finishing touches. IhishOuse cost 5000,
and was insured for SSOO.
The next house. owned by John Fl.
Branberry Ga son-in-law Of Mr. Could
mani. also not quite finished, was de-
stroved-cost, 81. 600; insured for 81 900.
The next buildinC. owned by Mrs.
Sparks. was insured for $500. and worth
about 81, 100. This also fell victim TO
the flames.
During this time the fire leapol across
Fifteenth street and caught the large old
frame house owned by the Messrs. Mel
son and insured for $500. 1t will cost
about 81, 600 to rebuild the house.
SCENES ABOUT THE FIRE.
A large crowd was present to see the
fire burn, but that is all they did. The
people who occupied the several build
ings fortunately succeeded in getting out
their effects before the fire caught them,
and the side of Hull street opposite the
confagration presented quite domestic,
but not very happy scene. Al. sorts Cl
furniture and bed-clothing-some with
infants rolled in it-was 10 lie seen OF
every side, and women with shawls
around their heads walked up and down
in front of their all, wondering 10 doubt
where they would spend the night.
While one of the buildings was burn
ing briskly a eat, with all the hair
burned OF her back, crawled ont. The
poor creature seemed TO be suffering so
much that some sympathetic person
killed it with n stick.
The telegraph-poIe in front of one OF
the houses caught fire and two of the in-
sulators fell of.
THE WIND.
At one time the wind blew in such
a way as to imperil the most valuable
property in the Third Ward and sparks
flew to n great distance. but no other
damage could be asceItained than what
has been stated.
Efforts were made by members OF the
Manchester Alert Company to pull down
the burning houses in order to protect
the buildings in the neighborhood, but
they were UNSUCCESSFUL.
NEED OF STEAM APPARATUS.
Nothing could speak in more positive
tones in favor oil Manchester taking
steps at once to prevent a recurrence Of
last nights catastrophe. The city needs
a steam fire apparatus, and needs it
badly. The fire would not probably have
DESTROYED $2j worth OF property last
night if the city had had proper facili-
ties, and it is hoped that the day is not
far distant when such fire will be inn
possible in Manchester.
Personal md Other Items.
The City Council meets tonight at Y
o'clock.
The Hastings Court was engaged yes
terday trying civil cases.
Captain George p. Walden left yester-
day to accept position as conductor on
the Kanawha and Ohio railroad.
Mr.. G. w. Still, OF Lynchburg, for
merly of this city, is here on visit.
Rev. Charles Jones, of Cumberland,
will preach at the Presbyterian church
on Sunday. Mr.. Jones is highly spoken
of as preacher.
A general meeting of the stockholders
of the Manchester Home, Building, and
Loan Association will be held tonight at
the Office of A. j. Bradley & Co.
Rev. II. r. Acree preached fine ser
mon at the Baptist church last night to a
large congregation. Mr.. Acree arrived
night just before the services
closed. He will preach again tonight.
Miss Jessie Waldrop and Mr.. Harry
Tilden were married yesterday afternoon
at the residence OF the brides uncle,
MIR. j. G. Goolsby, on Porter street be
tween Eleventh and Twelfth. Rev. John
j. Clopton ofliciated, and Mr.. and Mrs.
Tilden left on the north-bound train for
their bridal tour Only a few intimate
friends witnessed the ceremony. The
bride and groom both resided at High
Point, n. c., and the former had been
here on a visit for some time. She had
spent some time in Manchester before
and had made many friends
GilInore's Ticket sales.
The box-sheet for the great Gilmore
opens to-day at Walter ID. Moses