The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-14
RECKLESS nRANERY.

ment are burned, The loss mounts TO
about ), 800. Noilsurance.
RECKLESS BRAVERY,
The members of the local fire depart-
ment are in many instances recklesslv
brave and unmindiul of any personal dan
ger This was the case last night. Engine
NO. was stationed right under the south
east corner of the burned building and
remained there until the greater portion
OF the other walls had fallen. and there
was every indication that the one under
winch they were working would soon
follow. The heat was also intense.
FINALLY, realizing their imminent peril,
operations were discontinued until the en-
glne could be moved away by hand. 1t
TOOK place none too soon for in two min
utes the walls were observed to be totter-
ing, and moment later the bricks were
piled in smoking heaps ON the ground,
covering the spot where the engine stood.
Early in the action ladders had been run
up alongside the walls, and some OF these
were removed at times when il appeared
to be almost certain death to any who
ventured near them. Notwithstanding
this, few of the ladders were safely re-
moved, but most OF them were burned.
THE BURNED PREMISES.
The building which was destroyed was
erected by j. &. Nicely, having been com
pleted in September, 1887. 1t was double
building OF six stories and basement and
cost about $40, 900. From an architectural
standpoint, II was one of the most credita-
BILE cdiiccs in the city, both in point of
beauty and strength. The foundation
walls were deeply sunk and mos, carefully
constructed. The upper portion of the
building was supported by stout iron
pillars from the pavement up to the
very caves OF the root, but the walls to-
ward the top were not as heavy MS they
should have been, and the joists were
poorly inserted. Its completion was hailed
with delight by all property holders in that
neighborhood on account OF its fine APP
pearance, and because II awakened ten
dency TO accommodate the spreading bust.
ness OF the city in that direction and
consequent enhancement OF the value OF
surrounding real property. On this &C.
count the loss will be more deeply re-.
GREETED than otherwise by all those who
take an interest in the growth Of the city.
TRYING To MAKE Ir PAY.
So far as known, there was but one ef-
tort 10 make the fire pay Mr.. X. w.
llllliard was standing with open eyes and
mouth, watching every new turn the fire
took. Suddenly he felt a sort OF gonencss
about his vest pocket, and grabbed lust in
time 10 prevent daring pickpocket from
walking of with his fine gold watch aud
chain. The thief did, however, succeed
in making his escape with half the chain.
The porters ut the Gayoso nipped Sow
eral petty thieves in the bud but could
do nothing more than cXpcl the rascals
from the premises.
EXCITEMENT At rnE GAYoso.
The guests OF the Gayoso Hotel had no
sooner learned that the fire WIS in close
proximity 10 the hpstelry than they
began hurriedly 10 prepare Tor vlcating the
premises. Women anl children were
frantic with fear aud excitement. Sleep
ing little ones were speedily packed Ia
their mothers or nurses arms aud carried
down stairs nj break .ncck speed. which
placed them In greater danger than the
closcncss OF the lire. Trunks aud bundles
were rolled out ol the rooms n less time
than IL takes To tell about It, and hustled
down the siairways an baggngc-smishing
clothing wcrr torn from the hooks Of tho
closets, packed In bed quilts and pitched
down stnirs. 10 WIS astonishing how
throughtiul the ladies wcrc OF their
possessions la silks, satins etc. when
one takes into consideration the
high pitched excitement that pos.
scs,cd them. The rolunda Of the
hotel presented the appearance of rail.
- aN.ft.ss H1f.I a.
their yaricgaied bundles.
rnE LADIES AND CHILDRES
sat in among ihcsc treasures, while trans
fer men were engaged In hauling them as
fast ~ they could 90 places Of safety. As
hundreds Ol curious people poured In the
hotel and discussed the probability OF its
being swept out OF existence, the
hearts Of the frightened ladies could have
been heard palpitating Tho big house
was absolutely oyerrun by people going
from one place 10 another tO get goOd
view Of the big blaze that threatened the
ncighborhood
The crowd became too much for Mr..
Frank White. aud he stood at the door
on Shelby street forcing people back ns
they ondcay0rcd 10 get In. lie succeeded
very well until the reporter attempted 10
get in. Two stout negroes who assisted
Mr.. White ~ scrgrants-at-arms were
thrown aside by the newspaper man. Col.
White saw that nn apparently tough GUS
toner had arrived and hc came forward.
Not recognizing The scribe, Mr.. White at.
tempted 10 catch him by the throat. but a
further scrutiny Of the inirudcf's features
satisfied the energetic guardian aud no
further resistance was intcfpDrcd.
As the fire progressed Il was clearly
seen that the hotel would be- saved and
the excited guests assumed their normal
condition Of every day ! iic, and the noy-
city II the thing having passed by, they
repaired 10 their rooms ycry much worn
out by the turmoil that had been pisse d
through.
SPEEDY RESUMPTION,
The Mansfield Drug Company u iar too