The times., 1890-02-07

below, alighting on her side.
Still Living. but No Hope.
1t was Mrs. Tracy. A cry Of horror swept
over the crowd-a cry so monrnful that 1t
showed how terrible was the sight of which
they were the involuntary and helpless wit
nesses. Mrs. Tracy did not jump or throw
herself from the window. She simply
rolled out, and it will never be known
whether she was dazed by the smoke and
fire or whether she lost her balance and in
her enfeebled condition was unable to re-
cover herself in time to prevent the catas-
trophe. When Mrs. Tracy fell score of
willing hands were ready to carry her to a
place of safety. She was still living, but
the doctors saw that she was mortally
wounded and that she could not long sur
vive her injuries. She appeared to be semi
conscious of her surroundings, but to be suf-
fering untold agony
Marie Tracy's Frightful Death.
The tragedy which occurred in the rear of
the house was duplicated by one of even
greater horror in front There the even
larger crowd saw at a window in the third
story the figure of a young woman. Her
face, pressed closely against the glass of the
window, illumined by the flames, which
seemed to be SO close to her thar the people
wondered how she could stand there and not
perish from the heat, was turned upward as
If in supplication, while from the motion of
her lips it was plain that she was asking at
the throne of grace help which could not be
given her by man. 1t was maddening to
think that strong and able bodied men should
be standing there in safety on the street and
still be unable to render her the least assist
ance And yet, what could they doa The
yhara ba eyir ri WA of Iaact tbir-
ty-five feet from the ground. There was not
ladder in sight, and there was no means of
reaching her.
The Fire Fiend Victorious
They called to her at the top of their
voices to be of good cheer, and that assist
ance would soon be at hand, and yet they
felt in their hearts that If the ladders were
not there at once no human power would be
Of avail. At last, after what seemed like an
eternity, although really it had taken less
time than is required to tell it, the girl left
her place at the window and was seens no
more. The moment she left a shudder ran
through the frames of the Observers for
they guessed what would be the fate of the
young woman who had SO bravely and calm
ly faced death without a cry. They knew
that she would attempt to force her way
through the fame-enveloped stairs and per-
ish. As was afterward shown, their predic-
tion had proved only too true.
Mrs. Whine riding and Daughter.
Then the window of the second story front
room was thrown open and there appeared
at the opening woman and young girl,
the latter not more than IA years old. 1t
was evident that they contemplated the dan
gerous expedient of leaping and the crowd,
now almost frenzied with excitement, cried
to them not to think of doing SO. The elder
woman was Mrs. Wilmerding, daughter of
the secretary, and the child was hers, Alice,
the pet of the secretary of the navy. She is
q beautiful little girl, and clad only in her
night robe, as was her mother, she stood
without the slightest trace of fear on her
face, and seemingly more intent on cheering
up her mother than in thinking about the
danger which encompassed her.
The Engines at Last, but Too Late.
At last the clang of the bells announced to
the crowd that the engines and hook and
ladder companies had arrived. But it was
too late. Mrs. Wilmerding's courage had
failed her, and, thinking that to stay where
she was meant certain death, she preferred
to risk everything by leaping into the street
below. Giving her daughter gentle push,
the girl was seen to pass through the win
dow and fall on the soft grass parking in
front of the house, and the next moment
Mrs Wilmerding followed. 1t was impossi-
bic at that time to say how badly hurt they
were. Both seemed to be suffering severely
Mrs. Wilmerding had dislocated her wrist
and shoulder. Alice was bruised and con-
fused, and it was found later that she had
injured her spine, although she had borne up
bravely all day. 1t is feared she may be
cripple for life, while some apprehension is
felt also for her mother.
WASHINGTON CITY, Feb 5-Secretary
Tracy, who bears up wonderfully, was yes.
terday afternoon removed to the White
House. AT the residence of Bancroft Davis
yesterday morning he arose and dressed him
self, much to the surprise of his physicians.
The reaction from the opiates administered
Monday left him weak. He was Joined
early in the forenoon by his son Frank, who
had arrived by special train during the
night. Mrs. and Miss Wilmerding were
considerably better yesterday. The former
suffers great deal from bruises, and at
times during the morning was hysterical as
she began to realize the extent of her loss.
She is necessarily much exhausted, and suf-
fers more from nervous shock than from her
injuries. The doctors say that with abso-
lutte rest she will soon rally.
The Double Funeral.
The funeral of Mrs. and Miss Tracy took
place from the White House at IL o'clock
this morning. The services 're held in the
East room. Their remains re placed tenn
porarily in vaults in Rock Cr.'N cemetery.
Rev. DIR. Douglass, oi st. rs Episcopal
church, oflioet d at the fun,' The pail
bearers for Mrs Tracy wz: S Acretaries
Proctor. n h w ION, nJ X ,sa Attor-
ney "a N55f i'$a ad sH d ,eral
Wanam Z: Niarsi pora,i 49, RS.
The pal light
naval ofIi r.. lac SC ~, was
present, and ass ste,i NJ vcs The
funeral was private, and onl Off =. i and
personal friends OF Secret rrIcy were
invited.