Evening journal., 1891-06-29

before the roaring flames which shot
forth from so many places aud sent off
the streams in vapor almost before they
struck the buildings. The roof Of the
cooper shop fell in about 20, about the
same time that the big water tank gave
way
When Waterman Mcllvane struck the
alarm the box remained open, and some
excited persons In the neighborhood ran
to the spot and sent in alarm after
alarm. keeping the bells ringing for
twenty minutes. This constant ringing
of the fire bells brought nearly every
body from their homes, and when they
saw the dark thick volumes of smoke,
many imagined that all Of that section
Of the city was on FIRE and nearly every
body hurried la that direction The jam
on Third street bridge was fearful, All
along New Castle avenue the people stood
In solid mass, making 1t almost inn
possible to pass up or down
The reporters were grateful to Officer
Peoples for helping them on to the roofs
OF the stables from which all others we're
excluded and from which also one of the
best views OF the tire could be obtained.
Houses, boats, wharves, cars aud every
other available spot was filed with
people Il is calculated that at least
10, 600 persons were present at the ire,
Crowds Kept Out.
Many had entered the yard before the
officers got into position, but as soon as
possible the place was roped and none
were afterwards admitted.
The Place in Darkness.
The electric light wires had fallen In
many places, and the fremen were at
first afraid to approach them until told
that the current had besn shut of As
South Wilmington is lighted by elec
tricity, the place was in semi darkness
last night, the only light being from the
burning emhers, the fremeD's lanterns
and the torches from the engines The
southern portion over which the smoke
pail settled was shrouded in impenetrable
gloom.
While the carpenter shop was on fire
several workmen entered the building
and secured their tools at great risk Of
their lives
The hremen were at work four hen )
without ceasing Az IL o'clock the
| Phwaix, Friendship and Weccacoe
engines were ordered out OF service. the
others remained at work during the
night.
Outside Help Asked For.
When the fire was at its height and 1t
was feared that South Wilmington would
be demolished, telephone message was
sent TO Chester for help. Two companies
had their apparatus loaded on gondola
cars when word was sent that the fire
was under control The members OF the
firm were early on the scene and re-
mained throughout the burning.
Estimate Of tho Loss.
One Of the members Of the firm said tC
an EVENING JOURNAL reporter this
morning: THE property Is insured foi
/ 500, 600 which will nearly cover tn,
loss About 400 men will be temporarily
thrown out OF employment We vii
begin the work Of rebuild
ing the mills ct once and pusl
forward the work as rapidly
as possible The origin of the fire Il
unknown. Watchmen have been placed
around the place TO day, who under NJ
circumstances will allow anybody ti
enter without 3 pass from the Office
Another theory as to the cause Of tn
fire Is spontaneous combustion. An ex
foreman Of the company said to-day tina
he often saw the cotton waste in tn
closet so hot that 1t burned his han
when he caught IT, The fire was seen b
q small boy, who drew the watchman'
attention TO 1t. When 1t burst fort
there was no stopping It,
The loss to the workmen in salaries
estimated at S45 000.