The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1892-10-31
MADISON. SOUTH DAKOTA MONDAY OCTOBER 81. 1891

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nnnoreo Ieeror more, enveIop DuiIdlng
for an instant and be blown another
way by the wind. But a building once
touched by the flame would need no
further urging, but would fash up in
flames, which In turn would leap and
Ignite the next building. And 80 the
fire swept on, devouring everything.
Moving Goods of No Avail.
There was so much warning for every
one that efforts were made in many
places to save articles that could not
possibly be moved hundred yards.
There were lot of threshing machines
lined up on Menominee street, for In
stance, and their removal only saved
them from the flames an hour or two.
Wagons loaded with furniture, stoves,
bedding, clothing and various house
hold articles, filed the streets and in
variably the horses were headed one
way. The drivers had no particular
destination, they simply wanted to get
out Of reach of the flames as soon as
possible. Every available truck, ex-
press and delivery wagon was called into
requisition. Occasionally large load
of household goods would be seen NOV
ing at a lively rate, propelled by man
power instead of horses. Every
body who was in the vicinity
seemed anxious to assist those in
distress, and if the flames had
not spread SO rapidly, much of the
household goods along the north line of
the fire would have been saved by the
willing workers. In spite of all efforts
toward saving property. however, many
lost everything except the clothes on
their backs. and the efforts of the char
liable will be devoted to relieving those
whom the FIRE has rendered homeless
and destitute.
Militia Called Out.
Measures have been taken to stop the
depredations of thieves who always
hunt the scene of fires. The militia are
patrolling the district. Fifty members
Of the Milwaukee Light Battery re-
sponded promptly to the call for assist
ance. Nearly az many more from the
Light Horse squadron, and enough Of
infantry to make up total Of $50 men,
are on duty. II it is found necessary
Governor Peck viii order ont additional
troops. The city police are also to be
kept on duty night and day, and alto
gether the police arrangements are ex-
cellent. The work of clearing away
debris preparatory to rebuilding, win be
commenced at once. Already many
property owners are looking over the
ruins, and as soon as the bricks have
cooled sufficiently to be handled hum
dreds of laborers will be set to work
removing the rubbish, and within few
days new buildings win be rising from
the ruins.
owe Debt OF Gratitude.
Several hundred homeless Third ward
people owe deep debt of gratitude to
Manager A. L. Chase, of the Planking-
ton house. When he learned of the dire
distress among them he circulated about
in the suffering throngs and offered the
free hospitality of his hostlery to allevi-
ate their wants. There were 100 disen-
gagged rooms in the Plankington house,
aud in these were quartered more than
two hundred Of the homelesss ones.
Not content with such q noble act of
charity, Mr.. Chase and Chief Clerk
Walsh directed corps of assistants in
furnishing the police and FIRE depart
ment force with hot coffee and food.
The fremen and policemen were told to
come to the Plankington House and
partake of the hospitality Of that hotel.
All the homeless ones will be given free
fare at the Plankington until quarters
are provided for them.
President E. M. We'll, Of the real
estate board, gave notice that the rooms
Of the board would be thrown open for
the accommodation of the merchants
who had been burned ont. There are
twelve or fifteen desks at the rooms
which can be used by the unfortunate
business men until they can secure
quarters.
Work Of Relief.
The churches and public buildings
have been thrown open to accommodate
the sufferers, while every society and
organization in the city is maturing
plans for immediate financial relief. The
Democratic candidates on the congress
sional and county tickets started their
subscription while the FIRE was yet rag
ing, with cash contribution of %, ,0OO
At meeting OF the chamber Of COM
merce q genyla al relief committee was
organized TO forward the work, and sub
scriptions began to pour In from citizens
who were in attendance before even
the committee was appointed. Several
subscriptions of d QUO were made on the
spot, the names including Congressman
John L. Mitchell, FL. G. Payne, August
Uihlein, r. Cudahy, M. P. Rosse, r. p.
Bacon and the Wisconsin Fire and
Marine Insurance Company bank. A
telegram from p. d. Armour, Of Chi
cago, announced his subscription a.
5000. Five hundred dollar subscrip-
tions and others for smaller sums were
added, the whole making q handsome
sum. The Brewers association con-
tributed another 81, 900 and the morning
subscriptions reached the sum Of about