Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-12-01

crate cold wave.
BIC FIRE AT JACKSON CITY-About
1880 o'clock last night fire broke out
in one of the row of frame buildings in
Jackson City, at the south end of the
Long bridge, and before the flames
could be checked three Of the row were
det"oyed.
The fire started in James Wells one
story building on the west side of the
road. Arthur Smith, colored watch
man employed about the row, discov-
cred the fire and endeavored to eX-
tnguish the flames, but his efforts were
futile.
The building was unoccupied, but has
been for several months the resort of a
gang of colored loafers. 1t is believed
that the negroes set fire to the build
lug, and there were evidences of the use
Of coal oil.
The fire spread rapidly to the adjoin-
ing building, two-story frame, also
the property of Wells, and occupied as
pooroom. This structure soon burn
ed and the flames communicated with
one-story frame building adjoining,
and owned by J. NJ. Hill.
Great excitement prevailed in Jack
son City, the inhabitants of the country
for miles around hurrying to the
scene ofthe confagration. Up to the
time the third building caught fire all
efforts to save the property had been
confined to hand brigades. The fire
lighted UP that entire section.
No. engine and hose carriage from
Washington was sent to the scene and
did excellent work, but were unable to
accomplish anything except to check
the spread of the flames, for the
frame houses burned like finder.
Every effort was made to save the
building known as the Turf Exchange,
and formerly run by Linn and Wall,
but they availed nothing, and soon the
structure was enveloped in flames. The
house recently changed hands, coming
into possession of Messrs. Jones d Co.
It contained quite large amount of
sporting paraphernalia, much of which
was destroyed.
From this building the fire spread to
the stables of Charles Sanderson, coal
dealer. About dozen head of horses
and mules were taken from the stables,
also several carts and wagons. but the
building and large amount of harness
and hay were totally destroyed.
The Baltimore and Potomac Rail-
road Company suffered some loss also.
Oaa switch directly opposite the house
were several freight cars. which caught
fire from the heat. An engine was
brought into service and removed
many of the cars, but three of them
We're burned, together with their con-
tents of baled hay, sacked feed, and
merchandise.
The total loss is estimated at about
$4,000, and the only insurance known
to have been carried was q policy of
$500 by Mr.. Wells on tue building in
which the fire started. MesSrs. Jorei
x Co. lost about $4,000
During the progress of the fire scores
Of men were engaged in carrying crap,
hazard, and roulette tables out of the
buildings, which were saved, and the
road in front of the row looked like q
general raid had taken place.
The i:39 local train from Washing
ton last night, on which were a large
number of Alexandrians, reached Jack
son City while the fire was in progress.
There was much excitement among
the passengers, many of whom crowd
ed to the car windows and some got off
the train there. The flames could be
plainly seen from this city, and not
withstanding the lateness of the hour
several persons procured vehicles and
proceeded to the scene of the fire.
There was some talk on the streets to-
day of an effort being made to prevent
the rebuilding of the houses, but as
there is no law to stop man from
building on his own property, the effort,
ifone is contemplated, will amount to
nothing. 1t is probable, however, that
but little will be done in the line Of re-
building till after the Legislature meets,
as should more stringent anti-gambling
laws be passed the pool rooms, it Is
said, may be removed elsewhere.
1t is said that an attempt was made
about month or so ago to burn the
buildings which were destroyed last
night since which time the insurance
companies have declined to take risks
on them.