The Progress., 1894-03-10
ANOTHER BIG FIRE.
A Quarter Of Million Dollars Worth OF
Property Swept Away In Few Hours.

big explosion had taken place. 30
great was the force of tho explosion
that the entire end Of the store, being
of brick, was hurled into Commercial
alley in the rear, while the conclusion
threw the front doors open and sent a
negro, who CHANGED to be passing,
into the middle of the street, while
MIR. S. Brawnrig, who was in front,
was hurled to the ground insensible,
receiving severe hurts on the head
and arm.
The explosion was caused by fire
igniting some chemicals which were
stored in the rear Of the store.
Immediately on the heels Of this
explosion came the cry of murder!
murder! fire! fire. from the excited
and awe-stricken citizets who gath
cred to the scene and wondered with
agonizing hearts if the mass Of bricks
with the red tongues OF flames hid
some unfortunate human being,
whose life depended on their assist
ance.
AT first the belief was current that
this was SO, and SO certain was this
conviction that Mr.. Chas. Dewing,
brave and chivalrous always, almost
lost his life by dashiDg in under
crnmbling walls after what be sup
posed was the helpless form of man.
1t was not, however, and the daring
gentleman now suffers greatly from
external and internal injuries re-
celved in attempting this rescue.
During this time the iiremen had
responded promptly to the call of the
alarm, and for the first time this scribe
had an opportunity of witnessing
what our department. could do. In
the beginning the boys while working
hard showed the lack of something
they were accustomed to, and did not
display that proficiency they are
capable of. But soon this was re-
lieved, as the clear tones of leader
was now heard, and the by-standers
realized that Chief Bresnahan was
among his men. With his ringing
voice assuring, commanding, Animal
ing the fire laddies, like Trogans they
fought thu fiery elements; like Napol-
cons legions they moved with sys-
tematic concert; like Stonewalls bri-
gade they faced the red-hot, advanc-
ing foe. 1t was sight worth seeing,
the energy, determination, daring dis
played by our fre-boys, and indeed
they were called on to perform feats
that only those who paid strict atten-
ton realized. We believe we know
something of what it is to be fire
man, and our admiration was great
when we saw this work on Saturday
night,
Thomas Bresnahan is a fine chief
and knows how to handle his men.
He said to this writer that the boys
were not working we'll, but we knew
he was not serious, for his commands
were obeyea with alacrity, and his
ready willingness to scale ladders and
put into practical play his commands,
but imbued his men with the temper
and spirit to be quick at executing
his orders and elnulating or ex-
ceiling each act of his,
In his work Chief b snahan is well
seconded by his ablea assistant, Mr..
w. T. Byland, who with two or three
volunteers, Capt. nj. B. Lydon, Hon
Fl. W Ogden and W. G. King, did
yoemen's service on the roofs of the
Looney building, adjoining Lewis,
Bailie & Co.'s, and on that of Mr..
B. Wolf, adjoining that of Mr..
Looney.
Among those who rendered valua-
BILE assistance we're Mayor R. T.
Vinson and Street Commissioner
Keeney. These gentlemen worked
with earnestness and zeal, unmindful
Of mud and water, each handllng the
hose like men who thought only Of
performing a public service. Coun-
Gilman Randall also rolled up his
pants and went to work, while Patrol
men Dougherty did the service Of a
veteran, rs indeed be is. The patrol
men all did their duty we'll, in fact
the city administration showed off
to advantage On this occasion. Some
Of the old volunteer force could not