Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-06-20

place which unseated the roof and drove II
down upon the firemen. There was wild
scramble to escape, and n section of hose
had to be abandoned. Chief Paris and
Assistant Chief Belt and the members of
No. Engine Company narrowly escaped.
The fire continued It's ravages despite the
efforts of the firemen, and the complete
new portion of the building was soon a
ass of ruins. In the meantime the neigh
bors had opened their doors to the home
less guests and they We're given accommo-
dations for the night. while others took the
cars and sought shelter in the hotels of the
city.
Narrow Escapes.
1t Is wonderful how the white servant
girls escaped. They occupied the upper
story Of the hotel and were almost the last
persons aroused. Fighting their way
through the binding smoke they made their
way out of the building. Mary Ann Tinnay
and Nellie FincIer, however, were forced to
jump through a window to the piazza be-
low.
The building was owned by Commissioner
Truesdell. 1t consisted of three buildings
built on the colonial style of architecture.
The hotel was originally the old Gales
mansion, and was added to from time to
time by the building of wings. 1t occupied
a commanding position in u beautiful grove
and accommodated about $50 guests NJ
w. A. Mckellip, the manager. lost con-
siderable furniture, and many of the guests
were unable to save thing. 1t is estima ted
that the loss to the building and effects
will amount to $4,000. which is partly COW
cred by insurance.
Working at q DISADVANTAGES.
Chief Paris of the fire department as he
viewed the ruins said to a Star reporter
that neve-, in all of his experience. had he
worked under such disadvantages at a fire
The absence Of an adequate supply of wa
ter made the the work of the fire depart
ment almost useless. He was certain that
IL there had been sufficient supply of wa
ter larger portion of the building could
have been saved. There was a delay in get
ting to the fire, he said, but that was due
to the fact that no alarm was turned in
and 1t was long run for the nearest en-
CINE company.
This fire." he said, demonstrates the
absolute necessity for a better water SUD-
ply in this section of the city for the pro-
lection of life and property, and / have
pointed out time and time again the neces-
sity of new fire company for this part of
the District" He said he was of the i'm
preston that the fire had originated in the
kitchen, and it was a great wonder to him
that no lives had been lost
Col. Truesdell was at the District build
Ing this morning. He had not been to the
scene of the fire. The hotel he said was
worth between $4,000 and $50, 900 and in
sured for 10000 in the Firemen's Company
Of Newark, and four foreign companies.
He said he had no plans for the future.
1t is the belief of many that the fire was
the work of an incendiary. and the police
have been notified, and are investigating
the matter. When reporter of The Star
asked Col Truesdell what ne thought the
origin of the fire was he shook his head
He did not believe 1t originated from the
range for that was bricked up all around
Among the guests were Representatives
Dunn of New Jersey. Funk of Illinois, Nc
Cleary of Minnesota. Cultivate of Ohio
and Wright of Nebraska, with their fam
lilies.
The old Gales residence. which was part
of the hotel building burned this morning.
was built by Joseph Gales, jr, editor and
proprietor of the National Intelligencer. in
1890 1t was a simple frame cottage, plan
red by Charles V. King, the eminent art
list, and Mr.. Gales intimate friend. 1t con-
sisted of two stories and cellar basement,
and its most distinctive feature was a lofty
wide portico. supported by six Doric pill
lars, which extended the whole front of the
house During Mr.. Gales lifetime II was
considered the most hospitable mansion in
the District. and all of the distinguished
men and women who made brilliant the
quarter of a century beginning in 1897 were
at one time or another guests beneath its