The herald., 1894-01-09
aRrAT nLAzINa rRAaNENrs


had succeeded in eubduing the flames
in the ashes of the peristyle and on the
lower southeast side of the liberal arts
building, and hopes were entertained
that the fire was subdued, but shortly
after IL O'Clock the flames got beyond
control on top of the promenade of the
liberal arts building, and the main aisle
of the building became macs of flames.
Remorseessly the fire hurled itself
through the interstices Of the big iron
arches. At dizzy heights above the
flames wound, boa constrictor-like,
around the mammoth electric light cor
ona. Below, frantic horses, with heav-
lily loaded trucks, were plunging through
the aises not encumbered with wreck
age or drenched with
FAILING cATARAcTs OF WATER,
most of which fell far short of the
flames. The clouds of smoke and vapor
that every moment or so shut out the
view of the fire, were colored in most
fantastic fashion.
The opinion seemed general that the
loss by water was even greater than by
fire. The federal officers put the loss,
if the fire does not spread beyond the
liberal arts building, at million dol
lars. On the other hand, estimates by
people connected with the local direct
ory made the highest figures $l50,000
At 10 :45 the great iron archway gave
way directly above the French section,
and, falling heavily, buried French
wares beneath the burning pile: Around
the Japanese exhibit adjoining clustered
crowd OF
SCARED AND FRANTIC JAPs.
This, like many other exhibits. had
not been released from bonds, and the
goods could not be taken from tine
building, but were carted to
the doors and there guarded
by the natives. All the American
exhibits were long ago removed, bat the
formalities of the custom house detained
the goods of foreigners. Superintendent
Graham of the manufacturer building
said the loss could hardly be overesti-
mated. 81 feared this ever since the
fair closed" be said, land now it has
come worse than ever dreamed"
All through the great structure frantic
exhibitors rushed, seeking the safety foI
their goods.
The fire department fought with en-
ergy and skill, but the conditions were
against them. A fierce wind came over
the lake, hinging fiery embers every
where, tanning them into life every
moment. .-4
l------- pfDtowp OF FLAMES
which were maniully oombated by the
men on the roof, rolled northward. The
firemen were handicapped by the lack
OF water. An heroic effort was made tc
get streams to the top of the giant
structure, but the water supply was
fearfully inadequate. Finding it impos-
eible to reach the roof, the chief ordered
the engines into the building. With
changing gongs and the clatter of hoofs,
steamer after steamer ratified through
the smoke, down the fire-lit aisles, until
the center of the building was reached
There the last struggle of the fire.
men was taken up, streams of water
were hurled upwards, but with little
effect. From above frey halo of en-
bers poured down upon the fremen and
the heaps of blazing merchandise grew
more numerous, and foot by foot the en-.
gines were forced back to either end ol
the building.
The name of the fremen killed when
the peristyle collapsed is William
Mackey of Engine company No. 81.
Captain Frederick Getz of Truck com.
psny No. l6 fell from the roof of the
manufactures building, broke leg and
received internal injuries. Eugene Du.
rang, watchman in the French sec
ton, was bit on the head by falling
debris aud injured.
THE CLIMAX OF INTEREST
was reached shortly after midnight
when a company of 30 men could be-
seen edging their way along the roof O.
the manufactures building. A cry O.
horror went up as huge section of the
roof almost under the feet of the fire
men gave way and fell with crash.
The tiremen did not waver, and by |
o'clock it looked as if their heroism
would not be in vain. The fire is still
burning, but it is thought to be under
control and is not expected to spread
further.
THE LOSS TO EXHIBITORS.
AT midnight President Higginbothan
telephoned the general manager OF the
Associated Press, saying he had been in
the burning building over two hours
that the roof had burned and fallen, but
fortunately few exhibits were in range
OF the falling tinbe-s. II should say
said he, 'the loss by water would be
much greater than by fire. The total loss
to exhibits will not exceed 100000. OI
course the loss ia serious enough, but
the fire is now fairly under control, and
there is no more to fear. All told, the
contents of the liberal arts building did
not exceed in value 81 100000. As tc
the casino, peristyle and music hall
there is nc lose. We should not regret
their burning, as it is the cheapest way
to remove them"
UNsHiPPED GOODS.
Three days ago the number OF pack
ages awaiting shipment was: Manu-.
factureH building, 1874; midway plais.
ance, 1900; fine arts. $780, woman's g.
8l9; horticultural, 1000; transportation
600; mining, 1850; electricity, 1867
agriculture. 1900, and 1856 scattered in
other buildings. Total, %, 654 packages
lsss than 14,000 packages had been
shipped away prior to December Goth.
A line OF fire. cut glass bottles and
manicure sets just received at Little.
boy'a pharmacy. Call and see them,
81 South Spring street.
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Removal sale Musical goods. Prices
no object. Fitsgerald's, corner Spring