Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1894-01-12

sents sight not desired elrner by artist
or exhibitor. The lattice work between
the top roof and the curved one cover.
ing the central aisle on the east side.
was burned away from a point above
the southern end of the United States
section, south to one above the Russian
section. On the west side the burned
portion of similar lattice work extends
over the British section to little beyond
the south extremity of the Ger
man pavilion. Upon the tin land glass
arched roof lie half burned boards.
which formed part of the lattice. and
which when loosened by the fire, slid
downward.
Inside the Building
aDnearances are worse than unon the
roof. In the region burned over ana for
some distance on either side the floor is
covered with water. Standing in the
water, which in many places is two
inches in depth, are innumerable boxes
containing precious wares, all baled and
bound for reshipment as soon as they
could be released from bond. Upon
and about them lay the now DESTROYED
decorations of the pavilions. The
French, Belgium and English sections
suffered most, and in the spaces occu-
pied by them is to be seen the most dis
astrous results.
When the lattice work in the roof
began to burn and the embers were seen
to fall upon the light decorations be-
meath, lines of hose were conveyed into
the building and an attempt made to ex-
tinguish each before any fire began, In
spite of all that could be done
The Triumphal Archway
before the French section caught fire,
and in an instant was ablaze through
out. Streams were directed upon it,
but it continued to blaze until the frame
work fell into Columbia avenue, where
it could be more easily reached and ex-
tinguished. The fire caught in num-
berless other places and burned small
holes in the floor and decorations.
The scene inside the great Manufac-
turers building is of absorbing interest.
Here and there are seen boxes with their
tops half burned through, but their con-
tents safe except for water that leaked
into them. A few timbers in the roof
are still burning and smoking. A lead
OF hose from the Fire Queen stretched
from her mooring place at the west
side OF the building in the left door and
up the clock tower to the highest of the
five coronas, which is 14O feet from the
hoor, had served for lighting the build
ing. Upon this corona were number
OF tiremen who from their perilous perch
directed stream upon any incipient
blaze that might anywhere break out.
Policemen Guarded the Doors
and would allow ingress to none except
exhibitors or those who had work to do
in the building. But although the curl
GUS crowd was barred out the main
Hoor almost swarmed with people,
The exhibitors, anxious to find cut
their losses and to move their cases out
OF the water and debris, had engaged
additional help. Laborers were busy
with sweeping away ashes and wheeling
huge boxes into other positions or load
ing them on wagons for removal. Chief
Allison was on the ground to ascertain
the extent of damage done in his depart
ment and to give necessary instructions
to his employees. Customs officials were
busy looking after the interests of the
department and exerting themselves to
satisfy the desires of exhibitors SO far as
possible. 6
Busiest Of all was Director of Works
Burnham, who was apparently desirous
OF doing everything and of pleasing
everyone. He worked hard, giving
directions and answering questions, and
seemed to be in all parts Of the building
at once. Colonel Rice, of the Columbian
guards, concentrated his forces and per
sonally directed their movements for the
preservation Of exhibits intact.
Great Crowds Assembled.
Outside upon the grounds had assem-
bled the largest crowd since the gates
closed Nov. l. This latter climbed to
roofs and windows wherever practicable
to view the work of destruction.
Thousands of people swarmed about
the grand basin, and in groups
discussed the event which broke and de-
stroyed the harmony Of the artists con
ception. From the Administration
building, they had, save for the un-
slightly heaps of ashes, view across the
frozen grand basin far out into Lake
Michigan. The gilded statue of the re-
public alone remained to remind sight
seers of the gorgeous scenes presented
during the summer.
The work Of ascertaining as far as
possible the extent of damage done to
exhibits began at once. Many boxes
will have to be opened, and their con-
tents repacked.
Through the ice aisles of the big build
ing, fremen and employees were min
Cling in apparent confusion, but all
working toward the restoration Of order.
Hours necessarily passed. however, be-
fore majority Of the lines of hose were
coiled mp and removed and the workmen