New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-02-23
THE Old PROVIDENCE STATION.
FIRE SOLVES THE PROBLEM AS TO ITS DISPOSE
TION-POLITICAL GOSSIP.

TION-POLITICAL GOSSIP.
Providence r. L. Feb. % (SpecaD.-For some
years or ever since the agitation for new rail-
way station began. there has been discussion as to
what should be done with the old station when
the magnificent new structure is completed. Some
have contended that the building admirably
adapted for public market. others have believed
il should be torn down and its site devoted TO
park purposes. The problem solved Friday
morning by fire. The first alarm was given
after midnight. and by o'clock the famous struc-
ture was i'm ruins This station was built in 1sis
or only few years after the first railroad had
touched Providence. 1t designed by Thomas
~ Teft, then a student at Brown University. 1t
was an example Of the Romanesque order of archi-
lecture. and when II was constructed II was the
longest building in the United States, being 625
feet in length. The central towers, the octagonal
towers on either end the arcades and colonnades,
and the numerous arches all suggested the churches
IN upper Italy built centuries aSo by the Lom-
bards The upper part OF the main structure was
formerly devoted TO public hall. which. In 1850,
was the principal hall In the city. In the Sprague-
Padelford campaign for the Governorship in the
spring of that year. Abraham Lincoln made
speech in this hall. which is recorded inn
Soon after the beginning OF the address, a Demo-
crat In the rear of the hall shouted in answer to
one OF Lincoln's statements, That IS e!' There
was at once an uproar OF Put him out.' Lincoln
out. but let him come right up here to the front
He is the very man that want to tax To- nhis
ingenious suggestion by Mr.. Lincoln suppIemente!
three cheers from the audience. who had no idea
that they were cheering the next President ana
The central portion OF the station is. indeed
picturesque ruin, rendered graceful In i,s devas,a
down - and the Walls will be reduced in height for
s Sa be station sant am ha6ltabe un the is
p pushed with greater visor than heretofore /, is
Ra In sf sapn
will be considerable The PASSENGER traic mas been
hdn nfantr y Hail was crowded Friday night by tho
members T' Of the Grand Army and their friends.
Tho ha General Ivan A. Walker There adj
dresses by Past Department COMMANDER baiou
Department Commander stone, NJ An; Aen 1 SPSeaNer
Pawtucket, and Mayor McGuinness, OF this city
The latter made the brightest speech OF the even,
Convention will be held In this city on March 9
and the Republican CONVENTION on either March IL
as TO victory, they will make vigorous campaign
w s to roll ever up Gf@ afSry
out the country They VIII ~ to secure Speaker
Reed for at least one address S.. :. .,
petitions and arranging for public meetings for the
purpose of Influencing the General Assembly TO
amend the present iauor law IN seven particulars
closing of saloons from 10 p. m TO a. m, closing
Of saloons on legal holidays and election days.
habitants. forbldiing the keeping OF pool and
billiard tables IN saloons. not permitting saloons
within 400 feet of schoolhouses. and providing for
annual vote In every city and town upon the
question OF granting licenses.
The Mayor is taking decided stand against
the immoral classes OF the community. He has
ordered that all gambling-houses be closed and they
had opened for business this week after tting S
rooms in elegant style. ordered TO close on one
hours notice. disreputabe dance In the old
Infantry Armory on the night OF the big fire was
the hall cleaned out" forthwith.