The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-01-04
TWO STORES BURNED
Fox's Fruits and the Driver-Bradley
Stock Of Drugs Destroyed.
THE FALLS FIRST BIG FIRE
A Loss OF $4,000 with About
$4,000 Insurance to Fall Back
On-The City Has Another
Suit on Its Hands.

Great Falls. Jan. 3.-Fire was discov-
cred in the basement Of Fox's fruit
and confectionery store on Central
avenue, between Second and Third
streets, at 1880 O'Clock this morning,
and before the department responded
to the call the flames had extended to
the adjoining store room occupied by
the Driver Bradley Drug Co. Both
of the stores were filled with COM
bustible material, and notwithstand-
ing the splendid efforts of the fire.
men, they were completely Quilted.
The work of the firemen was then
largely directed to saving the hand
some Ford block on the east side ana
the hardware store of Murphy. Maclay
A. Co on the west. Five powerful
streams of water played on the burn
ing structures for two hours ana the
fire was confined strictly to the two
stores named. Messrs. Dowley ana
Snyder of the drug firm narrowly es-
caped suffocation. They were asleep
In the rear of the store and were
awakened just in time to get out, MI
nus a greater part of their clothing.
Aside from the books and few pa
pers, nothing was saved from eitner
store.
IT is believed that the fire originated
from a hot stove, kept in Fox's cellar
to keep fruits from freezing. The
weather was extremely cold, the Their
mometer indicating 25 degrees below
zero. Fox carried a stock valued at
$4,000, and was insured for $500. The
Driver-B Bradley Drug companys stock
was valued at $1,000 and only insured
for 81, 200, the insurance of both firms
being distributed with the Gibson
Frary, Thompson and Harris agencies.
Although Great Falls is something
more than eight years old, this is the
most disastrous fire that has ever Wis
tied the city. The fire department Is
being congratulated on the splendid
record made to-day in the face OF a
bad fire and extreme cold.
The city has another suit on its
hands as a result of Vogel's contract
for paving. Palmer, the broker of
Helena, who has been cashing war
rants issued to Vogel by the city, has
finally instituted suit in the district
court as relator, the state appearing as
nominal plaintiffs, against c. M. Web
ster, mayor; G. II. Clark, city clerk,
and the city of Great Falls, to COM
pei the defendants to issue the relator
warrants on the special paving fund
for S3,003.60. After reciting the incor-
poration of the city, ETC., and the
awarding of the paving contract to
Vogel Sept. IA. 1894. the complaint al
leBcS lHdl may ~, looOi NOBCi dSoiBhCu
70 Palmer any and all moneys and
warrants which might be due from the
city to Vogel under the contract. Nov.
29, 1895, the city council allowed Vogel
an estimate of $S.O0360. The city. by
the mayor and clerk, has refused to
permit Palmer to secure the warrants
issued in paying of the estimate, the
mayor and clerk paying relator $4,000
in warrants. The plaintiff asks that
the defendant be compelled to issue To
relator a warrant for $3,003.60.
Judge Benton ordered defendants to
appear in the district court at 10 a. m
next Wednesday, Jan. s. TO show cause
If any, why the plaintiffs prayer
should not be granted, and a mandate
issue Is requested. ]. ]. Clayberg OF
Helena and Largent & Huntoon OF
this city represent H. b. Palmer.