New-York tribune., 1900-05-07
THE GRAMATAN INN FIRE.
AN INVESTIGATION SUGGESTED.


To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: Before the burning of the Gramatan Inn, at
BronxviIle. on the Harlem Railroad, last week, is
entirely forgotten public attention ought TO be
drawn point which the newspapers have
far failed TO notice.
This beautiful and artistic structure (which might
well be taken a model by suburban hotels for
NewYork business and their familiesl seems
to have been sacrificed unnecessarily. say sacri-
feed because it is the opinion Of all the guests Of
the inn, of whom one. that the hotel might
have been saved, and would have been, except for
what looked like overconfdence on the part of the
Tuckahoe Hremen, and TO many people, profes-
sonal jealousy toward other companies. Every one
credits the Tuckahoe men with the best Of inten-
tons. 1t is true also that the spot where the fire
began difficult OF being in close base
ment surrounded with stone walls. But there was
a dreadful delay, and the spectators were con-
demned TO the flames spread slowly from win
dow to window. and story to story. with no one
10 lift hand to fight each new danger, and with
several fire companies the grounds
The Mount Vernon and Yonkers fire companies sent
assistance promptly 10 Bronxvie. and of them
brought a steam fire engine which afterward did
wonders: but both were kept waiting FOR about half
an hour before they were allowed to into ac-
ton. It appears that the Tuckahoe hrenen have
the precedence at fires in the town Of East Ches-
ter in which Bronxville is situated. Nothing can
be done by outside companies unless by permission
Of the Tuckahoe company. The Yonkers and
Mount Vernon men were both anxious 70 put forth
their best efforts TO save a structure which was
the pride Of the whole region and immense
benefit the village and the railroad leading
thereto. But until the fire had spread far
that the battle thereafter hopeless were the
two companies allowed to throw streams of water
the burning hotel. It then late, al
though both companies did heroic things from that
hour forward
1t the opinion OF many people who watched
the destruction of the inn from beginning TO end
that the desire of the volunteer fremen 70 save
the hotel without the aid of their professional
brethren was the why the outside COM
/ panies were held back. This may be entirely I'M
just. If so, this letter will give the Tuckahoe men
opportunity to set themselves right in the esti-
| nation of many people who admire their dash and
| readiness but distrust their judgment. The
/ emergency seemed 10 show the great need Of hav-
J ing fires with sufficient authority tC
bring all the companies into action and each
| one play its proper part in the work of rescue.
This one incident is bad enough, but It is claimed
| by who in a position to know that other
property IN Westchester County has suffered from
| the feeling between the fire companies. Youkers
| and Mount Vernon fremen unwilling allow
| the OF their names. and I cannot give the
| source OF my information. But is perfectly evi-
| dent, If the stories heard the time OF the fire
can be believed, that of facts exists which
deserves attention by every owner of fine place il
the district covered by the Tuckahoe hremen do MOI
| know where the remedy is to be found. but l re-
spectfully suggest that the proper authorities il
! Westchester County should make an investigation
/ which will bring the truth and take such steps
to render property secure against destruction
through the lack of competent and responsible
! head at fires where companies assembled from
different parts of the county.
It is quite possible that there is a satisfactory ex
| PLANTATION for the delays have referred TO, an6
! If the Tuckahoe fremen will gain the good
/ estimation of many friends by making IT, H H.
t New-YorB May 5, 1900