Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-30
BIG HOTEL IN RUINS
The Jefferson at Richmond, Virginia,
Burned This Morning.
GUESTS ESCAPE In SAFETY
Loss Is Over 100000, Partially
Covered by insurance.
1T W ILL BE RE B Z l L T

RICHMOND, Va, March 3O.-The mag
nificent Jefferson Hotel, the pride of Rich
mond. was practically swept out by fire
this morning. All that remains of the mag
nifcent structure, which was built and fur
nished by the late Lewis Ginter at a cost
OF over S1,oo0,O0O, Is the two clock towers
and Part of the court fronting on Frank
lin street. The fire was discovered near
midnight high up in the Main street sec
tion of the building, and was not consid-
cred serious at first. The hotel apparatus
was brought into play, but the hose burst
The flames spread rapidly and messen-
gers were sent through the building to
awaken the guests. many of whom had to
be dragged out of bed. There was a gen.
eral rush toward the Franklin street part.
The fire made an immense light, and in a
short time the vicinity was thronged with
all classes. many persons giving expression
TO their emotions in tears. The fire de-
partment worked hurriedly, but under the
greatest difficulty owing to the height of
the building. At one time it was thought
that the middle section and the Franklin
street section could be saved, but the
former was soon swept out and the latter
practically ruined.
In the latter were number of very VAL
liable pictures and Valentines marble
statue of Jefferson. The statue was saved
with the head off and the pictures were
gotten out, as were much of the drapery
and furniture.
Guests All Escape.
All the guests were gotten out safely.
Mr.. Richards, travelling man of Danville,
Va, was the only guest hurt. He broke
his leg falling down flight of steps. A
Richmond boy named Robertson is miss
ing. 1t is feared he was caught in the
burning building. Several firemen were
more or less injured, but none seriously.
The insura nee on the building is about
StJo,oS'. 1t is not yet known whether the
hotel will be rebuilt.
The Jefferson was opened about six years
ago. and was one of the finest hotels in
the south. 1t occupied a full half block
and was regarded as practically freprOof.
The fire originated in the linen room and,
II Is supposed, from defective electric
wire. All the guests in the Main street
part lost their baggage. The emptying of
the hotel of guests was Singularly free
from any dramatic scenes. owing to the
wide corridors and the number of stair
cases.
But one building beside the hotel was
destroyed This was the Pace flats on the
East Main street side of the hotel.
There is the strongest possible sentiment
here that the hotel should be rebuilt as
soon as the debris can be cleared away.
1t is reported that there is an endowment
of siO0.CJO on the hotel made by pro-
vision Of Major Ginter's will. This and
the insurance are about all that remain Of
the hotel.
No Firemen Were Hurt.
Reports were current of loss of life among
the firemen, but investigation shows they
were not true. Eight or ten fremen under
Capts. Wise and Hundley were cut off high
up In the Main street part of the hotel and
made their escape by sliding down the hose
and the fire escapes Capt Wise was seri-
ously burned about the hands and face.
George 5. Wilson of Washington II. NJ.
Wright of New York, E. o. Wilson of New
York, r. ID. Apperson Of Staunton, Va,
were late IN discovering that the building
was atire and had to make run for safety.
The Richmond chamber of commerce held
meeting and passed resolutions announc-
ing that the Jefferson Hotel will be rebuilt
and offering Its help to that end. About
one-fOurth Of the building is either intact
or can be used in rebuilding