New-York tribune., 1901-03-31
THE RICHMOND HOTEL FIRE.
ALMOST COMPLETE LOSS OF THE JEFFER-
son. WHICH COST s1o0o. .oce-MAY
BE REBUILT

Richmond. March 3O.-Richmond last night suf-
fered her greatest disaster by fire since burning
OF the spottswood Hotel on Christmas Eve. 1870
The Jefferson Hotel. the magnificent structure built
and furnished by the late Lewis Ginter at a cost
OF about 100000 is in ashes No lives were lost.
Ihe hotel was constructed Of buff brick and gran
lie foundation and was regarded semi-hreproof.
but 1t burned Ike tinder. The building covered half
block IN the fashionable part Of the city fronting
on West Main and Franklin sts.
The flames broke out in the upper part Of the
Main-s'. side, spread with a tremendous rush, and
soon that part OF the building a seethng mass
OF names Prompt measures We're taken TO awaken
and alarm the guests. and soon these rushing
through the corridors in wild confusion.
All that remains of the structure are the two
clock towers and part of the court fronting
Franklin-st The fire was discovered near mid
night high up in the Manst. portion of the build
Ing, and not considered serious at first. The
hotel apparatus brought into play but the
hose burst. The flames then spread rapidly. and
messengers were sent through the building to
awaken guests, many Of whom had 10 be dragged
out of bed. There general rush toward the
Franklin-st part.
The fire made immense light. and in a short
time the vicinity was thronged. The department
worked hurriedy. under the greatest difficulty.
owing 10 the height of the building At one time
il thought that the middle section and the
Franklin-st section could saved. but the former
swept away and the latter practically
ruined. In the latter number Of valuable
pictures and Valentines marble statue of Jeffer-
The statue was saved with the head off and
the pictures were got out much of the
drapery and furniture
All the guests got out safely Mr.. Richards
travelling man. of Danville. Va. the only
guest hurt. Fse broke his leg falling down flight
of steps. A Richmond boy named Robertson Is
missing. II is feared he caught in the burning
building
The jefferson was opened about six years ago
and was of the finest hotels in the South. The
fire originated in the linen room, and. IL Is sup
guests the Main-st part lost their baggage. The
emptying Of the hotel of guests was sgulafly tree
from dramatic scenes. owing to the vice corridors
and the number of staircaSes. Only one building
besides the hotel destroyed This was the
Pace fats on the East Man-st. side of the hotel
hotel should be rebuilt the debris can
be cleared away. 1t is reported that there Is an
endowment of 100000 the hotel made by pro
vision of Major Ginters will The insurance Is
Reports were current OF loss of life among the
not true Eight or fremen under Captains
Wise and Hundley were cut off high up IN the
Main-st part of the hotel and made their escape
by sliding down the hose and the fire escapes. cap
tain Wise was seriously burned about the hahGs
and face George 5 Wilson, Of Washington; u NJ
Wright of New York: +. r. Wilson. OF New oIk'
r. D. Apperson of Staunton, Va. were late IN dls-
covering that the building was aflre ana hau 10
make for safety -,
The Richmond Chamber Of Commerce held a
that the Jefferson Hotel will be rebuilt and offered
their helm 10 that end. About one-fourth or Ihe
t,,iidn Is either intact be used in rebuild