The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-04-02

r
Ricbmend. Va. March 3O.-The mag
nifcent Jefferson hotel. the pride OF
Richmond, was practically "lpeu oo'
nv fire early this morning. All tnat re-
mains Of the splendid structure, WHICH
was huiIt and furnished oy the ia'e
lewis Ginter at a cost of over Sl'oOV'ooo
are the two clock towers and part oA
the court fronting on Franklin street.
The fire was discovered near MID
night. high up in the Main street sec
ton Of the building and at first was
not considered serious. The hotel appa-
ratus was brought into play, but the
hose burst The flames spread rapidly
and messengers were sent through TIE
building 10 awaken the guests, may of
syhom had to be dragged out of bed.
There was a general lush towards the
Franklin street part.
The FIRE made an immense light ana
in a short time the vicinity was
throsged with all classes. may persons
giyins expression to their emotions IN
tears. The fire department worked
heroicany but under great difficulty,
owing to the height of the building.
At enc 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 prac-
ticaIIy ruined. In the latter were
number of very valuable pictures and
Valentines marble statue Of Jefferson.
The statue was saved with the head
kroken eff, and the pictures were got
ten out, as was much of the furniture.
: All the guests escaped.
Mr.. Richards. a travelling man Of
Danvil1e, Va, was the only man hurt.
He broke his leg falling down a flight
of steps.
A Richmond boy named Robertson.
is missing. 1t is feared that he WAS
caught in the burning building. Sew
eral fremen were more or less injured
but none seriously.
The Jefferson was opened about six
years ago and was one Of the finest
hotels in the south. 1t occupied a fun
half block and was regarded as prac-
Ideally fireproof-
The fire originated III the linen room,
and, it is supposed from q defective
electric wire.
lost their baggage. The emptyjng OF
the hotel Of guests was singu,arly floe
from any dramatic scenes. sowing to .he
wide corridors AMI the number of stair
cases.
But one building besides the hotel
was destroyed. That was the Pace
flats on the east Nam street side If the
hotel.
Reperts We're current of loss Of life
among the fremen. but Investigation
shows they were not true Elsi1: o.
ten hremen under Captains wfsa and
Hundley were cut off high uu in the
Main street part of the hotel ano made
their escape by sliding down the bosa
ana the fire escapes. Captain Wis,,
Wss seriously burned about thu hands
and face.
George s. Wilson. of Washington. y
M Wright. of New York: E. o. Wilson
or New York and r. c. Apperson ~
etauhton' Va. were late in, discovering
that the building was on fire and had
to run for safety.
When the Jefferson hotel fire was fl
naiy extinguished this afternoon the
lowers and the northeast wing were
standing, and these and the heavy
granite foundations, it is estimated
VIII reduce the expense of rebuilding
about So per cent.
The total insurance is $3.50 600 The
total salvage, in furniture pictures etc
cannot be estimated at present.
The direct representatives of Major
tfinter's estate are not here. and will
not be here until Monday. Nothing
definite can be decided about rebuild
ing until they arrive, but those ac-
quainted with Major Ginter's wishes.
believe the hotel will be rebuilt. espe-
clally IN view of the sentiment of the
5chanber OF commerce. as expressed in
that body's resolutions today.
1t seems now beyond question that
no one perished in the building, contin-
ueo Fumors to the contrary notwith-
standing. No one is missing.