Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-05-04
RUIN At Jacksonville
One Hundred and Forty-Eisht
Blocks Swept by Flames.
DAMAGE Enormous.
Seven Persons known to Have
Lost Their Lives In the
Conflalration.
An Appeal 10 the People Of the
United States for

Jacksonville. May 4-The fire which
broke out yesterday noon, aided in its
work by southwest gale, spent its
force at 9 O'Clock last night. The dam
age is enormous. One hundred and
forty eight blocks were swept by the
flames and as far as known seven per-
sons lost their lives. A report is in Cir
oulation that party of thirty persons
were driven to the docks along the river
and forced into the water, all attempts
at rescue being futile The river is be-
ing searched. All the local companies of
the state militia have been on duty since
midnight and on the order of Governor
Jennings military companies from four.
cities are speeding to Jaclssonv lille by
special trains Many extra police have
been sworn in and every able bodied
man not doing other duty Is impressed.
into the service. The negroes are hud-
died In groups in different parts of the
city and the fear Of an attempt at lasv-
lessness by them, altho not openly ex-
pressed by the whites. is the reason for
the large military force ordered here.
Fire companies from Savannah. Fer
1sndina Ocala and other cities worked
the entire night on the fire but Il solk-
lhng rain will be necessary to effectuai-
~ quench the flames The losses by the
fire will not be known for week.
The path of the flames is thirtesn
blocks wide and nearly two miles long.
Practically all of old Jacksonville was
destroyed. nothing being left but t.w
suburbs and Riverside, the most
fashionable part of the city.
A distressing feature OF the con nhasra-
ton was the loss by many families of
libraries, pianos aud household goods
after they We're moved 10 supposed
l.aces of safety. Street car service is at
a complete standstlll, The city was in
6arkness last night owing TO the elec-
trio light circuits being Interrupted and
the gas plant destroyed
a conservative estimate places the
nnnsber OF homeless Iii the city at TO-
coo. Most of these spent the, night in the
parks, docks and barges. The board of
trade and other commercial bodies held
q meeting this morning to take action
Is expected, am appeal To the people of
The United States for aid will be issued
today Leading business men and insur
ance agents estimate the total loss Of
property from ten to fifteen millions.
The buildings destroyed incluac the
Emery auditorium, board of trade. st.
Club. Daily Metropolis. city hail and
i,,-
building in the city, Hubbard building
Mayor Bowtlen said to the Associated
Press reporter this morning:
Say to the world please. that the
loss to jacksonville is greater than evei
before inflicted by fire upon city o.
the south, but her best wealth sur
wives in her people. estimate oar loss
in property at fifteen millions
There is not a hint Of iawlessress
Our people of every race and conditioi
have shown the most helpful spiiit I,
each other and can not find words o
comnlendation strong enough to express!
my admiration of the work done. Th'
progress of the fire was so rapid ane
the heat 30 fierce that Il was only tn
helpfulness and obedience shown tina
prey yented terrible loss of life. | hay
no doubt the relief NEE tinGs called bl
the municipal authorities and board
trade Will take steps TO deal with TN
situation in the most effective way.
owing to the tremendous pressure o
business telegra ph companies nave CIV
en- up all attempts to deliver mes "a yes yes
The offices are crowded to suffooatior
by people endcavoring to get message
on the wirea and to reach telegram
awaiting them. Money is pouring !
from all Florida cities by wire and ex
press. The Times-Enion and Gttizei
nave headed a fund which is GROWING
rapidly.
At o'clock this morning cordol
composed of militiamen, deputy sher
ifs and policemen was thrown aroun'
the entire fire. swept district. The mr.
was still burning fercely in many sec
tions OF the ruins. but the eShauste'
firemen had given up the fight for tn
time being and sought rest. leaving tn
fire to burn itself out. The heat fror
the fire was intense and the tempera
ture was at 80. The most important re
tail business portion of the city an
buildings the entire length of Bcave
street from Davis to the creek and owe
Liberty street have been burned. Thi
covers fourteen blocks. For the sam
distance Ashley and Church streets ar
both completely blotted out. When tn
Are reached Bridge street In Its east
ward course 1t enveloped In It's flame
three blocks. Duval. Monroe and tn
north side Of Adams. burning up tn
north side of Adams. destroying tina
entire section of the city and ruanin
fourteen blocks to Duval street bridg
IL u,