Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-15
FIRE IN JACKSON CITY
ALL THE GAMBLING RESORTS OF
PLACE WIPED OUT.
Prompt Assistance From Washington
Saved Property of the Penn
sylvania Railroad.


City were rendered homeless last night by
| a fire which occurred about IL O'Clock
Four buildings were destroyed by the
flames and the property of the Pennsylva-
mia Railroad Company was threatened. Had
1t not been for the work of firemen, who
were sent across the river from this city,
the railroad property would have been Sc
yerely damaged and trains would have been
delayed
The tall signal tower at the south end Of
the bridge caught fire. but the firemen
| promptly extinguished the flames. Owners of
the property estimate the damage al from
| 5000 to $1,000. 1t is understood that no in
| surance was carried on the property.
What caused the fire is a matter of con-
| lecture. While the frame structures were
| burning the blaze was SO bright that the
| Potomac river was Illuminated from George
| town to Fort Washington. Several hun
| dred persons tramped across the bridge to
| witness the destruction of the gambling
resorts.
A number of games were In progress
when the fire started, and the habitues
| stood about the drinking places. Some were
elated because of their winnings and others
were perhaps doing their best to forget
what had happened to them at the roulette
wheel. faro bank or in the policy shops. 1t
is said that an odor of oil was detected.
Assistance From Washington.
The building in which the fire started
was closed for the night, but the others
We're open, and those in attendance upon
the games in other buildings were soon
forced to the open. When it was apparent
that the railroad property was in danger
a request for help from the local fire de-
partment was granted, and three engine
companies We're sent over the bridge, under
the direction of Acting Assistant Foreman
kelher.
Three buildings had been consumed and
the fourth structure burning before
the firemen arrived. stiff southeast
wind was blowing, and the flames were fast
reaching toward the railroad property.
Had the tower been destroyed the bridge
might also have suffered damage enough
| to have greatly interfered with railroad
traffic.
Many slot machines and gambling para
phernalta were burned. Scores of boys and
men raked over the ashes, scrambling for
nickelS.
More than once the railroad tower caught
fire. and although the place was filled with
smoke, the operator, j. z. Thirles, re-
manned at the instrument and regulated the
movements of trains without any of them
being delayed. The three buildings de-
stroyed were but recently constructed.
When the Pennsylvania Railroad Com
pany purchased ground near the south
bank of the river preparatory to construct
ing the new bridge what was known as
'old Jackson City" a gambling settlement
was included in the purchase Before the
property was transferred the frame struc-
lures on the east side of the tracks were
built. and gambling was carried on without
interruption. The policy shops gave the
local police some concern, for the reason
that most of the patrons of the places are
persons who live in Washington Policy
Detective Watson, who has had charge of
this work. has succeeded in greatly reduc-
ing the policy business in this jurisdiction.
Arrests May Be Made.
John Nelson. Frank Foster and Charles
Sanderson are the men said to have been
interested in the building in which the fire
originated. So far as Nelson is concerned
he is reported to have told friends he was
glad the place had been destroyed The
other men were in the city today consult
ing Attorney Edmund Burke about the af-
fair. 1t was stated by them that Nelson
had made threats against their lives and
they were anxious to get warrant for his
arrest. At a late hour this afternoon no
legal action had been taken.
Last nights fire, 1t IS said by persons in
directly associated with the gambling ele-
ment across the river is only the beginning
Of what promises to be the most serious
trouble ever experienced by the alleged
lawless gambling element of Alexandria
county Va. 1t is predicted by some of
them that trouble Will continue until every
such place in the county is closed.
So far could be ascertained this after
noon the Alexandria county authorities
had taken no action. Lawyer Burke called
on Capt. Boardman at police Headquarters
this afternoon and asked that John Nelson
be arrested. He was informed by the police
official that no arrest could be made unless
warrant was obtained from the Police
Court 1t is deemed more than probable
that officials of the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company will call upon the Alexandria
county officials to take some action in the
matter in order to protect the railroad prop
erty.
Last nights affair has caused consider
able uneasiness on the part of many of the
gamblers in the county and some Of them
may close until a reconciliation is effected
between those who are engaged in the pres
ent fractional trouble.