The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-02
Priceless Pictures I'm the Famous Gal
Ieries for a Time Threatened with
q Fiery Destruction.
GREAT CROWD SEES THE FIRE
SAFETY OF THE PONTIFF FIRST IN
EVERY ONES THOUGHTS.
Work of Fire Fighting Directed by
the POpe-NO Estimation Of the
Loss Is Yet Possible.

ROME, Nov. 1.-Fire broke out at $50
o'clock this evening in that portion of the
Vatican containing the Hall of Inscrip-
tions, where the Pope gives his audiences
and which is adjacent to the famous Pima
coteca, or gallery of pictures. The alarm
caused much confusion and excitement in
the Vatican. Strenuous efforts were made
to control the flames and the firemen of
1:15 the fire was under control. No lives
were lost. No idea of the damage can yet
be obtained. The Pope came to the scene in
person and remained until the arrange
ments to fight the fire were completed
The fire caused a greater sensation in
Rome than has any other event since the
death OF Pope Leo. Fires in Rome are ex-
ceptional, because of the heavy stone and
brick construction Of the buildings and the
outbreak Of flames this evening in such
conspicuous place. wherein were many
treasures, brought out great numbers of
anxious people, in spite of the heavy rain
which had been falling throughout the day.
The safety of the Pope was the first
thought in every mind, but this was soon
assured. When the Pontiff arrived at the
scene he ordered every one to assist In ex-
tinguishing the flames.
The first intination of fire was had when
smoke was seen issuing from the apartment
of NJ. Marie, which is located above that of
Father Ehrle, the librarian, who lived over
the library itself. NJ. Merle is celebrated
French restorer Of ancient manuscripts and
illuminated books. He is at present engaged
in copying work and his first reproductions
have been selected for part Of the Vatican's
exhibit at the st. Louis Exposition. The
famous Bramante staircase leads to that
part of the Vatican where the fire broke
out. The gendarmes broke in the doors Of
NJ. Marle's apartment and found him in
heavy sleep.
ORIGIN OF THE FIRE.
1t is supposed that he retired and forgot
to take proper precautions with his kitchen
fire. which probably blazed up and ignited
some nearby hangngs.
Thus the fire started, and ii rapidly as
sumed such proportions that the gendarmes
who were the first on the scene, gave an i'm
mediate general alarm. The entire palace
awoke to instant life and there was much
excitement The Swiss Guards the papal
firemen, gendarmes, priests and domestics
all rushed hither and thither in ignorant
confusion. asking what was the matter, no
one knowing where or what the danger was
or what TO do.
News of the fire was Immediately con-
veyed to the Pope, who was found kneeling
in his chapel for his usual evening prayer
He insisted on going al once to the scene,
Notwithstanding the fact that he was
begged to think first of his own safety He
proceeded to the library accompanied by
Mgr. Merry Del Val, the papal secretary of
state, Monsignor Bisleti. the papal major
domo. and Mgr. Dellachise and followed
by the members of the Noble Guard at
tached to his person.
The moment he arrived his mind grasped
the gravity of the situation and he ordered
that the firemen of Rome be called This
was done by telegraph. The firemen ar
rived in about 10 minutes and although they
brought four engines with them and were
at once ready to begin operations, it took
some time TO find the best way to get suffi-
cient water supply with which to fight the
fire. In the meantime the flames had be-
gun to break out of the windows of NJ.
Marle's apartment and were destroying the
roof. The flames lighted up the entire dis
trict and gave the impression that nothing
could stop their fury.
When the fire engines began working three
flames, which were extending to the other
apartments. The Pope withdrew as soon as
he saw that everything possible was being
done 10 fight the fire.
STATE OFFICERS PRESENT.
Information has been sent the italian
authorities, who hurried to ST Peters They
were courteously invited TO enter and did
so. Therefore. for the first time since the fall
CONTINUED ON PAGE z. COL. IL