davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-31
Great Draft Caused the
Flames to Spread Rapidly

''The fire began in the middle of the sec
Ond act" said Mr.. Foy AN electric wire
broke, was grounded and from this the
flames were started in the rear of the stage
The stage is unusually wide. and there was
so great a draft the flames spread rapidly
They soon had attacked all the scenery in
the rear Of the house. / never believed it
possible for fire to spread so quickly. When
ii first started 1 went TO the footlights
and, to prevent alarming the audience, said
that there was a slight blaze and that ii
would be best for all TO leave quietly. Then
L stepped back and called for the asbestos
curtain TO be lowered. This, when about
half way down, refused to go farther, and
thus an additional draft was created. This
swept the flames ont into the auditorium
and knew the theater was doomed / hur-
RED back TO the stage and aided in getting
the women members of the company into
the alley. Some of them were in their
dressing rooms. and were almost overcome
by smoke before they could get down to
the stage and to the doors. The simple
fact that the curtain did not descend en-
tireiy was what saved the lives of the COM
pany, although il caused such a horrible
catastrophe In the front of the house After
the curtain had refused to descend there
came the explosion of the gas tanks and
with the curtain down all the fire and gas
would have been confined behind the rear
wall of the theater and the fire-proof cur
1t would not have been possible for a sin
gle member of the company to escape alive
unless he or she had been standing imme-
diately in front of the door leading into the
alley. AS ii was. the draft carried all the
gas and fire out beneath the curtain and
the company was saved, although their sal
vation was the death of so many people
in front.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-31
Will ]. Davis Collapses
Under Stress of Disaster

Will j. Davis, of the proprietors of
the Iroquois, collapsed tonight under the
worry and distress occasiOned by the catas-
trophe After the fire he and Mr.. Powers
made their headquarters in the womens
dressing room. where they were constantly
besieged by people who were frantically
seeking for information of their relatives.
The climax came with Mr.. Davis when he
was approached by Mr.. Geo. c. Sanborn,
a prominent business man, who said Il
had twelve children in two boxes in there
and they are missing. Are they in there
now?'
My God, this is what kills a man." said
Mr.. Davis, as he turned away, and the next
instant would have fallen to the floor. He
was assisted to a carriage and driven to
his home.
Later is was ascertained that Mr.. San
born's son Harold, nineteen years old had
taken the entire party in safety from the
theater.
The scene around the office of the man.
ayers was pathetic in the extreme 1t was
a constant succession of tragic episodes
One woman with hair flying and streaming
eyes fought desperately with the police Off
GERS, who would have prevented her from
them. Failing at the feet of the first man
In the room, she said:
Please, please, tell me if my son Harold
is in there
Il cannot tell you where he is" was the
reply.
My God. man, that's my only boy she
moaned, and then, rising, made her way
into the street.
What do you want?" asked a policeman
in front of the office of c. l.. Elliott as he
tried to force his way in
"My wife, that's ALL" he sobbed. and
turned away.
Two of the downtown theaters tonight
closed their doors to patrons as a result of
the fire These were the Illinois and Pow
ers theaters, which are owned by the pro-
prietOrs of the Inflated Iroauois All other
theaters remained open usual and there
was no perceptible falling off in the attend
dnce.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-31
Eddie Toy, the Comedian,
Burned, but Not Seriously

The members Of the theatrical company,
being on the first floor, had comparatively
little difficulty in reaching the street al
though their situation was for a moment
highly critical because Of the speed with
which the flames swept through the mass of
scenery in the flies and on the stage. Ed
die FOy, the principal comedian in the play,
was one of the last to escape, by getting out
through rear door after assisting the
women members of the company to safety.
He went into the Sherman House in his
stage costume and with his face covered
with grease paint in order 10 secure surgi-
cal attendance for some burns which ne had
sustained. In describing the commence
ment of the fire. FOy attributed the eX-
tent Of the catastrophe to the failure of fire
proof curtains to work properly. Because OF
this, he said, the flames readily obtained
access to the main part of the theater and
were by the draft carrying with il gas as
we'll as fire, swept up to the two balconies
where the loss of life was greatest
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-31
CHICAGO APPALLED, BY
GREAT LOSS OF LIFE

CHICAGO. Dec. 9O.-Rarely in the history
of Chicago has its people been so stirred
as by the calamity of to-day 1t is next
to the Chicago fire. the greatest catastro-
phe that has ever occurred here, and the
speed with which ii came and went seemed
for a brief period 10 appall the business
section of the city. The news spread with
great rapidity and in a short time hun
dreds of men, women and children were
rushing toward the theater.
The building in which the calamity oc-
Cured stands midway between State and
Dearborn streets on the north side of Ran
dOlph street Although every available po-
liceman within call of the department was
Immediately hurried TO the spot and men
placed in lines at the end of the block al
lowing nobody TO enter Randolph street
from either Dearborn or State. il was
found for a time almost impossible TO hold
back the frenzied crowd that pressed for
ward, many OF them having friends or
relatives in the theater and anxious to
learn something OF them. The conduct of
the police was beyond all praise. The Off
GERS held their ground firmly and gently
pushed back all those who sought to gain
an entrance TO the theater, although in
some instances frantic men. anxious TO
look for their loved ones, actually beat the
officers with their fists in their rage at
being prevented.
In spite of the efforts of the police. how
ever. large number Of people succeeded in
breaking through their lires and entering
the theater, and in many cases did heroic
work IN rescuing the injured and carrying
out the dead Among these was Alder
man William H. Thompson. who. unaided.
carried to the street the bodies of eight
women. The first newspaper man upon the
ground also carried out many of the dead
and injured. The building was 80 full of
smoke when the firemen first arrived that
the full extent of the catastrophe was not
Immediately grasped until a fireman and
a newspaper man crawled up the stairway
leading 10 the balcony. holding handker-
chiefs over their mouths to avoid sufoca-
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-31
Fire Alarm Turned in
by Ticket Taker Leavitt

e. Leavitt, the ticket-taker at the theater,
was at the main entrance, and, realizing the
gravity of the situation at a glance he
burst open the three double doors and then
ran TO turn in the fire alarm. Il heard the
cry and saw the mob rushing for the door"
said he. II could not see the fire from
where / stood. and l thought that it was
not so bad as it really was. When the first
OF the frenzied audience reached the out
side door. / tried TO calm them, but in less
than a minute | saw il was no use, and
burst open the doors. Then | ran for the fire
alarm box Coming back L assisted in the
rescue as much as 1 could, but was run
over with the terrified crowd that pushed
and showed each other out OF the doorway.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-31

low Others leaped from the platform,
fracturing legs and arms, and two were
picked up a this point with fractuT ed
skulls. having been killed instantly.
George II. Elliott, secretary of the Oden
Gas Company, was in building directly OPP
pOsite from the theater across this alley,
and, noticing smoke went down 10 ascer-
tain the cause. When he reached the
street the women were already dropping into
the alley, and Elliott Immediately rushed
for ladder in an effort TO save many as
possible. No ladder was available. and the
only method Of assistance they were able to
devise was TO hurriedly lash some planks to-
gether and throw them across to the af-
frightened women on the platforms, with in
structions TO place then firmly on the iron
framework. Before this could be done a
fearful loss of time ensued; the women
were being pushed every instant into the
alley, and by the time the bridge was
constructed but few remained 10 take adj
vantage Of 1t. However, about two dozen,
ii Is believed by Mr.. Elliott. made their way
across this narrow CaueeWav
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-31
Heaps of Mangled and
Charred Human Beings

Sheriff Barrett and a score of deputies
from his office assisted in carrying out the
injured people and in keeping order among
the mob of frantic relatives who thronged
the strets in front of the burning building
vanly seeking information that no one
could give them. II have never before wit
messed such scene in all my life." said
Sheriff Barrett. ION all sides were heaps
of mangled and charred humanity We
carried out so many injured and dead that
at last they grew so numerous that we
were unable TO keep count of them. Such
a dreadful sight l trust / will never be
called TO witness again. CraZed men
fought TO get within the corridors thinking
TO ind their loved ones among the pile of
corpses that filled every available foot of
space. Strong men with tear-blinded eyes
stood on the sidewalk and called loudly the
names of their loved ones as though there
Was chance OF the dead hearing. We did
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-31

all we could to lessen their grief, but such
scenes can never be forgotten in a life
time"
Mrs. F. A Morgan. of Chicago. was in
the theater with her sister. Miss Marcella
Warren, of Detroit and her son. five years
old. The party was in the first balcony
and when the first sparks We're seen rose
to depart. All of them had reached the
first floor when the panic came and the
rush for the doors commenced. Although
they FASTENED rapidly as possible they
were Knocked down and sustained severe
bruises. man seized the little boy by
the head in attempting 70 throw him from
his path and the little boys scalp was prac-
tically torn from his head.
Walters and cooks from ThOmpsons res
taurant which adjOins the theater on the
east, rescued fifteen people by raising lad
der from the roof Of a shed TO a window in
the rear of the building around which a
mass of screaming women and children
were cOngregated c. Little the head cook,
mounted to the top of the ladder and told
them to jump into his arms. Fifteen
women and children did this and were
passed by Little down to other men on the
ladder below. One woman made an attempt
to jump into his arms before he was ready
TO take hold of her and she fell to the alley,
fracturing her skull, dying instantly
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-31

relatives in Chicago and went to the
theater with two cousins. Jessie and Wal
ter Birringer OF Chicago. In the rush the
girl lost her two companions and succeeded
I'm gaining the outside. Both boys persisted
Young PottlitZers body was found and
soon Identified by relatives. There was not
a mark on his body. so he probably sue
cumbed TO suffOcation. Young Birringer's
body has not been identified. Mr.. POtt-
liter Is nearly craze,I over the news. his
wife having died but recently. He went
to Chicago tonight. So far as known
young Pottlitzer is the only Lafayette per-
son who persisted in the IRE.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-31
FINEST PLAYHOUSE;
COST HALF 4 MILLION

CHICAGO, Dec 3O.-The IroquOis Theater
was completed less than two months ago
at cost OF half a million dollars and Was
the finest playhouse in Chicago. II was
opened 10 the public on the night OF Nov.
% with Mr.. Bluebeard." The style OF
the structure INTELLECTUALLY is French
renaissance. which has a strong suggestion
OF the classic. II had a total seating ca
pacity OF 1.72i chairs. with plenty OF good
standing room on each floor. The balcony
had seatings for AS persons. The records
OF the city building department show that
the theater was complete Ia every detail
and that IL was absolutely hreproOf all re-
auirements OF the law having been COM
piled with
W. a Merriman, Western manager OF
the George II. Fuller Company. the concern
CONTINUED on PAGE b col. Sd
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-31

and | was caught in the mass of struggling
humanity and carried out to the street"
William r. Heyer an usher in the first
balcony, said tonight: MY balcony was
crowded, and there were a number of people
standing when the fire broke out 1t all
came so sudden that / barely had time TO
open the fire exit before the auditorium was
in flames. L tried to quiet the crowd, but it
was no use The women screamed and the
men fought to get to the doors. trampling on
women and children. If they would have
been quiet everybody could have got out of
my balcony"
Stage hands Of the theater said this even
ing that the fire of to-day was the sec
Ond which had occurred in the theater
since its opening. something over month
ago. Three weeks ago last Sunday. they
declared, fire broke out in the dressing
rooms underneath the stage, but il was eX
tinguished without coming to the knowl-
edge of the audience. Slight damage was
done to several dressing rooms, and a num-
Der of costumes were destroyed before the
flames were extinguished. The fire depart
ment was not called and no report OF the
blaze was made TO the city authorities.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-31
Leaped from Platform
and Were Mangled

The theater has been constructed but
short time, and all its equipment was not
yet in place. This was unfortunately the
case with a fire escape In the rear Of the
building The small iron balconies to which
the iron ladder was to be attached were up,
but the ladder had not yet been construct
ed When the panic was at its highest
great number OF women ran for these fire
escapes only 10 find. as they emerged from
the doorway upon the little iron platform,
that they were thirty TO nifty feet from
the ground. a FIRE behind and no method Of
escape in front. Those who reached the
platform first endeavored to hold their
footing and TO keep back the crowd that
pressed upon them from the rear. The eff
fort was utterly useless. and in a few mo-
ments the iron Lodges were damned with
crowds OF women, who screamed, fought
and tore ct each other like maniacs. This
lasted but a brief interval, and the rush
from the interior of the building became
so violent that many of them were crowded
OF and fell to the granite-paved alley be-
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-31
JACK" POTTLITZER, Il
LAFAYETTE BOY, LOST

LAFAYETTE, Ind, Dec. 30.-At midnight
tonight it was learned definitely that Jack
Pottlitzer, the ten-year-old son Of Max Pott-
liter. one OF the most prominent citizens
of Lafayette, met his death in the Chicago
fire. Young Pottlitzer was visiting some
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-31
Local observations on "wednesday.

Bar. Their. R.H Wind. Weather. Pre-
a. m. .3o.42 - S'west- Clear. 900
z p 1920 - 81 Swest. Clear. 600
Maximum temperature. 20; minimum tenn
perature, 2
Comparative statement Of mean tempera-
ture and total precipitation on Dec. 30:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-31
a GUARANTEED CURE ron Piles.

Itching Blind. Bleeding Protruding Piles
Your druggist viii refund money II PALO ONT
MENT fails 20 cure you an % ~ days. soc.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-31

ever tell his friends who he was is the
color and appearance of the clothing on
the lower limbs. and this Is in such condi-
ton as 20 be hardly recognizable.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-17

There will be meeting of the Hi bernian Rifles to-morow morning at 10 O'clock to take action upon the invita- tfon to participate in the parade, which will be held in connection with the lay tng of the cornerstones of Gus Lady of Lourdes and St Francis Xavier church on October 25 and November 1, re- spectively.
 The Salvation army will give a musical meeting this evening. The services will begin with Well Anchor Bye and Bye" and the following songs will also be used: "Beulah Land" ;" "We Are Going Down the Valley" ," "Holy City," Rock of Ages" Jesus Lover of My Soul" songs set to music from Sousa's band. Tomorrow even- ing the meeting will be led by Captain Ayers, while Monday evening it will be led by Brigadier Lamb and Ensign Fuge.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-17
COMING EVENTS
Entertainments Fairs and sociables of
 Local Interest.

Entertainments, Fairs and sociables of
 Local Interest. Oct 17-Waterbury Military band promenade Oct 17-Footb all-Acorn A. c. Vs Naugatuck at Naugatuck.
 Oct 17-Salem Social clubs seventh annual dance at Naugatuck.
 October 17-Good Time Social club sociable and dance, Grange hall. Oct 17-Company E. Hibern1an Rifles, smoker and entertainment. Nov 19-Nutmeg Social clubs third annual promenade. - Oct 19-26-Eagles' carnival given by Waterbury aerie 379, F. o. B. Oct 2O.-Zion Literary association entertainment at Leavenworth hall. Oct 21-Ladies of St Michaels s church. turkey supper, Carter's hail. Waterville .. Oct 23-Ideal Mandolin and Guitar club promenade,
 Oct 24-NIiss Loretta Hawthorne Hayes re-openinR of dancing classes. Oct 24-Olympia Whist clubs grand promenade concert and dance Nauga- tuck.
 Oct 2s-South End Social clubs
 
 fourth annual sociable and dance.
 Oct 26-31.-St Cecilia's parish fair, City hall.
 Oct 3O-Brooklyn Athletic club Hal 1owe'en dance and reception at their hall.
 Oct 31-Prof Sullivan's opening re ception and dance. Nangatuck.
 Nov 2-7-Elks' bazaar. given by Wa terbury lodge, No 265, B. F. o. B., City hall. Nov 3-14st Patrick's parish grand annual fair
 Nov 5-11-st Teresa's church fair, Woodbury
 Nov 6EPromenade of the Nassau Social club at Hamilton hall.
 Nov. .6-Nassau Social clubs third an- nual promenade.
 Nov TO. H. c. football teams sec ond annual concert and dance, Nauga- tuck.
 Nov s-'sTrip Through Ireland" H. lustrated by Prof Turner at Lyceum hall
 Nov Myrtle temple, No 3, R. S., masquerade sociable.
 Nov II. 12. B. 14-St Joseph's T. A.. society's annual fair
 Nov 19-Promenade given by the Scorcher club at Leavenworth hall. Nov 19-E Entertainment and dance 2oth anniversary of Lyra Singing soci- ety. . Nov 2O-Merrimac Athletic club sixth annual promenade and dance. . November Brooklyn Athletic club fourteenth annual concert and socia- ble.
 Jan 29-Feb S-St Thomas's church fair.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-17
Novelties in Hats

The new arrivals are quite different from the seasons ear ly corners. The styles seem to be more strikingly stylish than the creations of the earlier weeks.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-17
THE OLD STORY.

The two grand old political pafues rave had their usual catch-as-calch-eaa ai1 election day tussle Of course we a.. are aware that only one set or ol1Ile-S 1,lrS can be elected. therefore the Lellu w u"S who were successful in recelVHs greater number of votes are the peU,pio who will wear the pleasant shulae11 o1. The other fellows can go way o od and sit down for seven hundreu aet s &hirty days. Our election or cltS ord @ eials this year has been a very eLys,i4ica1 Fought and hotly contesseo the light, and to the victor oelons soa,, if Spoils. Now it remains to De ',ts in che much talked Of improve o,.o 10 xhe running of our city.s ahan nl5 story be put into force, or is 1t the orT Tnare is raaa fhiT,r thst will happen just so SUI ire o aa 4ha s1Ir rises in the east ana se.s ra The west. and that, is. the taApas win ba called on just about the u0 tho $gma and you can depend on II enr @ U~t1al . aYon,1nt oftcash will be asked lon mnd paid. too. Speaking or ,,, Dro Ie .rronises rather gives us cnll. 1a 3fere ia anything that Is apoll lIaote llns.os hf:s to see people break thelr prolniSi Sis sCor instance. man promt5es you staa and coffee is better than the otne. ERellows sell and it proves to De larsvI p7t Eno+ fellow should be chastised. Du. W Sf WE say our Tea. Coffee and s,r;tE Buster have no equal in the city for pur.1s strength and freshness or palatta; t;,.e u.e ness. you can depend on it every tlne, me Tf YOU doubt our accurateness III tne ae above statement just try a, ponnas ol s0ur soc Tea. or our Cream Java OoAee' soc per pound. or our 25c Butter. s A galvanized coal bod with a pound VI our warranted good Baking FoWue1' 45c per pound, at
 Dhn7on9c TT Store.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-17
l. CHASE
TheMi||er &PeCkCO
SPECIALS FOR SATURDAY NIGHT
 AND MONDAY,

At 79c Ladies Shirt Waist Suits, were S12O At $1.69, Children's Coats, handsome ly trimmed, were $2.5O. At $1.9S, Ladies' Covert Jackets, all silk lined, were $500. At 45c, 54-inch Mixed Kersey Cloth value 75c. At 121ac Fancy Checks for children's dresses. At 69c, Ladies' Petticoats, made of heavy mercerized cloth, accordion founce, were S1.OO.
 from 5e At 15c, Fancy Pillow Ribbons, from
 2Oc. At 19c, Stamped Pillow Tops, from 25c. At 39c, Tam O'shanters, from soc At 9Ac, 36-inch Printed Flannelettes,
 from 127ac. At 25c, Scotch Wool Waistings, from
 39c. At 45c, Ladies Outing Flannel Night
 Gowns, value 59c. At 75c. Ladies' White Domet Flannel
 Night Gowns, value $1OO. At 98c. Ladies Extra Heavy Outing
 Night Gowns. lace trimmed, value
 $125. At 19c, Children's Jersey Ribbed Vests and Pants, value 25c At 25c, Boys Fleece Lined Shirts and
 Drawers At 23c. Women's Jersey Ribbed Vests and Pants At 49c. Mems Fleece Lined Shirts and
 Drawers, shirts with double front
 and back. drawers have double seats. At 13c. ? for 25c. Women's Fast Black
 Hose. Maco split feet, value Ire pair. At 19c. Fancy Pillow Tops. from 3Oc At S1.25. Lined Stable, Blankets. At 7&c. 36-inch Fish Nets, from 121bc. At 8 1-3c, Striped and Fancy Muslin
 from 1215c. At s1.9s pair, Lace Curtains, from
 $2.5O.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-17
Cloves

Ladies' and Misses All Wool Golf
 Gloves, 25c goods, 15c Ladies' and Misses soc Golf
 Gloves, 25c Ladies soc Gloves, now 25c Ladies and Misses $1.oo Kid
 Gloves, new soc
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-17
Aprons

Ladies' Plain White Lawn Aprons, from 25c. 121sa Ladies' Lace Trimmed Flogtnce
 Aprons, from 25c, lo' Ladies' 5Oc Lace and Embroidery
 Trimmed Aprons, now 29' Misses and Waiting Maids
 Aprons with Bibs and Epahlets,
 from soc, 70 Children's Lawn School Aprons. 1O
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-17
Winter Underwear

Y I # Children's Cameps Hair Under
 wear, all sizes, l2Hac Childrens Fine All Wool Under
 wear, in natural and white, size
 16c, 1oc Ladies' All Wool Underwear, in
 natural 4Ic Ladies' finer goods, $1.25 All Wool
 Underwear, in white,l scarlet,
 camel's hair, now per garment 7oc Mems All Wool Cancels Hair Un-
 derWear, from $1.0O, garment 59c
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-17
Notions

Velvet Binding, 1A inch and 11a
 inch, all colors, 4 and I5 yards, 10c Darning Cotton, per spool 1c Embroidery Silk, per spool Sc 24 yards Insertion or Trimming
 Braid, Sc Feder's Brush Binding! per yard Sc Safety Pins, all sizes lClinton3 Sc Hooks and Eyes, per eard Pc
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-17
Hosiery

Infants All Wool Hose, Sc Infants All Wool Hose, all colors,
 silk heel and toe, from 25c, 15c Children's 25c All Wool Hose, 15c Ladies All Wool Hose, from 25c, 19c Misses All Wool Cashmere Hose,
 from 25cv 17c Mems Shawknit Hose: from 25c, 15c