Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-09
After the Fire.

The fire in Baltimore Is now checked and
the stricken city is beginning the doleful
task of counting the losses. The burned
district is so large in extent and the busi-
ness Establishments which have been utter
ly destroyed are of such great Importance
in the economy of the city that 1t will not
be easy to determine the direct monetary
loss or the ultimate effect of the calamity
upon the industries and the trade of Balt'
more. The estimates of the property loss
fluctuate with the temperament of the indi-
vidual who ventures upon statistical
ground. A fair round average of 500, oOU,009
still stands. as yesterday. as the approxi-
mate computation of the damage. 1t will
doubtless be some weeks before the total
can be stated with any approach to ac-
curacy.
Meanwhile it is gratifying to find the city
maintaining itself so steadily in the face OF
appalling calamity. The great good fortune
of escape from losses of life, coupled with
the fact that the fire occurred on Sunday
thus giving opportunity for the taking
OF legal precautions to prevent business
panic, has worked against the augmenta-
ton of the disaster. The orderly behavior
of the people. too. has in large degree
helped to save the situation. Baltimore
mas Deen TefdllVely 1OTluHdle tiuS III hol
suffering from rioting. from deaths and
from paralyzing business depression.
All reports indicate that the banks of the
city were in sound condition at the close OF
business Saturday Thus when the fire
wiped several of them out of their quarters
and placed their vaults and safes in
jeopardy they stood in excellent position
before the financial world in the event
l,nI n,rll ha A Y
lists in the strong financial centers to ex-
tend all needed aid to these stricken insti-
tutions, and so attention is concentrated
for the present upon the condition of the
vaults, which have been exposed to the
most intense heat imaginable. If they
have withstood the strain there will prob
ably be no occasion for the direct offer of
assistance. 1t may be that when the vaults
are opened the contents will be found
charred but identifiable. That will permit
redemption, occasioning some delay and a
temporary curtaiment of resources. Or
course Baltimore cannot Immediately re-
sumo full swing in business. 1t will be
many weeks before the commercial COM
munity RECEIVERS from the shock In appre-
ciable degree and years before all the scars
left upon the business body will have
healed But it is of comfort to know that
the eity's financial system is sound and
wholesome.
Should the authorities decide that assist
ance is required to care for the thousands
of people who have been rendered homeless
By the flames or have been thrown out OF
employment by the destruction OF the busi-
ness houses and factories there will be no
lack of offers of substantial assistance.
Baltimore has but to express the need D
receive in full measure. In view of the dd-
rrirable manner in which the city has been
conducted throughout this trying experience
thus far it is safe to believe that every
possible effort will be made by Baltimore
itself to cope with the emergency alone
1t is offering fine example of municipal
self-control and good management