The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1906-04-19

to the ground in quick succession.
The Cal editorial and mechanical de-
partments were totally destroyed in
Il few minutes, and the flames leaped
across Stevenson street toward the
fifteen-story Claus Spreckles building
which with its lofty dome, is the most
notable edifice in San Francisco.
Two small wooden buildings furnish
ed fuel to the splendid pile. At first
no impression was made, but sud
denly there was Il crncking of glass
and an entrance was effected. The
inner furnishings of the fourth floor
We're the first to go. Then as il by
magic, smoke issued from the top of
the dome. This was followed by a
most spectacular illumination. The
round windows Of the dome shOne
like so many full moons as the long,
waving streamers OF flames burst
forth.
The tall and slender structure
which had withstOod the force of the
earthquake appeared doomed to fall
before the fire. But after a time the
light grew less intense and the flames
finding nothing to consume. died
out, leaving the building standing
but completely Quilted.
The Palace Hotel, the rear Of which
was constantly threatened, was the
scene of much excitement, the guests
leaving in haste, many with only the
clothing they wore. Finding that
the hotel was not in present danger.
many returned and made arrange
ments for the removal of their be-
lOngings, though little could be
taken away owing to the utter alb
sence OF transportation facilities.
The Parrot building, in which were
located the chambers of the State
Supreme court, the lower floors be-
ing devoted to an immense depart
ment store, was ruined, though it's
massive walls were not all DESTROYED.
y little further down market street,
the Academy of Sciences. the Jenny
Flood building and the Sistery build
ing kindled and burned like SO much
finder. Sparks carried across the
wide street lighted the Phelan build
lug, and the army headquarters of
California, General Funston. COM
manding, were burned.
Nearing the bay. the waters of
which did the firemen good service,
along the docks, the fire took the
Rialto building, a handsome sky
scraper and converted scores of solid
business blocks into smOulderingpi piles
of bricks.
Banks and commercial houses, sup
posed to be tireproof, though not of
modern build, burned quickly and
the roar of the flames could be heard
even on the hills which were ont of
the danger zone Here many thous-
ands OF people congregated and view
ed the awful scene. Great sheets of
flames rose high in the heavens, or
rushed down some narrow street,
joining midway between the side
walks.
ESTIMATED THAT ONE THOUSAND PEG
PIE HAVE PERIsHED
In San Francisco alone it is esti-
mated that one thousand persons
have persisted, while as many more
are suffering from injuries. The en-
tire business portion of the city is in
ruins and the flames which, owing to
the lack of water, cannot be checked
except by the blowing up with dyna-
mite OF buildings in their path, are
still sweeping through the city. 1t
is utterly impossible at present to
estimate the property loss, for the
extent of the confagration cannot
be told until the fire has burned it.
self out.
Thousands OF people are homeless,
and many are huddled in the parks
and public squares beside the house
hold goods they were able to save.
The city is under martial law and all