The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-04

Heroism saved the lives Of two chill
dren at the home Of Samuel Breslin, SlS
x street northwest, yesterday afternoon.
In an attempt to light candle, a
Christmas tree was set on fire and the
three Breslin children, girl and two
boys. figured in one of the most exciting
FIRE scenes this city has furnished in
years.
Breslin was at work His wife had
left the house for few minutes TO pur-
chase groceries. 1t was about 2 o'clock,
The children. Mary. aged three years
Samuel. aged two years, and Thomas,
aged four years. We're in the parlor await
ing the return Of their mother.
Mother Discovers Fire.
When Mrs. Breslin returned she heard
her children screaming, and saw flames
through a parlor window. Seized with
terror. the mother called for help.
W. T. Holloran. grocer at Fourth and
X streets northwest, was passing in a
buggy. He ran past Mrs, Breslin, forced
open the front door, and entered the hall
way. He was staggered by the smoke.
He pressed forward in the dark
He could hear the flames cracking and
the cries OF the children, while from the
street came the appeals Of the mother
Save my babies"
Holloran entered the room. He CROPPED
about for the children. The heat almost
overcame him, and the smoke stifed
him. He was about 10 retreat when he
stumbled against a tiny foot prOtruding
from under a bed. Feeling beneath the
bed. he found the boys, Thomas and
Samuel, lying in each others arms They
had sought the safest place in the room.
for the flames had not reached the bed.
and the smoke was not so dense near the
floor
HolloTan pulled the boys from beneath
the bed, caught one in each arm, and
made for the door. He reached the
door, stumbled through the hallway. and
passed through the front door to the street.
Mrs. Breslin gave a cry Of delight. Then
she realized her little baby had not been
found.
Where is the girlT' asked a weI-bmlt
middle-aged man Of Holloran.
7 didn't see her." said HOIloran to the
stranger, who had alighted from a buggy
and ran 10 the assistance of Mrs. Breslin
Braved the Flames.
Wrapping his overcoat about his head.
the stranger ran into the house. He
braved the flames. but could not find the
girl. He searched every room on the
first floor Then he ran upstairs. going
from room 10 room. When he came out
Of the house he ran into the back yard
Standing in the middle Of a brick path
with a grimy. little hst wiping away
tears, stood Mary Breslln. safe but badly
frightened. The stranger caught the child
in his arms, ran through the house, and
carried the baby to her mother. Mrs.
Breslin Rugged the child TO her breast
and nearly swooned.
BY this time 100 persons were about the
house. John Holioran, father Of W. T
Holloran. had procured buckets from his
sons store and was carrying water from
the kitchen to the front hallway. where
several helpers were throwing the water
into the parlor.
Mrs. B. F. Williams, wife Of Policeman
Williams. Of the Ninth precinct, was I'm
her home, 915 Fourth street when she
heard Mrs. Breslin screaming. She mott
fed fire alarm headquarters. and engine
companies were soon on the way 10 the
scene. Mrs Williams also notified police
Of the Ninth precinct.
Capt. j. c. Daley. Precinct Detective
Johnston, and Sergt Hartman made a
hurry run to the house. When the en-
CINE companies arrived the volunteer
fremen had almost subdued the flames
Chemicals were thrown on the smolder-
ing tree. furniture. carpets. and fixtures.
In few minutes there was not a spark
left.
Capt. Daley went to Mrs. Breslin. who
was holding her son Thomas In her arms
The boy was burned on the head. neck.
and arms. Capt Daley carried the lao to
the patrol wagon and ordered the driver
TO go TO Casualty Hospital. After first
aid treatment at Casualty the lad was re-
moved to the Children's hospital
Stranger Identified.
Capt. Daley began an investigation TO
learn the identity Of the stranger who
had searched the house, found little Mary
Breslin, and left the scene after placing
the child in the mothers arms. He was
identified as Patrick Donohue. thirty-five
years old. Of 100 Third street northeast
salesman for the P. H. Shelby company.
wholesale groCers. at Seventh street and
Florida avenue northwest.
When asked about the affair, Donohue
said;
Il prefer not to be mentioned in thu
matter for it was nothing. You know ?
nave wife and four little children NY
SELF