Evening capital and Maryland gazette., 1910-12-30


Annapolis was aroused at an early
hour this morning by another alarm
of fire, which beyond question was OF
incendiary origin.
Shortly after /. 80 o. clock this morn
ing alarms were sounded from the
three fire companies headquarters.
and the streets were soon alive with
tremen and citizens. The fire was
in the First Ward on this occasion,
at the corner of Dock street and a
little alley that runs through from
Prince George street. 1t originated
in an old carpenter shop of William
II. Smith, which was entirely burn
ed down, and is a total loss to Mr..
Smith, whose tools and equipments
were therein, and upon all of which
he had permitted the insurance to
lapse two or three days ago.
MIR. Smith estimates mis- loss at
between 5000 and $500 uncovered by
insurance. Adjoining the carpenter
shop of Mr.. Smith was the stable
formerly owned by Mayor James F.
Strange, but recently sold. The stable
contained a carriage owned by Mr..
Daniel Sanders and two or three
carriages owned by Mr.. Fred w.
Shaw, all of which were burned. The
total loss is estimated between $500
and $1,000.
The property was that of the old
Keeley estate, and is now owned by
the Mulhsll heirs in New York city.
The property has been an eyesore
for some years, and has been CON
demned by the city on three occa-
sions. Except for the proximity to
other buildings, and the shock to poo-
pie and hard work for the fremen,
there is no regret expressed at the
destruction of the property. The
Mullhall property was insured for
$500 with the Phoenix Company, of
London, with J. c. Wheatley & Son,
agent.
Besides the carriages destroyed,
Mr.. Fred Shaw lost a number of oys-
ter rakes and other paraphernalia in
the shop. which was first to catch on
fire. That the houses in the rear of
the stable and shop and the residence
of Mr.. c. Ed. Martin, to the right,
were not destroyed is almost marve-
lous, and this is due largely to the
work of the volunteer fremen.
Mr.. Martins house was badly
scorched and blistered aud the shut
ters on the houses on Prince George
street, and frame work were all dam
| aged by fire and smoke to the extent
of $3.50 or 5000, and the houses will
have to be scrsped and painted. That
the tire was confined to the small
| space surrounded by a nest of frame
| dwellings, is marvellous, especially
with the city fire engine out of com
mission. As soon as the fire was re.
ported Mayor Strange communicated
with Superintendent Bowyer, of the
Naval Academy, who showed every
courtesy to the city and its chief. and
at once expressed willingness to send
aid. The Naval Academy fire engine
and hose were despatched to the
scene with the First company OF
about fifty Midshipmen.
The fire had been gotten under
control, however. and upon their
arrival they could offer but little
material assistance. However, their
presence and willingness to aid the
volunteer fire department is crate
fully appreciated.
The fire was discovered about lit
q. m. by Officer Frank Smith. who
with Officers Lowman and Jacobs
were patroling that part Cf tn,
town near the Market and lowe
I Prince George street. Officer Smjt
saw a colored man near the Marke
I House acting in suspicious manner
and almost Immediately saw tn,
hame and smoke across the street
The officer attempted to pursue tht
negro and fred several shots for aid
until he had emptied his pistol.
Officer Smith, in his effort to cap
ture the negro and turn in the alarm
at the same time was greatly hamp
cred, and the negro escaped. Tn
officer also experienced difficulty il
turning in the fire alarm. Annapoli
has no fire alarm system, and it tool
from fifteen to twenty minutes t
get the telephone call through ant
| gain access to an instrument
This emphasizes the need of a FIR
alarm system. There should be boxe
at certain corners with phone lock
ed, to which only the police have &C
cess, as in other cities and towns.