Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1911-03-29
Governor Dix Personally Directs Work Of Salvage.
Once Subdued, Fire Breaks Out Again and
Again. Valuable Libraries Destroyed.
HISTORICAL PAPERS OF NATIONAL
IMPORTANCE CAN NEVER Be REPLACED
Fire, Starting in Defective Wiring, Spreads
Through Buildine--Senate and Assembly
Chambers Smoking Mass Of Ruins.
ALBANY. N. Y, March %.

HlRE-SWEPT, smoke-strewn and wahrdrenched, New York
States magnificent S27y000OO0 Capitol stands today a partial
wreck by flames that started in the Assembly library, burned
away the entire west wing and did damage estimated at between eight
and ten million dollars before the fire was declared under control by
First Assistant Chief Shattuck, at 7 o'clock, after raging more than
four hours.
1t is believed that the FIRE was started by a fused electric push
button becoming electrified. Half an hour after the fire was consid-
cred under control the flames broke out anesh in the ceiling of the
Assembly chamber. The fremen fought the blaze from the garnet
above, but it proved 81 stubborn that they had great difficulty in
finally controlling If.
Starting afresh in the northwest angle, the fire got away from the fire.
men shortly before 10 O'Clock.
After several fremen had been knocked unconscious by falling debris
they were cautious about penetrating beneath the shattered arches in the
west wing.
A huge chimney that was considered unsafe also kept them at bay, and
this permitted the flames to gain renewed Roadway
and southwest angles and sps of blush haze spomed from the windows on
the north side, opening from the garret.
Fireman Bennett was overcome in the southwest angle and removed in
an ambulance.
Governor Dix Directs Salvage Efforts.
Governor Dix was o hand before 10 o'clock and took personal direction OF
the salvage efforts in the Offices still untouched. II was decided to remove all
the precious books and records in storage, the fremen being unable to tel
whether Or not they could keep the blaze under control
The hremen brought every possible line of hose to bear on the west wing
shOrhypast. 10 o'clock. and before a hour had passed the flames had been 50
thoroughly quenched that it was possible to get within striking distance of the
smouldering heaps in the northwest and southwest angles.
Fear Ruins Are Unsase.
Governor Dix summoned State Architect Ware, Police Chief Hyatt and
Fire Chief Brdgeford into conference as to the safety of the Capitol The
governor feared it had been so badly damaged that all parts were unsafe. The
conferees refused ar opinion on the matter before they had discussed it,
Speaking of the fire, Governor Dix said: at is al appalling disaster
consider the destruction of the State library a national loss"
Wey1er, Bean and the document DON atache, who we're reported missing,
were accounted for before noon, but it could not be definitely acertsined as
to whether or not Samuel Abbott had been located.
Capitol, N the upper floors of the west wing was still a seething mass of
flames that sen pillows of smoke spoutng skyward and shO~ered the sur
rounding sections with small particles of chared paper.
There was much speculation IS to the effect the fire would have Oh tn
senatorial situation.
The Assembly chamber vas flooded with water, but the Assembly parof,
on the northeast corner of the building, vas unscathed, and it was decided to
hold the adjourned Democratic caucus there. as well as the joint ballot at noon