Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-02-01
Ellis Island Buildings Damaged.

Ellis Island Buildings Damaged.
Great damage at the government immi-
grafton station on Ellis Island was
caused by the explosion Windows all
over the island were smashed to bits
and many employees were injured by the
fragments of flying glass.
1t was most fortunate that no immi-
grants were being handled at Ellis
Island. Three immense holes were torn
In the hall where the immigrants are
| Inspected. Each was at least ::ux5 feet.
and had the hall been crowded, as it so
often Is, there undoubtedly would have
| terial.
The force of the explosion blew out
| glass windows and doors on a large num-
Der Of buildings from Cortlandt street
down to the Battery. Show windows were
shattered and passing pedestrians COW
cred with broken glass. Goods on ex-
hibit in the windows were scattered over
the streets and the shop people rushed
out to gather up their stocks from be-
meath the feet OF the curious crowds
| that gathered quickly, ignorant of the
cause OF the explosion and making in
quiries of ose inside.
The whole front of Henderson's seed
house, on Cortland street, was blown out
and many window panes in the Hudson
terminal buildings were shattered.
Panic in Singer Building
There was much excitement in the tall
Singer building. Some people who were
in the tower at the time say they felt
a perceptible sway.
There were no window panes broken
in the tower. but several windows in
the main building were blown in. After
the shock Of the explosion there was
a rush for the elevators in the Singer
building and for a time the cars We're
taxed to their capacity.
large plate glass window in the
cafe Savarian was blown in. and sew
eral diners sitting near the front of
the cafe narrowly escaped injury. Po-
lice reserves were quickly stationed in
front Of many big buildings to pre-
serve order and warn pedestrians about
broken glass.
The full force Of the explosion was
felt at the immigrant landing station
on Ellis Island.
Story of Eyewitness.
The only connected story Of the explo-
sion which has yet been told is that of
James lynne. a weigher for W. H.
Brown & Company of 16 Exchange place.
New York. He was Weighing bones that
made up the cargo of the barge Ingrlo:
At the time of the explosion Wynne and
the firm Of Lister & Company. chemists.
were at work on q framework built out
above the deck of the vessel
Il was finishing up my work Tor the
noon shift" he said Il stood on my lit
tie framework looking over the harbor
1 saw a small powder boat do not
know her name-pull into pier and an
Choir there. l knew that she was a pow
der boat. because she carried red flag.
She tied up to the pier, and men began to
run back and forth.
They seemed to be carrying dynamite
from freight cars that were standing
close at hand. These cars bore a sign
'Infiammable' l knew that meant they
were loaded with explosives.
Il was not at all afraid of anything
happening have seen powder boats
many times before. but 1 stood there
idly watching the little boat and the rum
ming men.
IAN at once there was a flash of flame.
That little boat disappeared before my
eyes. I felt myself being carried through
the air. ! do not know what happened
precisely 1 did not feel any main or