New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-03-30

HEADQUARTERS in various buildings neal
the Capitol
Speaking of the fire tonight. Governor
Dix said:
1T is an appalling disaster. ] con
slider the destruction Of the state library
q national loss. Fortunately the copies
of. Abraham Lincoln's emancipation proc
lamation and General Washngton's fare
we'll address were removed not long ago
from the library to the safe in Commits
Sioner Diapers Office.
Commissioner Draper. head Of tho
State Department of Education, esti-
mated the loss TO his department alone
at S2,O0O.OO0. Work on the new build
ing of education in Washington street
across from the Capitol, which for
tirne was threatened by the flames. viii
be pushed to afford home for that de-
partment.
After a conference with Governor DIX
This morning Adjutant General Verbech
took over the control OF the Capitol WIFI
the military arm of the state. Lieuten-
ant Colonel Allen l.. Reagan was placed
In charge, and he at once called upon
Major Charles B. Stats for troops. Sew
eraI of. the local companies established
headquarters in some of the natioha
guard rooms which were the least dam
aged. Soldiers were soon patrolhng al
the corridors and entrances TO the Cap'-
toll and no one was allowed inside unless
ne had a pass, signed by the military au-
thorities or the Governors secretary.
The fire started shortly after O'Clock
this morning in the library of the AS
sembly, which IS used as a committee
room. The flames spread with remark
able rapidity. Chief Bridgeford of the
Albany Fire Department announced tha'
the fire was under control at II a. m.
Ruins Still smouloerlng'
The ruins Of the western wing were
still smouldering late tonight and hre
men were still pouring several streams
CT water in though the blackened VIII
dows which once looked out from tn
State Library.
The exact cause Of the fire has no
been determined. 1t may never b
known. Some of the officials believ
that il was caused by defective electrl
wiring The electrical engineer in charg
of the building, Boon. says that the elec
trio wiring and equipment in that par
OF the building were all right.
Employees connected with the depart
nlent of the Superintendent Of Building
are of the opinion that 1t was caused b!
a lighted cigarette butt thrown amoni
some papers in the Assembly library b!
some one who had attended the Demo
cratic caucus last night. The caucu!
lasted until nearly o'clock and Their
were men about the Assembly chambe
and the adjoining rooms until nearly
O'Clock.
a rigid investigation will be instituted
by Governor Dix TO determine the cause
The investigation probably will be con
Quoted by the Legislature.
The flames spread with such rapidit,
that even before the arrival Of the fire
men they had swept out through the cor
Tidors of the State Library and grea
tongues of fame were soon shooting gu
q ell the windows on the third floor OF
the western side of the building. Tn
wooden partitions in the library prove
excellent fuel for the blaze, which quick
~ ate its way up 10 the fourth floor
Franklin B. Ware, the State Architect
issued the following statement tonight
The first step To be taken is 10 hav
the Legislature authorize proper stat
officials 10 remove all damaged and dan
geTous portions OF the building and clcaI
out all rubbish The Legislature shoul
also Immediately authorize the prepare
ton OF plans and the making OF neccs
sary contracts for the reconstruction
and ample funds should be provided il
order that those having the matter il
charge will not be hindered or delaye
in the completion Of the work Ate
this is done complete survey can b
made and necessary plans and specilica
tons prepared for the restoration Of tn
building and for replanning the intefio
C. meet the demands of the various stat
departments.
From an examination Of the buildin,
made this afternoon II would appea
that the entire State Library. located il
The third and fOJrth floors including TN
northwest and southwest pavilions. i
completely destroyed and also the Cour
OF Claims and some "f the cOmmitte
rooms OF the Senate and Assembly
The ceiling Of the Senate appears I,
be intact. with apparently no damage
except from water
The western side Of the Assembl,
chamber. including the ceiling. has SUI
fered a slight IRE damage and consider
able water damage. II is impossible. a
this time To determine the condition o
the ceiling. An examination of it wi
ho made as soon as conditions seem safe
The western staircase appears T. hav
suffered damage principally AT the fourt
and fifth floors Many departments o
fhc first and second floors i'm the wester