Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1915-12-10
NAL path two squares wide and four

Z
long.
The du pont fire corps and the
Petersburg department were called
upon for assistance, but long before
they could arrive the flames had
gained such headway that the town
was doomed.
Stories of heroic rescues are record
ed. Adam Drum, an 11-year-old Rich-
mond boy, rushed into blazing build
ing and appeared at window on the
second floor with an infant IN his
arms. While men were arranging I
blanket to catch the babe, the boy
leaned forward and with a cry Tel!
With the infant in his arms. An IN
;tant later the mother of the baby
rushed from the building, her cloth,
ng afire, just in time to see the boy
md the baby land safely in the
nakeshift lifenet. A moment later the
,oy rescued another baby from the
building next door.
Whether the origin Of the fire was
acendiary has not been determined.
Gown and State authorities will make
thorough investigation. The arrest
the suspected German spy within
1e confines Of the Dupont plant yes
,rday morning caused people to be-
ieve the fire was inccndiary. The
IAN has not been able to comrlpni-
lte with persons on the outside. i!
said that he has maps and blue
rints Of the Dupont plant IN his
ockets, and that he was attempting
set off chemicals in warehouse
led with gun cotton ready for ship
ent. None Of these statements are
,rified by government officers. The
anne of the man is kept a secret.
The Hopewell Hospital was in the
ath of the flames and all patient
ere rescued. Infants and children
,und on the streets were sent to the
upont Hospital, where they are be-:
g cared for.
The fire was still burning late last
ght, but had spent its fury, as there
as nothing left but ruins.
The city council of Petersburg last
ight, threw open the school build
gs and churches opened their doors
the refugees from Hopewell. Every
Fort is being made to aid the home
.ss. Relief funds are beipg raised
Id will be distributed thrdpgh mill.
ny channels.
I aoFissEeil no ti:;:lDt viii aliae f1oSr.
s ashes. Already predictions are
ade that business section more
bstantial than the oil done will be
result OF yesterdays fire.
The population of the new town is
tinated at $4,000. Most Of these
re men who are hardened to the
,ugh life incident to the building of
new. city Of this character. The Du
ont munitions factory has pay
IL of. Approximately 10000 men.
he total paid these is. S1,5O0,00o
onthly. When the company started
le erection; of its plant it was IN
,nded that the limit Of: expense
ould be s10,OOO,OO0. The establish.
ent already has cost S25,000,00O to
lid aaid equip.
1t is said that the Du Points have
pward of $2O0,OOOOOO in war muni-
/. Ions contracts. Their contracts, too
&c to run for three years. At the
nd of that time the management
as given out the strongest indica-
ons that the plant will be continued
robably on more moderate scale
or the manufacture of such NUM-
ons as will be needed by the United
tates government, and also for the
manufacture of dycstuffs and other
hemicals.
An electric line is in course of con-
truction from Petersburg to Hope
veil. The Norfolk and Western Rail
DAD is building double track into
he new: city, and has purchased 81
,cres to be used as q freight yard
t already has 60 miles of switch
racks in the town. Arrangements
nave heen made for better wharfage
ABILITIES facing James River, and i
5 understood that the Duponts have
obtaiued a franchise for bridge ac
ross the James River.
As it now stands the Du Pont fac
ory is the largest guncotton plan
n the world. 1t is also the largeS
,itrating plant in the world, and vii
soon be the largest sulphuric plant
Thousands of the workers sleep i
tents and shacks. It is estimated tha