The Lancaster news. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1905-current, 1916-03-24
AUGUSTA BRAVELY
FACES FUTURE
'oss oi from Six to Ten Million
Dollars i'm Great Fire There On
Wednesday.
RELIES QUICKLY UNDER WAY
business Men Begin steps to Provide
for Needy and Also to Look Out for
development to Replace District.

Augusta, Ga, Marc 23.-Augusta
/ turned bravely about to-day and be-
gan to plan for replacing the ravages
OF the fire which last night caused a
loss estimated at from S5 900 600 IN
SHOOO.OOO. There are many, how
ever, who are inclined to place the
estimate at $10,000,OOO. The total
loss is mere guess and nothing de-
Unite will be known until a final
checking up of accounts. This is
the second disaster to Augusta with
in the last half dozen years. It has
just overcome the loss caused by the
disastrous flood of several years ago
and was fast developinc-and now
comes the great fire.
The business men to-day began
marshaling their resources to meet
the losses. Relief plans for tho
thousands of homeless people were
given early consideration. The first
event of the dav was a meeting of citv
council when ample provision was
made for the destitute. At noon
hundreds of business men met at a
mass meeting and il was determined
that Augusta must rebuild at once
on an even larger scale. The peo-
pie are undaunted and have dis
played the very finest kind of spirit.
There has been no Sinking and ev-
cry man is doing his duty. The loss
@ 81,
in this city. There is a kindred feel
ing among ALL
Much for Relief.
At conference to-day move.
ment was set going to raise a fund
of $50.00O to prosecute relief work.
II was announced late tonight that
$4,000 had already been subscribed.
The ruling sentiment at a series of
conferences was that Augusta will
be able to care for the destitute
although gifts from other sources
Will not be rejected.
Acting upon the suggestion Of
bankers, Mayor J. r. I.ittleton de-
clared moratorium for to-day. be-
cause many citizens were unable to
meet their financial obligations. The
moratorium may be extended for sew
eral days
A careful survey shows that 80
blocks, covering 11S acres wara
swept bare by the fire of yesterday.
An unofficial count gives the num-
Der of homes destroyed at 526. Over
100 business houses were burned. The
total value of the houses was about
$2.25O,OOO.
me three companies of state mi.
lltia were withdrawn from servica
to-day and the police have the sim
alton under control
This afternoon several buDdro1
workmen were put to work clearing
up the debris about the burned build
ings. Dynamite was used to blow
up several walls on Broad street
large number of convicts will bs
brought in from the roads 10 assist
in clearing up the streets
Many Visitors Here.
Thousands of visitors from manv
sections of Georgia and South Caro-
lima poured into Augusta TODAY IN
view the ruins and all hotels were
crowded tonight The near-beer ca
looms were closed to-day and all nm
occupied buildings. including the old
federal building, were thrown omen
tonight for the accommodation of
the homeless families.
only four firemen were injured
during the fire. They were resting
well at local hospitals tonight and
all VIII recover, it was said.
Final figures would Indicate that
about $4,000 bales of cotton were
destroyed. causing a loss of approx-
imately $1.S00,0OO.
No figures are obtainable as 70 tbs
amount of insurance carried on the
properties destroyed. The Insurance.
adjusters began to arrive in Augusta
to-day. The adjustment will be made
&s rapidly as possible, it was said.
Like Cyclone Belt.
'o".y blocks IN the residence
'oct;on oG Augusta to-day presented
,se appearance of a windswept prai-
re &nG The bare walls OF six bust
Acss blocks bear silent testimony of
recent years.
~.