The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1916-03-30
AUGUSTA RAVAGED BY FIRE
SUSTAINS LOSS OF FIVE TO TEN
MILLIONS.
Thirty Blocks, Covering 11S Acres,
Swept by Flames.-s4.O 900 Bales
OF Cotton Burned.

Augusta, Ca, March 23.-Augusta
turned bravely about today and be-
gan to plan for replacing the ravages
of the fire which last night caused a
loss estimated at from S5,O00,OOO to
100000. There are many, how
ever, who are inclined to place the
estimate at S10,000,000. The total
loss is mere guess and nothing def
mite will be known until a final
checking up of accounts. This is the
second disaster to Augusta within the
last half dozen years. It had Just
overcome the loss caused by the dis
astrous flood of several years ago
and was fast developing-and now
comes the great fire.
The business men today began
marshaling their resources to meet
the losses. Relief plans for the thou
sands of homeless people were given
early consideration. The first event
OF the day was meeting of city
council when ample provision was
made for the destitute. At noon
hundreds. of business men met at a
mass meeting and it was determined
that Augusta must rebuild at once
on an even larger SCALE The people
are undaunted and have displayed
the very finest kind of spirit. There
has been no shirking and every man
is doing his duty. The losses will
touch every class of society in this
city. There is a kindred feeling
among all.
Much for Relief.
At conference today movement
was set going to raise fund of S50,-
600 to prosecute relief work. 1t was
announced late tonight that $4,000
had already been subscribed. The
ruling sentiment at a series of con-
ferences was that Augusta will be
able to care for the destitute, al
though gifts from other sources will
not be rejected
Acting upon the suggestion of
bankers, Mayor j. R. Littleton de-
clared moratorium for today, be-
cause many citizens were unable. to
meet their financial obligations. The
moratorium may be extended for sew
era1 days.
a careful survey shows that 80
blocks, covering 11S acres, were
swept bare by the fire of yesterday
An unofficial count gives the number
OF homes destroyed at 526. Over 1870
business houses were burned. The
total value of the houses was about
/ $3.50, 600.
The three companies of State mill
tia were withdrawn from service to-
day and the police have the situation
under control.
This afternoon several hundred
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. A
large number of convicts will be
brought in from the roads to assist
In cleaning up the streets.
Many Visitors Arrive.
Thousands of visitors from many
sections of Georgia and South Caro-
i lima poured into Augusta today to
view the ruins and all hotels were
crowded tonight. The near-beer sa-
looms were closed today and all un-
occupied buildings, including the old
federal building, were thrown open
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 will recover, it is said.
Final figures would indicate that
about $4,000 bales of cotton were
destroyed, causing loss of approx
mately $1,S00,000.
No figures are obtainable as to the
amount of insurance carried on the
properties destroyed. The insurance
adjusters began to arrive in Augusta
today. The adjustment will be made
as rapidly as possible, it was said.
Like Cyclone Belt.
Twenty blocks in the residence
section of Augusta today presented
the appearance of a windswept prai-
rie and the bare walls of six business
blocks bear silent testimony of Au-
gusta's most serious disaster of re-
cent years.
The fire which ragged for more than
nine hours last night, causing loss
estimated at from s5,000.000 to ST.
100000, was brought to halt early