New Britain herald., 1917-05-22
EXPLOSIONS HEARD
 BEFORE BIG FIRE
(Continued from First Page)

(C0nt1nued from First PaS0) aid would possibly be needed should the fire reach any greater proportions. Vice President Charles B. Parsons, Superintendent Joseph Fletcher. As-i sistant Superintendent Hausmann and Clarence seelye, arrived at the fire shortly after 12 o'clock and rendered valuable assistance. c. Harry Barton, one of the early arrivals at the fire. was of much assistance in saving tho patterns. He located Chief Dame and requested that especial attention be devoted to the pattern building.
 John Bergman. an employe of the company. acquainted with conditions. at the risk of his life, entered one of records, time cards and other impor- tant data. The watchuan of ths plant could give no information that might lead to the origin of the fire. Officer Litke, patrolling Stanley and adjacent streets, sent in his duty ring at the corner of Franklin and Stanley street at 11:25 o'clock and every thing was in good order then. Hardly had he reached Elm street. short distance away. when the sky was i1- luminated with a bright glare and. on rushing to the scene. he found the building mass of flame.
 Policemen standing on Main street heard what resembled explosions anc this gives rise to fears that the de- struction of the buildings Is due to in- cendiarism. resident of Elm street stated today that the noise was more like pistol shots. although the police have been unable to run this down ; as yet. Captain Michael Sowney and Bremen Fred Smith. of Engine comf pany No. heard the same noises and gave as their opinion that they were explosions. Throughout the progress of the fire. slight rumbles were heard at various times. but these are attributed to gas explosions.
 No Estimate of Loss.
 Ohicials of the concern were at work early today. trying to determine the exact loss entailed in the nre. Super intendent Fletcher this afternoon de- clined to place any specific amount of the loss. The main concern of the of- hcials early today was in having tho loss repaired SO as not to hamper the production of the plant. There Is heavy stock on hand, but this would not last very long If any delay should ensue in the erection of a foundry. It Is the intention of the company to start work at once.> and temporary arrangements have been completed for handling the most important work In the meantime.
 Asked by a reporter whether any credence Is placed in the explosion uSp> k~H.A ewko tAS that the officials were not ready at this time to make definite statements, and should the fire be the work of an incendiary, every means would be taken to secure his identity and have him brought to justice.
 Commendable work was contributed by citizens during the blaze in render ing aid, and volunteer force headed by Arthur F. Connor did noteworthy service. A. E. Magnell. who is mem toned a member of the new fire conn mission, was on hand and he was very active. as were William Brady and c. F. Merwin.
 Since the recent firebug scare. the Corbin oncials have been cautious about their property and have sta- toned watchmen about all their plants. Four of these men were em- ployed about the burned structures, and the lands adjacent were all we'll lighted.
 A number of photographers were on hand early today picturing the ruins. among these Fred Ellsworth. who secured some very good motion picture films.
 One of the workmen employed at the factory was about the city today mourning the loss of more than $200 which he hid among the bricks at the factory.
 A watchman. on discovering the blaze. rushed to the fire alarm box located in the factory yard and after Inserting his key he was unable to operate the mechanism to get the alarm to strike. City Electrician af- terward examined the box and found 1t in working order.
 The value Of the new service pump in the department was evinced last evening, the f1refghters being assisted with powerful stream when the pump was set in operation.
 CURTIN -ROURKE.
 James H. Curtin of, West Main street this city, and Miss Mae Eliz- abeth ROurk0 of TJnoinville will l,o