The Topeka state journal., 1922-12-09
Damage at Astoria, Oregon,
Placed at s12,OOO,OOO.
At Least $500 Made Homeless
by the COnfIagratiOn.
LINES OF HUNGRY ARE FED
With Banks Destroyed, Hurried
Call Is Made for Funds.
District Under Heavy Guard
IneendiariSm Is Blamed.
(By the Associated Press.l

Astoria, Ore, Dec 9.-Astoria to-
day surveyed its losses from the S12.-
100000 fire which yesterday razed
twenty-four blocks of buildings in the
city's business section. Measures have
been taken by the city to relieve the
2,500 persons made homeless by the
conflagration, and a citizens COM
mittee hastily formed. has undertaken
the task of providing clothing and
shelter for the homeless.
The five banking institutions of the
city were completely destroyed. leav-
ing thousands without funds. An or
der communicating all OF the city's
food supply for centralized distribution
has been issued while stores in the
outlying sections of the town, doing
an unprecedented business, have been
ordered by the police department to
refrain from profiteering. Word was
received from Portland yesterday that
a special train bringing supplies would
arrive here today while the relief
committee has requested large
amounts of staple foods and quantities
of clothing to relieve further suffering
Homes and Churches Open.
Long lines of hungry persons were
fed in front Of the Y. NJ. G. A. build
ing last night, while others were fed
and housed in several railroad sta
tions. Hundreds OF private homes
have been thrown open to the desti-
tute and women and men worked tire
lesslF to provide living quarters for
others in all public buildings available
including churches near the scene OF
the casta strophe.
A banking committee appointed to
help the thousands deprived of bank
ing privileges. dispatched word to the
Oregon Hotel Mems association in
Portland, which telegraphed that II
had contributed $4,000 to the relief
fund, to send the currency.
Red Cross TO Aid.
As soon as systematic operations
can be started by the relief Organ-zs-
tions, it will be possible to receive aid
thru the Red Cross.
Frantic efforts by telephone and
electric light workmen had partly re-
stored the lighting facilities for the
city here last night and thruout the
remaining district a heavy guard of
soldiers and special policemen had
been established to prevent looung the
destroyed area.
Chief of Police Carlson said that
fourteen men had been arrested by his
during the confusion. and that
articles from stores within the dis
trict.
Investigation Under Way.
Incendiarism is believed to have
been responsible for the fire, and a
investigation is under way
TO determine those responsible.
Fire fighting apparatus was all
working at full tilt at an early hocr
today, and will be kept constantly on
the job until all the embers have been
The Oregon national guard has sent
1 900 cots, 1000 blankets. ro.hnE
kitchens, cooking and food supplies
Ad1utant General George White is
here to superintend the relief work
Many of the homeless wandered
about the stress aimiessIy until thru
sheer exhaustion, they went to sleep
in the corridors of the Y. NJ. c. A
building, the city hall. and other avail
able sheltered spots. With their
worldly possessions tied I'm a towel. or
able cloth many of them were shell
.ered in residences outside the firo
zone.
Prisoners Arc Released.
When flames threatened the city
ail, the doors were opened and about
.hirty-five prisoners were released.
rhe Jail docket disappeared sometime
turing the day. and no record Of the
could be found.
Prisoners from the county jail were
-eleased when flames seemed to
threaten that structure. Three con-
y.cted men said to be awaiting trans
to the state prison aided Dis
r1ct Attorney Erickson In removing
aw books and furniture from his Of
ice.
Mayor Bremner expressed yesterday
he opinion that the fire was of incer-
Larry origin and could be charged ~
radicals" Chief OF Police Carlson
oncurrsd IN this belief.
Due to RadicaIism.
'T am certain that rsdicaIism is re-
ponsible " said the mayor. "Of course
here VIII be a more thoro investiga-
ion than has been possible. When II
s over ! am sure il Will be estab-
shed the fire was set
The town Of Astoria grew from piles
'uilt far into the water. The piles
rig ual-y were extended into the deep
Eater 70 accommodate vessels which
therwise would have had to anchor
ut in the harbor. The business dis
rict naturally grouped itself close 20
he sea commerce which gave the lit
le city its principal impetus. The res
1ential section was built on higher
round.
MEXICAN REBEL GIVES UP.