Norwich bulletin., 1922-09-20
GRAPHIC NARRATIVE OF
 CATASTROPHE IN SMYRNA

Constsntnople. Sept 1s.--An amphl- theatre of flame was the city of Smyrna with its struggling despairing popuIa- tion, helpless in the arena formed about the waterfront, caught between the fire and the ses. according to the descrip- tion given to The Associated Press by Edward M. Fisher, of Reading Pa. d. rector Of the Y. M. c. A. at Smyrna, Nno wentthrough the terrible catastrophe and mas just returned here. Mir. Fisher said
 "The Turks had deliberately poured kerosene on the buildings. I saw a stream of kerosene running through the street. on which the American consulate was located. The Turks also set fire 10 bundles of clothing and bedding drop ped by the fleeing refugees. Soon. the whole European quarter was enveloped in flames 4f
 Burning Smyrna, an amphitheatre built ayound' the great bay, was ter rorizsng but magnificent spectacle. The fire penetrated the waterfront, destroying the customs house. located on the harbor. had previously observed Turkish ir- regulars pouring large cans of benzine on the wooden framework of the latter structure It was clear that Smyrna had been foredoomed and foredamned.
 The personnel of the Y. NJ. C. A. the American college and other American or ganizations were ordered aboard the American destroyers. as the quav was no longer tenable on account of the ter rife heat. From the shore, helpless crowds raised their arms. and in an agonizing chorus, complicated to he taken rn our boats. In their helplessness. the Americans broke down and wept. Many of the frantic refugees had been to the uEited States and spoke English.
 The Turks chose fire so as to solve the question of Christian minorities in Asia-AIinor forever.
 Through the bravery of Mss Mary M.ils, of the American college. and pr. Wilfred Post. of Washington, D. C.. who with myself worked incessantIy,. we sue. cseded In taking 500 Armenian boys from the fire zone. marching them to the pier. Unfortunateiy. there was no room for them on the American destroyers, Sd we were forced to place them on the quay.
 "In some uHaccountable way, two of tho youngsters secured American flag. which they held alost throughout the night each boy taking his turn at hold Ing flag This saved them from mis treatment by the Turks.
 Tt was an Inspiring example of tht potency of the stars and Stripes, wher death threatened.
 ''The morning found the helpless chil 6rcn prostrate with exhaustion on tn, stone pier. Two of their number wer, rti,l 6ravely holding the American flags Then. by a miracle the American steam CT W.rona came into the harbor and WI evacuated the orphans to Piraeus.
 Another American hero was Raymond Norenan. a young graduate os ponfon: ro'lege California who in spite. of th. ramss and tho threats of the Turks. re tas4d 10 Cesert the Christian orphanage In which were housed 300 orphans un der his direct charge.
 T shali de with them if thex ar ki..ed' he told the Turkish authorities
 "Dr. Post shed lustre on his orotes sion and country by minisfeFing to suf fo-.zS and dying. ursil exhausted. he wa taken aboard an Ars rlcan destroyer. H -, refused to stay on the destroyer, how, erer. and returned 10 shore His suppl Of medicines was sso1 exhausted H se.zcd an automobile and with an Amer fcsn sailor ss a chauffeur, was makin his waT tc tlie rha-nsacy in the towr when rVr1irh soldiers stopred him an attempted 10 selze the car, The biueiaek ct reached fer his revolver. shot ons . tn. asseiiants through the hoRrt and wa