Year: 1874

We are in receipt this morning OF the
news ol an other great calamity by fire at
Chicago. From the details before US at
the hour OF writing, "a. NJ, we are un.
able to form a satisfactory opinion in re-
gard to the probAble!extent Of the disaster.
Early in the evening the news was that
the fire had burned over an area Of half a
mile in length and five blocks in breadth,
but this was before the re.breaking
out Of the flames. AT one O'Clock
this morning we received from
Mr. HENRY EMsHEDfRB, who Is in
Chicago, dispatch stating that the fire
had broken out alresh on large scale,
and was under no control. At the later
hour at which We write 1t appears to be
atlast under control, owing 10 the TACT
that the wind had set towards the Lake
and the flames had practically no farther
material in that direction to work on.


Those familiar with the topography Of
Chicago are aware that the peninsula
known as the "South Side" nsrrows as 1t
proceeds south until 18th or 10Th street
is reached. They also know that the 70.
gion OF this fire, which seems, in general
terms to have been principally between
18th street on the South and Congress
street on the North, aud between Fourth
avenue on the West and the Lake on the
East, Is just on the edge Of the great
business centre Of the city, and Is madeu up
largely OF the poorer class Of houses, very
many OF them frame, and inhabited BY
the poorer class Of people. 1t is, we may
say, the Five Points of the city, and is |
noted for its disreputable character.
While no doubt vast number of houses
have been burned, yet the value of very
many Of them can not be great Still, as
the dispatches say, the loss by removal Of
merchandise and household effects iis
enormous, and one that will never appear
in the adjustments Of the insurance com
panies.


Atthis time we do not SEQ that any OF
the great hotels or other important build.
ings have been destroyed. The splendid
depot of the Lake Shore and Rock Island
railroads Is between Harrison and Van
Buren streets, but fortunately stands
west Of Fourth avenue. The Grand Pa.
cifc Hotel is not far from this depot, but
is on Clark street, which is one street
west of Fourth avenue. The Palmer
House has been in danger, but we do not
read of its confagration.


Upon the whole, therefore, great as Is
the present calamity, it does not compare
even in geographical extent with the ever
memorable fire of 1871. And as regards
values, they are not to be mentioned in
comparison at all. There is no approx
imation on the part of this fire TO the
damage done in 1871. Just on the edge
From Congress street to the river lies
Of Chicago in the way Of business houses.
otits limits, however, as they are giver US
at this hour, lies the magnificent part
Its great wholesale district, comprising
some Of the most imposing business
houses in the world. This district has
fortunately escaped up to this time, and
we trust is not to be invaded by our
later dispatches. For further particu-
lars, however, we must refer our readers
to the telegraphic columns.


LATER-S A. M-The news just re.
ceived indicates that the fire is under con.
troll and that the great business heart Of
the city has been spared. Our dispatches
are still coming in but we apprehend no
additional bad news.