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| Photograph of Hull-Ottawa Fire, April 26, 1900. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, April 27, 1900.
HULL-OTTAWA FIRE.
Conflagration Which Started in Hull Crosses River.
LOSSES PROBABLY $20,000,000.
Small Corner All That Is Left of the Milling Town, and Part of Canadian Capital Also Fire Swept. Over 12,000 People Homeless.
OTTAWA, Ont., April 27.—All that remains of the city of Hull which has been burning since noon yesterday is a small corner in the east end of the city, and before long it too will be in ashes.
There are a few houses standing in the suburbs of the transpontine city. Hull has a population of about 12,000 people and more than the half of the city is homeless. The entire business part of the city including the court house, postoffice and public buildings, and newspaper offices is one mass of ruins. The population is almost entirely composed of people who work in the mills or who derive their business from these workers.
The fire crossed the Ottawa river in the afternoon, took hold among the lumber piles on the brink of the river, and extended to the lumber yards and mills. The result is that the whole of that part of Ottawa known as the Chaudiere Flats surrounding the Canadian Pacific railway depot, where the lumber mills are all located, is fire swept. The only building standing in the whole area is that of the Ottawa Carbide factory, which is newly erected and fireproof. From the flats the fire extended across the Richmond road on to Rochesterville and as far as the experimental farm. Westerly the fire took in Huntonburg and Mechanicville, so that on the Ottawa side of the river there is a larger area covered by fire than on the Hull side.
It is estimated that at the present time the number of people homeless is not less than 12,000. It is somewhere between 12,000 and 15,000.
The only industry left standing in Hull is the Gilmour & Houston lumber mills at the extreme end beyond the city limits near Gatineau Point, and it is still in danger. The large Roman Catholic cathedral is still standing, but the flames are surrounding it. Nothing can be done to stop the fire. It simply has got to burn itself out to the water edge.
The Hull Lumber company's mills, the extensive works of E. B. Eddy, both match and paper factories as well as his residence are all in ruins, as well as the inter-provincial bridge which connects the city of Ottawa with that of Hull.
Coming to the Ottawa side of the river, and the loss is still greater. There were for instance the Bronson and Weston Lumber company mills, the J. R. Booth Lumber mills, the McKay Milling company, the Ottawa Electric Railway Power house, the Martin and Warnock Mills, the Victoria Foundry, Ottawa saw works, Ottawa Specialty company, Pains' planning mills and several other industries, all of which are in ashes. There are also some fine residences included in this area.
It is almost vile to talk of losses while the fire yet burns and with change of wind it would certainly sweep the city but a moderate calculation would be somewhere between $15,000,000 and $20,000,000. The government had the militia called out and adjourned the house of commons until Tuesday on account of the disastrous conflagration.
LATER—A correspondent has just returned from a trip over the fire area. The fire has about burned out. The business portion of Hull is all gone and over half of the residences. The Roman Catholic cathedral has been saved and Eddy's sulphite works.
A prominent lumberman told the correspondent that the price of lumber would certainly be raised on account of the fire.
The casualties, so far reported, is Miss Cook, an old woman who lived on Wellington street near the French church and who was burned in her house to a crisp. An unknown man was found dead on the C. P. R. Railway tracks. James Navan, Queen street West, is reported to be fatally injured and some pieces of timber fell on James Merryfield who is taken to the hospital. The government is supplying blankets and doing all it can for the sufferers.
The Ottawa insurance company, a new institution, will be a heavy loser in the fire. All the Canadian companies and some of the English and American companies are interested. A prominent lumberman who is not interested himself placed the losses for lumber piles at from four to five million dollars.
This is thought to be a low estimate, as the Export Lumber company alone has lost nearly $1,000,000. The same lumberman estimates the entire loss at about $15,000,000. A. T. Wood, M. P., Hamilton, a prominent business man, was present at the time and considered that when all the losses were made up they would be nearer $30,000,000.
It was estimated last night that there were 1,500 residences burned in Ottawa and over 800 in Hull.
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| Damaged bridge on Ottawa side showing mill ruins. |
TERRIBLE CONFLAGRATION.
GREATEST FIRE IN THE HISTORY OF CANADA.
Ottawa and Hull Badly Wiped Out—Loses Estimated at $17,000,000—Over Three Thousand Families Homeless—Hundreds of Buildings Destroyed, Including Gigantic Factories, Palatial Residences and Homes of the Less Wealthy Classes—Started from a Chimney Burning Out.
MONTREAL, April 27.—A special to the Star from Ottawa says: The greatest fire in the history of Canada was that which visited Hull and the western district of Ottawa yesterday. The loss is roughly estimated at from $15,000,000 to $ 17,000,000. Over 8,000 families have been rendered homeless. There is no means of arriving at absolutely reliable conclusions in these reports as yet, but the numbers cannot well be below these figures. The major part of Hull, with its immense industrial establishments and the homes of their operatives were swept clean, as well as Victoria and Dalheusie wards, in Ottawa. The valuable lumber piles are now smouldering and the loss on this score alone cannot be less than $3,000,000.
The scenes that were witnessed in Hull and Ottawa last evening would appear overdrawn if incorporated in a romance. Under the broad canopy of an April sky, camped with all the belongings of their homes that they could rescue, and that was precious little, the poorest of the poor of Ottawa and people of position in society. Of course it had a small beginning and most of the stories of its origin are apocryphal. What is known is that a small fire broke out in the center of Hull early in the forenoon, but that is a common occurrence there and attracted little attention. Before noon it had devastated a great part of Hull, and spread toward the river, fanned by a strong wind, threatening and ultimately destroying five of E. P. Eddy's mills. Before 1 o'clock it had leaped the Ottawa river and swept across Ottawa, carrying everything in front of it.
Nothing more grand could be imagined as a spectacle, not even the sight to which Nero fiddled. Considered as to its consequences, no greater calamity has visited Canada in years. There was a belt of flame fully four miles in length and at least half a mile wide. A pall of dense, dark clouds of smoke steamed southwestward from the burning district all day, and yet the sun shone clear and bright, changing the inky blackness to amber, and away up in the sky, to the appearance of a fleecy summer cloud, while beneath it was a long line of flame, fierce and irresistible. All night long whole parts of city were lit up by the glare, and the cloud effect was that of a brilliant sunset. The stars were clear and bright, and beneath were scenes of gloom and sadness of shattered human hopes, of the destroyed efforts of a lifetime and a gloomy outlook for the future. Business was at a standstill in the city and on Parliament Hill. Industrial Ottawa has received a tremendous setback.
The Dominion government is among the heavy losers, the Chaudiere bridge having toppled into the river from the warping effects of the heat.
Several people, including a fireman, are dead. The fire has brought sorrow to thousands of homes. Not only being bereft of house and home and in many instances of their work as well, but loved ones have been bereft of life.
There were some narrow escapes. Dr. Glashan, public school inspector, was busily engaged in trying to save the Wellington-st. school and superintending the removal of the furniture. So suddenly did the fire come upon the school that the roof was nearly falling in before he was notified. He was helped from the building by the caretaker just as the roof collapsed and both were covered with burning cinders.
Most of the lumber piles in Ottawa and Hull have disappeared and now mere heaps of only charred wood and ashes mark their sites. Half a dozen churches and schools have been burned; the Eddy company's paper, pulp mills, match factory and including E. B. Eddy's palatial residence, and their entire establishments with the exception only of the sulphide works which were out of the line of fire, have been destroyed. Bronson's and Weston's mill, the Hull Lumber company's mill, one of Booth's mills and the McKay company's premises, one of the powerhouses of the Ottawa Electric company, the, Hull water works, the Hull court house and jail, the postoffice, the convent, almost every business place, and about 1,000 dwellings and shops in Hull have been destroyed. Indeed, practically nothing of Hull is left but the church and a few houses beyond it.
The only industry left standing in Hull is the Gilmour and Huston lumber mills, at the extreme east end. The steel suspension bridge which connects the city of Ottawa with Hull was also destroyed.
On the Ottawa side many fine residences were included in the fire area, including that of J. R. Booth, which alone was estimated at $100,000. The residence of his son-in-law, A. F. Fleck, close beside, and Hon. George Foster's residence in the same locality. Levi Crannell, manager for Mr. Bronson, and Mr. Parr of the Parr's mill, had two beautiful houses, out of which they were not able to take anything so quickly did the flames extend. The Canadian Pacific railway depot on the Claudiere flats burned quickly.
The fire broke out in the house of Mr. Kirouse on Chaudiere-st, Hull. It is said that Mrs. Kirouse was lighting her stove to get the family dinner and set the chimney on fire. The flames spread to the roof and quickly communicated to adjoining houses and, as there was a heavy gale blowing at the time the fire was soon beyond control.
Hundreds of homeless persons slept in the open air last night, or wandered about the streets of Ottawa and Hull, although homes were freely thrown open to the homeless and many were accommodated in the drill hall, the Salvation Army barracks and other places.
PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.
The Electromobile Leads.
While it is universally conceded that the automobile has come to stay, there is yet much controversy over the propulsive force to be used. Electricity, gasoline and steam each have their strong advocates, but electricity seems to be in the lead.
In a 50 mile race over the Merrick road on Long Island recently electricity scored a notable triumph over gasoline and steam. This was a contest for a cup presented by a member of the Automobile Club of France and was participated in by nine members of the Automobile Club of America. The only electric motor carriage in the list of 15 entries covered the distance in 2h. 3m. 30s., or nearly a quarter of an hour in advance of its nearest competitor.
When it is recalled that 26 miles an hour was not long ago considered as very good speed for a locomotive pulling a passenger train, the record made by the electromobile must be regarded as somewhat phenomenal. An interesting feature of the race was the performance of the steam motor carriage. It looked at one time as though this vehicle might win the race, as it crowded the electromobile very hard, but on the return trip, which was made against the wind, the light racing electromobile easily demonstrated its superiority over all competitors.
While the practical automobile of the future will not be constructed for racing purposes, but as a vehicle of transportation suited to the particular service which it is to perform, these speed contests are nevertheless of value to the engineers and inventors in that they disclose the weak and the strong points in motor mechanism,
◘ According to the game law of Connecticut any person who catches more than 30 trout per day in that state is liable to fine and imprisonment. The people of Connecticut have evidently become tired of the lies told by fishermen.
SIDEPATH NOTES.
Officers Begin to Gather in Riders Who Have no Badges.
Geo. Charron was arrested last night upon complaint of one of the [bicycle] sidepath policemen for riding upon the Little York path without a license. He appeared before Justice E. L. Stone of Homer this morning, pleaded guilty and was fined $5.
H. J. Barnum was arrested last night for riding on the Homer path without a license upon complaint of one of the sidepath policemen and was taken before H. J. Harrington this morning. He asked for time to get counsel and his examination was adjourned until next Tuesday at 9 o'clock.
Several more warrants are out for persons alleged to have violated the sidepath law, who will be arrested to-day or to-morrow.
At 2 o'clock this afternoon Frank Greene of Preble was arrested on the path between Cortland and Homer riding a wheel without a tag. He was taken before Justice Harrington, pleaded guilty and said that he was on the way to Cortland to buy a tag. In view of the fact that he had passed both Little York and Homer, where tags are on sale, this was not considered a sufficient excuse and he was fined $2 which be paid.
There are five special deputy sheriffs and three sidepath policemen now watching the paths, and the tagless wonders who escape all of them will probably be scarce in the future.
Instruction by Mail.
We teach bookkeeping, shorthand, mining, a series of industrial and college courses for all trades and professions, thoroughly by mail at your own home. Success guaranteed every earnest student. Terms reasonable. We give a useful moneymaking education which leads to a good paying position. Our system highly endorsed. It will pay you to try it. Write for catalogue and further particulars to the Scranton correspondence schools, coal exchange building, Scranton, Pa. [Paid Ad.]
Warning to the Public.
Don't be in a hurry to make new contracts for telephones till you know what the new company is to do.—Adv.
DEATH OF MRS. WALKER.
A Long Time Resident of the Town of Solon—Brief Sketch.
Mrs. Lucy Walker died at her home near the Baker school house in the town of Solon at 6 o'clock this morning at the age of 92 years, 8 months and 15 days. She had been ill all winter, but it all seemed to be caused by a sort of breaking down of the whole system.
Mrs. Walker was born in Kinderhook, Dutchess county, Aug. 12, 1807, and moved with her parents to Herkimer county when a little girl. She continued to live there till her marriage with Samuel Walker on Jan. 4, 1848. Mr. Walker died twenty-four years ago. For forty-two years she has lived at the same place m the town of Solon. She is survived by her two sons and two daughters: Mr. I. J. Walker, warden at the County almshouse, Mr. R. W. Walker, Mrs. L. B. Atkins and Mrs. J. E. Atkins, all of whom reside in Solon. There are fourteen grandchildren, two of whom are married: Rev. C. W. Walker, son of Mr. I. J. Walker, who is now taking a post graduate course of study in Boston, and Mrs. W. L. Baker of Buffalo, daughter of Mrs. L. B. Atkins.
Mrs. Walker had been for eighty-three years a professing Christian, and for seventy-eight years a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which all her children and grandchildren are now members. For forty-three years she had been a member of the McGrawville M.E. church.
The time of the funeral has not yet been arranged.
Buried Beside Her Father.
The remains of Miss Anna Dunham, daughter of Rev. H. R. Dunham, a pastor of the Presbyterian church here from 1842 to 1856, who died in Ovid, N. Y., on Tuesday, April 24, were brought to Cortland this morning on the 9:41 Lehigh Valley train and were buried in the family lot in the [Cortland Rural] cemetery beside those of her father. The remains were accompanied by Mrs. J. B. Chapman of Ovid, the mother of the deceased; Mr. M. S. Sandford of Geneva, an uncle; and Rev. and Mrs. A. L. Benton of Montrose, Pa., Mrs. Benton being an aunt. A few friends of Mr. and Mrs. Dunham during their residence in Cortland were present at the cemetery, and the burial service was read and prayer offered by Rev. Robert Clements, pastor of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. and Mrs. Benton and Mrs. Chapman remain till to-morrow as guests at the home of Mr. H. F. Benton. Mr. Sandford returned to Geneva this afternoon.
IS IT INGERSOLL?
SUSPECT ARRESTED ON CATTLESHIP IN ENGLAND.
Believed to be Tompkins County's Defaulting Treasurer—Denies That He Ever was in Ithaca—Says He is James McConnell of Baltimore—Requisition Papers Ready.
LONDON, April 27.—Charles Ingersoll, alias James McConnell of Baltimore, Md., was arrested on board the American transport line cattle steamer Montana, on the latter's arrival here yesterday, charged with forgery and embezzlement. He was arraigned in the Bow-st. police station, where he denied his identity and was remanded to await further evidence.
Ingersoll, according to private detectives, was formerly treasurer of Tompkins county, N. Y., at Ithaca, where the alleged forgery is said to have occurred. The prisoner denies ever having been in Ithaca, maintaining that he has made three passages on the steamer, and that he lived in Baltimore.
ITHACA, April 27.—The arrest of Charles Ingersoll, alias "James McConnell," was expected by interested parties here, as he was known to have sailed on the Montana. Requisition papers were prepared a week ago.
NEW YORK, April 27.—In connection with the dispatch from London, stating that Charles Ingersoll, alias "James McConnell of Baltimore, Md.," and a former treasurer of Tompkins county, had been arrested on board the steamer Montana on the latter's arrival, Clarence Wickoff of Ithaca, when seen at the Hoffman House last night, said: "I was on Ingersoll's bond for $10,000 at Ithaca. I know nothing about this man now or where he is."
BREVITIES.
—-The Sunday-school class of Mr. R. J. Lucas will hold its regular monthly meeting at the home of Miss Cora Doyle, 7 East Main-st., this evening.
—New display advertisements to-day are—Mitchell & Strowbridge, Turkeys and chickens, page 5; E. O. Dean, Saturday's specials, page 5; C. F. Brown, Good colors, page 4.
—All Odd Fellows will be interested in the account of the organization of a new encampment of Odd Fellows at McGraw which is found in our letter from that place to-day.
—The patriotic exercises of the intermediate department of the Normal school occur in Normal hall this evening at 8 o'clock, following out the program already published in The STANDARD. The receipts are for the benefit of the library fund.
—The hens just now must have entered into competition to see what they can do in the monstrosity order. A hen belonging to Mr. Knapp of East Homer has just come forward with an egg seven-eights of an inch in diameter one way, and two and a quarter inches in diameter the other way.
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