Suspicious Boarding House Fire Under Investigation

A fire, which has all the appearance of having been incendiary, was discovered at 4:40 o'clock yesterday morning in the basement of the boarding house kept by Mrs. Anna C. Carr at 1005 and 1007 Seventh street. It was extinguished just in time to prevent a serious conflagration. Mrs. Carr has not been seen since shortly after the discovery of the fire. Mrs. R. P. Albertson, who boards in the house, was awakened by the smell of smoke, and her husband alerted the other boarders and the fire department. Chemical engine No. 1 arrived and put out the flames. An examination of the basement revealed strong evidence of an attempt to burn the building. In the south part, a five-gallon can of coal oil with a hole punched in it was found covered with burning clothing. In the north basement, a similar can was surrounded by trunks, a mattress, and bedding saturated with oil. Furthermore, a trunk belonging to Dr. Horton had been tampered with, and personal items were strewn in the alley behind the house. Debris included partially burned bank checks signed by 'Mrs. A. C. Carr' and an apron identified as belonging to the proprietress. Detective Roberts believes the items were placed in the alley to suggest a robbery, though nothing of value was found missing. Mrs. Carr has locked herself in her room since the fire and has not been seen, leaving boarders to seek other arrangements.