Firefighters Fail as Rotten Hoses Fail to Save Homes

All was excitement last night, when the fire alarm was sounded from the electric power house. Five blasts were given which indicated that the fire was in the direction of the theatre. By the time the engine and hose cart had reached the Eighth Street slough, it was discovered that the fire was on Eleventh between J and K streets. The hose cart hurried on to the scene of the fire which was found to be in the residence of Mrs. Mullen. No sooner was the water turned on than the hose burst at the Ninth Street crossing. Some time was required to make a connection which, being done, it burst again in a new place. In the meantime, the fire had gotten beyond control. The residence of Mr. Lehfeld stood next to the burning building, and it soon became apparent that unless water were procured from some source, his building would go also. The fire department was now utterly helpless as the hose was broken in several places. A northeast wind blew, and the fierce flames soon caught and enveloped Mr. Lehfeld's house; in half an hour it lay in ashes. A bucket line was quickly formed and through this agency many of the adjoining buildings were saved. It was apparent to all that had the engine set on the J Street slough, the distance would have been lessened one block and one, if not both, buildings would have been saved. The most objectionable feature to the work of the fire department was that everyone posed as boss or chief. All gave commands and there was no one left to fulfill them. The organization will never be complete until the authority of one man is recognized above all others.