Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 77, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 December 1917 — FIRE DESTROYS ARMS PLANTS [ARTICLE]

FIRE DESTROYS ARMS PLANTS

Spy Blamed for $500,000 Blaze at Boston—Two Watchmen Die. Boston. Dec. 24.^—A fire destroyed two munition plants. The damage is set at $500,000. Officials expressed the belief that a spy started the fire in an effort to destroy not only the munition plants but the naval training station near by. An investigation is under way. The fire destroyed the plant of the Crucible Steel Company of America, where shells were manufactured, the plant of the Boston Seale Machine company and spread to other structures. Two watchmen are believed to have perished.