Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 38, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 January 1906 — TEN DIE IN FIRE. [ARTICLE]

TEN DIE IN FIRE.

Disastrous Blase In West"' Hotel, '.■ „-l_ Minneapolis. • Fire in the West Hotel at Minneapolis early Wednesday morning cost the lives of ten persons, damaged the great hostelry to the extent of $23,000 and gave throngs of spectators views of thrilling rescues by the firemen that called forth cheers from the crowds. Feats of heroism by the firefighters "kept down The death list, although Captain John Berwin of hook and ladder company No. 1 perished while working to lower a woman from the fifth story. The fire was discovered at "7:15 o’clock and the quests and employes were given -profiiptalarmaby-the-ho* tel’s system of electric bells. Fire escapes cut off by roaring flames, fanned by a cold and strong wind, and hails filled by impenetrable smoke caused three people to jump from windows to their deaths. The firemen had the flames under control within an hour and at 8:30 it was reported that it was extinguished. «. " The West Hotel has for many years been regarded as the leading hostelry of Minneapolis. It was built nearly twenty years ago by the late Colonel John T. West and was made as nearly fireproof as possible. Located at sth street and Hennepin avenue, it occupied a commanding position in the city and was regarded as a show place and one of the leading attractions of the oity„ The facilities afforded by the hotel brought scores of conventions and other gatherings to the city and rarely were its accommodations overtaxed. The Republican national convention of 1892 was secured to Minneapolis chiefly because of the West notel. The vast lobby, declared to be tbe largest in the United States, was easily able to accommodate.the crowds which filled the place. Many other notable gatherings were held within its walls and in the afternoon and evening it was the center for business and professional men to gather. With the death of Col. the property passed Into other hands.