An Incendiary Fire.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 51, 5 February 1916, Page 5

An Incendiary Fire.

SENSATION IN OTTAWA. CANADIAN PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS DESTROYED. SIX LIVES LOST. MEMBERS’ NARROW ESCAPES. United Press Association. (Received 9.40 a.m.) Ottawa, February 4. 'The Parliament buildings were destroyed by a fire following an explosion which is believed to be of incendiary origin. * Six lives were lost, four when a wall collapsed, and two women (guests of the Speaker), who were trapped in the apartments. Several members and the wife of the Speaker had to jump into nets. was in session, and members had to jump into nets. The House was in session, and members had difficulty in escaping. Several were Burned, and others were cut by falling glass. The Hon. Mr Burrell was caught in his room; flesh was. burnt off both cheeks, and he is suffering from shock. Ho states he is sure the fire was of incendiary origin, and he thinks a chemical was used. The Montreal fire apparatus was loaded on a special train and brought to the scene. Several members wore carried out nearly suffocated. The military were called out and placed a cordon round the buildings to keep the crowd back. The library contained many valuab.e treasures, which were endangered. The fire started in the reading room in the left galleries, and in three minutes the whole wing was filled in smoke. The roof of the Commons fell in and the flames ate up the Senate Chamber and the big tower. The Prime Minister (Sir Robert Borden) announced that the House would assemble to-morrow afternoon. Two members made their escape from the second storey by tying towels together, and one hurt bis loin falling. Only the skeleton of the building is left. EXTENSIVE PLOT REVEALED. OTHER PUBLIC PLACES THREATENED. MEMBER FOR NEW BRUNSWICK AMONG MISSING. (Received 9.0 n a.m.) Ottawa. February 4. The Providence (Rhode Island) Journal announced that they notified the Canadian Government three week. 1 - ago of a plot which was planned at tile German Embassy, Washington, whereby the Canadian Parliament, the Duki of Connaught’s residence, and the Ontario munitions plant would be destroyed. Mr William Boggle, member for New Brunswick, is amongst the missing. 'Hie dead include Madame Bray, Madame Morin, two visitors Iron. Quebec, a waiter, two policemen, and - a plumber. 'Phe fire is now tinder control.