More Chicago Fires

Chicago, January 20. - Between three and tour o'clock this morning, fire broke out in the Union Central Depot building, occupied by the Michigan Central, the Illinois Central, and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroads, at the foot I of Lake street, and in a short time made such progress as to defy the fire department, and the depot was entirely consumed. The baggage in the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy baggage-room was nearly all lost, only a few pieces being saved and taken to the freight depot across the street. The baggage in the other room at the south end of the depot was saved, the fire being put out before it reached that far. Some of it, however, was removed to a place of safety. Nothing was saved from any of the offices in connection with the depot, all being swallowed up in a common destruction. The tracks were filled with cars, and most of them wero saved, but the men were unable to remove a number of fine passenger cars. The Michigan Central lose three passenger coaches and two Pullman sleepers ; the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy road lose three coaches, including one Pullman sleeper; the Illinois Central lose four coaches, partially burned ; the Cincinnati Air Line one coach. The loss is estimated to be betwean $300,000 and $400,000 ; insurance uuknown. The depot was a frame structure, put up after the great fire, for temporary use. While this fire was in progress and claiuied the attentiou of the fire department, the bell sounded again and an announcement was made that the large stone front block on State street, between Van Buren and Harrison streets, waB also on fire. It was near twenty minutes before an engine reached the ground, and the flames made such progress that five buildings, from No. 294 to 302 inclusive, were consumed. The fire was first seen in Armstrong's paint and oil store, 296 and 298 State street. From this building the flames spread on either side to adjoiuing buildings. The sufferers are Wirtz & Colby, furniture ; Mervin Church, hardware; the wove-wire mattress company ; W. H. Stickney, ladies' underwear ; W. M. & T. Lester, furnaces. The loss is estimated at about $200,000; Armstrong, on stock $14,000, and on building about $60,000 ; Merwin Church about the same; Colby & Wirtz about $108,000. These buildingB were new, having been erected since the great fire.