Frantic Boys In A Factory

FRANTIC BOYS IN A FACTORY. 

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Three of Them Jump from the Windows—A Rush Through Flames. 

CHICAGO, JAN. 24.—Seventy-five boys rushed frantically about the work-room in the second story of the Chicago Glass Manufacturing company's building at Fortieth street and Wentworth avenue late Monday afternoon. From the narrow stairway which was the only exit from the room the smoke poured up in stifling clouds. The reflection of a small flame flickered fitfully at the bottom of the stairway and made the boys fearful of the descent. Windows were thrown open and anxious heads were thrust out. William Connors was the first lad to try the leap. "It's all right," he shouted, as he picked himself up from the snowdrift in which he had alighted. Adolph Gogir, encouraged by Connor's reassuring remark, also leaped, but when he struck the ground he was unable to rise, as the fall had sprained his ankle and bruised him badly. As he was lying upon the ground he heard a whining sound in the air and James O'Neill landed by his side with a broken wrist. 

John Noonan and Thomas Westfield, who were at work in the room with the boys, finally averted the panic, and stood at the head of the stairs until the last of the lads had descended. By this time, however, a wall of fire blazed between them and safety. With a frantic rush they hurried through the flames, and fell senseless after they reached the street. Darts of flame shot out from the lower windows, and the two men would have undoubtedly been burned to death had it not been for the bravery of John Brownson, who rushed through the flame and dragged them to a place of safety. 

The origin of the blaze is unknown. The loss is about $50,000, and fully insured.