LAS VEGAS LOSS.

THE MONTEZUMA HOTEL TOTALLY DESTROYED BY FIRE.

BATH BUILDINGS ONLY SAVED. NO LOSS OF LIFE.

The Montezuma Burned.
Las Vegas, N.M., January 17. -- At noon the Montezuma was discovered on fire in the floor reception rooms. The alarm was given. The guests were at dinner. Before the hose attached to plugs in the hall could be got in working order the smoke was so intense it forced everybody from the building. Some saved their trunks. Others only got out with their clothes on. Two got out on the roof of the porches and came to the ground with ropes. The fire department of Hot Springs had no show. The whole building was in flames in a few moments. The special train from Las Vegas with the fire department made the trip of six miles in ten minutes. Difficulty in making connections hindered effective service. The bath house was on fire several times, but was saved by well directed efforts of the manager, J. M. BART, and his employes. The boiler house, just completed at a cost of $10,000, was saved by tearing down an intervening building. No serious bodily injury was received by any one. Losses on building and furniture are $250,000, insurance $100,000. The theory seems a good one that the gasoline lighting apparatus caused the fire. Gas was plainly noticeable in the air. The manager and his assistants were at hand and attempted to use the hose, but had no show. No employes saved more than the clothes they had on. They were untiring in their efforts to aid the guests and all have been made comfortable.

Topeka, Ks., January 17. -- A dispatch to the Commonwealth announcing the burning of the Montezuma hotel at Las Vegas says no damage was done to the bath house or the Hot Springs hotel. It is understood the Santa Fe railroad, owners of the property, will rebuild at once on a grander scale in time for summer tourist travel.

The Daily Gazette Colorado Springs Colorado 1884-01-18

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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!