Q. The fire alarm was sounded, was it?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Were there any efforts made to extinguish the fire by the fire companies or civil authorities of the city?
A. Well; yes, sir. They went out, as was stated, before the inquisition—before the inquest; the firemen went out, Chief Boyer was there and a number of others, and it appears they could not do anything towards arresting the fire in any way. Some of the cars, I think, were set on fire, some box cars they had out there. Afterwards, it appears, that the report came that the bridge was on fire—that was stated before the inquest, that the mob was so great that they threatened the engineer, the chief of police, and other parties there that intended to suppress the flames—to put down the excitement.
Q. The mob would not permit the firemen to work?
A. Would not permit them to work—to put any water on the fire at all.
Q. Did they use any violence towards the firemen?
A. Not that I could learn.
Q. Did they make any efforts?
A. Not any that I know of.