The house of Mrs, Edward Ezra, situated on Avenue Joffre, on the premises commonly known as the Edward Ezra Estate, was severely damaged by fire and water on Wet nesday afternoon, the resulting damage being estimated at Tis, 10,00C. The house is occupied by Mrs. Ezra, her two sons, Messrs, Theodore and Arthur Sopher, and Missy Sopher. Prompt action by the French Fire Brigade prevented the spread of the flames, but water seeped through the floor and down the staircase to the ground floor rooms, being two Inches deep several hours later. Considerable clothing and some furs, in addition to furniture ard fittings were damaged by water.
The fire appears to have originate Although they have made the offer of "consolation" funds, the Japanese state that this: does not in any way constituts-a recognition of blame on their part for the catastrophe; and the contention is still made by them that a competent court should be assigned the task of hearing the evidence in the case and fixing the responsibility in the shipwreck.
The Chinese concerned, on the other hand. have from the beginning of negotiations, adhered to the proposal that the matter of indemnities for dead and for damage to the Chinese vessel should be turned over for decision to an Arbitration Board us of two appointees by the Chinese, two by the Japanese and one: specified and agreed upon by the four Chinese and Japanese. appointed to the Boards A counter-proposal by the ese met this with the, request that the matter should, if possible, be settled by negotiation, between the interested parties, failing which, however, a board of four atbitentars in_a omall otter room sce, should be appointed, two of each Whether the boiler exploded or nationality. connections became dislodged is not clear, although it would seem. that the theory of an explosion is the more logical. This occurred at two o'clock, whilst Mr, Sopher was having tiffin, Mrs.' Ezra was on the floor below it is stated.
"The attention -of Mr. Sopher was attracted: to the excitement of the servants, who finally explained tha fan accident had taken place, Those present informed the Fire Brigade, who were on the scene within two minutes, followed by the foreign volunteer firemen, although at the moment of the' outbreak of them were en route to thi offices,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.