That part of the compound near the warping department, was strewn with hastily resened material of a Varied nature, Hundveds of Japan cee soldiers and workers squatted on beds of wool and heaps of Dlankets, holding up lanterns which threw a picturesque glitter over the confused scene, or threaded their way. along, watching the devastating: work of the flames. Firemen and soldiers were pulling hose about the compound area, but there seemed to little or no water with which to light the fire, the only engine in operation being that of the S. M. Railway.
The flames travelled quickly, and as the material was of an easily combustible nature there was not much heat considering the size of the buildings on fire. Japanese women were scurrying to and fro in bare feet currying buckets of water, and, in some cases, refreshment for the' firemen; while' several dressing stations established by the South Manchurian Hospital, at various points of the compound, were administering first aid to those with minor burns and bruises. There was a smell from the burning Duildings like that of burning rubber. The lofty chimney stack still stood, although the flames licked its base, while the general office presented a remarkable scene, the staff snatching hasty refreshment of beer and cakes, squatting among the salvage lying upon the floor.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.