State
Vol. IV, No 24
A Serious Disaster Averted.
The first serious fire in any of the
college buildings for years occurred
in the Chemistry Building on Mon
day afternoon. During the frac
tional distillation of some light oils
the fumes of benzine escaped and
ignited from a nearby flame. In
a short time the whole room was
burning fiercely and before water
could be turned on the flames had
gone through the ceiling to the large
physics lecture room above. A
number of hose lines were run from
Main Building and McAllister Hall,
but for some reason the pressure
was insufficient at first. During
this time the fire began to look
serious and the contents of the
Chemistry and Physics Buildings
were removed. In the excitement,
a number of valuable instruments
'were damaged.
When high pressure water was
finally secured and ladders ana
axes from the village fire depart
ment had arrived, the flames were
soon controlled and prevented from
spreading further. The organic
laboratory and the physics lecture
room were completely ruined and
the interior will have to be rebuilt.
This loss is covered by insurance,
but damage to instruments taken out
of the building will fall on the col
lege.
As a result of this affair, it has
become very evident that our facili
ties for fighting fire are inadequate.
The lack of a sufficient supply of
water and some trained organization
to take the lead in emergencies of
this kind might have caused the
loss of the whole building. In spite
of the utmost endeavors of the stu
dent body and many deeds of per-
Coll
STATE COLLEGE, PA., APRIL 2, 1908
sonal bravery, it seemed for a time
as though the building could not be
saved.
It has been learned on good
authority that plans have been un
der way for some time for better
fire-fighting apparatus and regula
tions for its use. Captain Hay has
the matter in charge and will take it
up again when he returns from
Washington. It has been suggested
that a fire chief be appointed, with
several lieutenants, each of whom
should be in charge of a picked
squad of men. These men would
take charge of any fire which might
occur, all others being kept at a dis
tance by a squad detailed for that
purpose. Occasional drills to ac
custom them to the use of the ap
paratus should also be held. The
efforts of the town fire company to
secure suitable apparatus are to be
commended, and it is likely that
before many weeks both college and
town property will receive better
protection than heretofore.
Coming, "Just Out of College."
Students and townspeople who
like to see a good play will be glad
to learn that arrangements have been
completed by which a strong corn
pany will present George Ade's
musical comedy "Just Out of Col
lege," in the A.uditorium on April
13. The show is being secured at
considerable expense, and the pro
ceeds will be for the benefit of the
local fire company. The comedy
will be played in Pittsburg next
week, and the troupe will stop off
here on their way to New York.
Lack of space prevents the giving
of details in this issue, but further
notice will be given next week.
egian.
Track Trials.
The results of the track trials held
last Saturday are as follows :
100 yard dash—Guyer, Schein,
Lenchner. Time, 11 seconds.
220 yard dash—Guyer, Smith,
Lenchner. Time, 24 2.5 seconds.
Quarter mile—Guyer, Miller and
Hay, Smith. Time, 55 2-5 seconds.
Half mile—O'Neil, Metzger,
Yarnall. Time, 2 minutes, 18
seconds.
One mile—Berkebile, Howarth,
Lindsay. Time, 4 minutes 55 2-5
seconds.
Two mile run—McFarland, Elder,
Maine. Time, 11 minutes 40 seconds.
120 hurdles—Armsby. Time, 17
seconds
High jump—Braddock, Sadler
Height, 5 feet.
Broad jump, Mathers, Brubaker
Distance, 19 feet, 7 inches.
These results are considered very
satisfactory at this time of the year.
The track was not in the best of
condition owing to the recent changes
made necessary by the addition to
the Chemistry building. In the two
mile run Elder forgot the change
and ran an extra lap, throwing away
his chance to win the event. He
was on the inside track, and even
with McFarland, when he made the
mistake.
There were a large number of
men, who for one reason or another,
were unable to be out for the trials.
They will be given an opportunity
later to show their ability, probably
this week.
The engagement of Miss Helen
D. Musser, 'O3, and Mr. Ralph L.
Duff, 'O5, has been announced.
The wedding will take place in the
near future.
Price Five Cents