silver coin and a value of $8,000,000 in bullion, and toward this mighty
sum of wealth the flames swept on all sides, as if eager to add the
reservoir of the precious metals to their spoils. The Mint building
passed through the earthquake with little damage, though its big
smokestacks were badly shaken. The fire seemed bent on making it its
prey, every building around it being burned to the ground, and it
remaining the only building for blocks that escaped destruction.

Its safety was due to the energy and activity of its employees.
Superintendent Leach reached it shortly after the shock and found a
number of men already there, whom he stationed at points of vantage
from roof to basement. The fire apparatus of the Mint was brought into
service and help given by the fire department, and after a period of
strenuous labor the flames were driven back. The peril for a time was
critical, the windows on Mint Avenue taking fire and also those on the
rear three stories, and the flames for a time pouring in and driving
back the workers. The roof also caught fire, but the men within fought
like Titans, and efficient aid was given by a squad of soldiers sent
to them. In the end the fire fiend was vanquished, though considerable
damage was done to the adjusting rooms and the refinery, while the heavy
stone cornice on that side of the building was destroyed. The total loss
to the Mint was later estimated at $15,000.

Late on Wednesday evening the fire front crept close up to Mechanics'
Pavilion, where a corps of fifty physicians and numerous nurses were
active in the work of relief to the wounded. Ambulances and automobiles
were busy unloading new patients rescued from the ruins when word came
that the building would have to be vacated in haste. Every available
vehicle was at once pressed into service and the patients removed as
rapidly as possible, being taken to hospitals and private houses in the