James McWilliams of West College street lives within two and a half squares of the scene of the disaster of Saturday night, but did not know until Sunday morning that an accident had occurred. He heard the fire alarm sounded at 8:15. He retired soon after. After midnight he heard the exhaust of the engine in The Notes plant, and says he wondered why on earth they were getting out a paper at that time. Later newsboys passed the house, crying "Extra," and he could not understand why a paper had been put out because of a fire.
Sunday morning he learned the full particulars.