COOP. BADLY DAMAGED BY FIRE

Early yesterday morning a fire broke out in the tailoring shop in the rear of the third floor of the Harvard Co-operative Society, gutting the entire attic and most of the third floor before the Cambridge Fire Department succeeded in getting the blaze in hand. Flames were first discovered by the watchman, who turned in a first alarm at 3.27 o'clock. This failed to work and it was not until the whole roof was ablaze that engines arrived on the scene. Three-quarters of an hour was spent before the flames were controlled, and in that time the roof had completely gone, together with most of the furnishings in the upper floor.

What caused the fire is not yet known, as the fire chief expressed himself as unable to explain it, unless it were due to crossed wires. No exact estimate of the damage done can yet be made, but the greater part of the merchandise on the third and second floors, and much on the first was either partially or wholly spoiled by the fire and water.

According to a statement made by G. E. Cole, the superintendent of the Society, yesterday morning, the Co-operative will be obliged to suspend all business for at least a week. At the end of that time there will be a fire sale. fortunately, the building and entire stock were adequately insured.