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RUN ON BANK AT FIRE. Revolvers Drawn to Keep Crowds from Pittsburg Institution. [Bv Telegraph to The Tribune.) Pittsburg, Feb 25.-During the height of a serious conflagration in Liberty avenue this morning many persons who said they were depositors of the Second National Bank tried to get into the institution, saying that they feared the building was doomed and they wanted to get their money out. Clerks were busy getting the books and cash into the fireproof vaults, and the cordon of detectives which had been thrown about the entrance prevented all from entering. The crowd finally became so insistent that Detective Elmore, who was in charge of the guard, ordered his men to clear the sidewalks in front of the bank. The crowd then made a rush for the entrance, and the officers drew their revolvers, threatening to shoot any man who put a foot on the steps of the bank. A detachment of police was summoned, and the crowd dispersed. Within an hour the bank had opened a temporary banking room in the office of the old Home Trust Company, Wood street and 6th avenue. The fire was one of the most spectacular, troublesome and costly which the Pittsburg downtown district has had in several, years. For a time the entire square bounded by Liberty avenue, 8th and 9th streets and Exchange Alley, was threatened. but the flames were controlled after completely destroying the six story structure at No. 819 Liberty avenue, occupied by the Derby Desk Company, and the building at No. 817 Liberty avenue, occupied by the Baker Office Furniture Company. In addition to ruining the two buildings named the blaze wrecked the three upper floors of the building at No. 813 Liberty avenue, occupied by the Grier-Bush Company, wholesale notions and toys. The loss is estimated at $350,000. When the fire was believed to be under control, flames were seen issuing from the top floor of the Seventh Avenue Hotel. There was a wild scramble of the guests, but all got out safely. The building was saved, but the furnishings were ruined by water. A number of persons were slightly injured during the fire. and there were many harrowing escapes annd thrilling incidents. The cause of the fire is believed to have been crossed electric wires.
