The Press. — London, England, 1856-03-15 00:00:00

250 Piazza Hotel, Covent-garden, to investigate the cir cumstances attending the burning of Covent garden Theatre, last week. The coroner having briefly explained the object of the meeting, called, James Castles, one of the four firemen attached to the theatre, who gave the following account of the catastrophe : I was in the theatre at the time of the outbreak of the fire on Wednesday morning last. I had been there since a few minutes after one o'clock in the afternoon of the preceding day, with the exception of a short interval. The fire commenced between four and five o'clock on the Wednesday morning. I was on the stage at the time with my brother firemen. We considered it our duty to con• cenZrate ourselves as much aspossible there, in consequence of the number of persons who were smoking in the theatre. I was in the act of converaing with Mr. Walker, foreman of the gas department under Mr. Palmer, and asking him what " battens " he should require left alight fur the workmen who were. to be employed in clearing up the theatre after the company had dispersed, when, looking up, Mr. Walker clasped his hands and exclaimed, " Oh, my God, the theatre is on fire ! " I immediately looked up, and saw a glimmering light through a crack in the floor of the carpenter's shop over the si nge. At this time no fire had fallen. I saw a brother fireman, William Butler, on the opposite side of the stage, and I ran to him, and, putting my hand on his shoulder, said to him, " Bill, the house is on fire ! " We both rushed upstairs towards the carpenter's shop. When we got to the door of the shop a gush of black smoke struck us. The smoke was so dense that we could only face it by going on our hands and knees. We proceeded some distance in this way, and endeavoured to get to the fire-mains in the shop, when, before I could reach them, I became so giddy from the smoke that I was obliged to return, but not before seeing that the fire was on the left aide of the shop. When I got back to the door of the carpenters' shop I fell down several of the stairs—l suppose from the effects of the smoke. Presently I recovered myself and made for the fire-mains immediately under the floor that was on tire. I charged one of these fire-mains—there were two on each floor—and the water flowed. The mains are supplied from a tank on the roof, which was always kept charged with eighteen tons of water. While I did this the fire was falling very thick through the floor, and some persons, whom Ido not know, called to me to come away. 1 then made for the next fly below, where I let two or three straps off the handles of the scene barrels, thinking they might thus fall clear of the fire, but I soon found I could do no good there, and 1 then made for the stage, where I found one of my fellow-servants at the fire-main. We each assisted the other in getting them to work, and we re mained there as long as we possibly could. Indeed, when we came out of the building the people had all left, and the engines were at work. As to the origin of the fire this witness, Castles, states that he is convinced it broke out on the left hand side of the carpenter's shop over the stage, " because he saw it. through the smoke." He had been up in the carpenter's shop between seven and eight o'clock to attend the lighting of the chande lier, and on coming out had then shut the door. When the fire was discovered, and he reached the carpenter's shop, he found the door open. But a short time previous to the discovery of the fire he had been the rounds and passed within twenty or thirty feet of the spot where the fire broke out, but he perceived no smoke nor symptom of tire then. To the question, Have you any means, from anything that occurred, of accounting for the fire? he re plied:— I really must say that I think the means was taken there to do it. Yon mean you think that the theatre was set on fire ^— Yes. Then, having said that, state why so.—Because the smoke was so peculiar—not like common burning wood smoke, and also the particular time at which it occurred— that we should be all busily engaged as nearly as possible on the stage getting the people out. Then, yours is a mere general suspicion, and nothing more?—Only a suspicion. To some further questions he explained that the smell of the smoke was like the fumes of charcoal, and not like overheated wood. William Butler, another fireman, had been in the carpenter's shop between eleven and twelve, and on the flies at three a.m., without perceiving any symp torn of fire. When the fire was discovered, and he reached the carpenter's shop, he saw a large quantity of wood in a heap on the floor all on tire. The floor was about 1 inch stuff. The tire spread and they tried to get to the large water box, but could not for the density of the smoke. At that time there was nothing on fire below the carpenter's shop. The fire in the shop was in the middle. The heap of wood was in the middle of the shop. The heap of wood rubbish that was burning was in the same place as when he saw it at six on Tuesday morning. James Bryanston, sen., another of the firemen, said:— He went up to the carpenter's shop with the others. The heap of wood in the centre of the shop was on fire. He could not tell whether there were any pieces about from the heap. Could not give any idea as to how the fire originated. Had not smelt anything that would arouse his suspicions. The wood that was burning was about sixteen feet from the door. Could not see all over the room for the smoke. He saw no fire in front of the proscenium. THE PRESS. Gas, it appears, had been laid on to the carpenter's shop at Christmas, but had not been used since then. None of the firemen attribute the origin of the fire to an escape of gas. Mr. Palmer, die gasfitter to the theatre, did not believe that the heat generated from the chandelier would have set fire to the roof. Mr. Sloman could only attribute the fire to an es cape of gas. After hearing this evidence the inquiry was ad journed to this day (Saturday). A MEETING OF THE MAYORS OF ENGLAND took place at Herbert's Hotel, on Monday, with the view of sustaining the opposition to Sir George Grey's Police Bill. Several resolutions against the principle and details of the bill were adopted, and the meeting separated. On Tuesday, the meeting reassembled for a short time: a committee met the day following to determine the most advisable course to pursue. The result of these deliberations was submitted to a general meeting held later in the day, when, after• some discussion, resolutions were passed to take the necessary steps to oppose the objectionable parts of the bill in committee. THE AMERICAN MINISTER was entertained at a farewell banquet by the Lord Mayor on Tuesday evening. A distinguished company was invited to meet Mr. Buchanan. The Lord Mayor, in proposing Mr. Buchanan's health, made a brief speech, wishing him success and prosperity, and nothing but agree• able recollections of England. Mr. Buchanan, in the course of his reply, alluded to the "misfortune of war " between the two countries, but anticipated a speedy settlement of the differences now existing:— So far from there being any jealousy either on the part of England or the United States as to the honest and fair extension of their borders, it ought to be considered a blessing to mankind that they should extend them over all the unsettled parts of the earth. He was sorry to say that there had been from the first a number of unfortunate questions unsettled between the two countries. There W/18 at the present moment a difference existing between them ; but he trusted in 'lod, and he believed that the cloud which was now hoveringover them would be speedily dissipated, and that the sunshine of peace and friendship would become more and more bright till all dissensions had passed away, and only lived in history as a record of the folly of two people threatening fur a moment to engage in fratricidal war. THE NATIONAL SUNDAY LEAGUE held a meeting at St. Martin's-hall, on Monday, to obtain a public ex pression of opinion in favour of opening the national institutions on Sundays. Sir John Shelley, M.P., presided. Sir J. Walmsley, M.P., Mr. Maguire, M.P., were also present. Several resolutions against "the stringent regulations which shackle the Sun day" were passed, and a petition to Parliament agreed on. A GALLERY OF THE WORKS OT LIVING ARTISTS iS about to be formed at the Crystal Palace. The north wing is to be immediately prepared for this purpose, and an exhibition of works of living painters of every school in Europe will, we hope, shortly be on view. In the arrangements made the interests of the artists are not forgotten. The pictures are to be on sale, and will be delivered on purchase, the money, with a deduction of five per cent., being then handed over to the artist. THE SUBSCRIBERS TO THE RAGLAN MEMORIAL met at the theatre of the United Service Institution, on Thursday, to present the present Lord Raglan with the title-deeds of an estate near Raglan Castle, purchased by subscription as a mark of respect and esteem for the private character of the late noble lord. H. R. H. the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of Richmond, the Earl of Cardigan, and several general officers were present. THE CLAIMS OF THE THEATRICAL PROFESSION to share in the funds of Dulwich College were con sidered at a numerous meeting of theatrical and literary gentlemen, held at the Adelphi Theatre, on Thursday. Mr. Charles Dickens, who was in the chair, gave an interesting history of the origin of Dulwich College, and mentioned various circum• stances connected with its founder, Edward Alleyne. Mr. Webster having detailed the efforts he bad made with a view to obtain for "poor players" a participa tion in the funds of the college, Mr. Keeley moved a resolution, embodying the propositions already made by Mr. Webster to the Commissioners of Charities, that in the revision of the funds of this endowment the claims of members of the theatrical profession might be considered. This resolution was seconded by Mr. Buckstone, and agreed to. It was also re solved, on the motion of Mr. R. Bell, seconded by Mr. Albert Smith, " That a memorial in support of the object in view should be adopted." A committee was then appointed to further the objects of the meeting. A MEETING OF TICKET-OF LEAVE MEN waS held at the National-hall, Holborn, on Wednesday. The meeting was convened by Mr. H. Mayhew, for the purpose of affording those men who are anxious to lead an honest life an opportunity of stating publicly the difficulties they have to encounter. The meet ing was appropriately addressed by several ticket-of- SATURDAY, leave men. One concluded his speech in the following words : Knocked about by the police on every side, and coldly received by the public, he was at that moment in a condi. Lion in which he did ILA know where to get his nett meal without stealing it; but if the encouragement held out to his oppressed class by the benevolent gentlemen who had come forward that evening in their behalf was only realised, from that time forward he was determined not again to put his hand to any dishonest action. Mr. Mayhew terminated the proceedings with a brief address, pointing out the necessity of self_ exertion, and promising to endeavour to form a com mittee of philanthropic gentlemen to raise a fund for the assistance of all honestly disposed ticket-of leave men. A SERIOUS FIRE broke out on Wednesday in Mr. Scott Russell's ship-yard at Millwall, by which the whole of the mills, joiners' houses, and planing-shops, with a vast amount of valuable machinery, were completely destroyed. The Great Eastern was not damaged. MR. ALBANO, the civil engineer, who with such eminent skill converted the Covent-garden Theatre into an opera-house in less than four mouths, has given in the papers some details of its construction, with the view of correcting some injurious state ments lately made—that " bonded timber" had been left or introduced into the walls by Mr. Albano. He especially says : I not only did not insert a single inch of bond timber, but extracted the whole tiers of bond timber which had originally been inserted in the main walls. Five tiers up to the level of the ceiling—in all above 2,000 feet of bond timber, were removed in small lengths, and their spaces tilled in with brick and Roman cement, to consolidate the wall. THE REGISTRAR GENERAL'S RETURNS for the week show a mortality of 1,082, an increase of 170 over last week. The births amounted to 1,925, 336 above the usual average. DRURY-LANE THEATRE, last Friday night week, had a narrow escape from sharing the same fate as its neighbour. Fire smouldering among the " flies " was happily discovered, and after some little trouble put out. A strict inquiry was immediately insti tuted, and the fire was found to have resulted from a piece of ignited wadding, discharged from a gun during the previous night's performance, falling among the beams of the flies, and hence the fire. Guy's HOSPITAL.—On Thursday evening, the 6th instant, a meeting of the members of the Pupil's Physical Society of Guy's Hospital was held at the London Tavern for the purpose of presenting a testimonial to Dr. Edward Lloyd, in token of their high estimation of the valuable services rendered by him to the society during the period of twelve years in which he held the office of honorary secretary. The chair was taken by Dr. Odling, Professor of Practical Chemistry at Guy's Hospital, and among the gentlemen present were Mr. Edward Coch, Mr. Cooper Foster, and Dr. Wilks. An address having been read by the secretary, the chairman presented the testimonial, consisting of an elegant sliver can• delabrum, richly chased, and made to serve as a flower-stand as well. Dr. Lloyd, in returning thanks, said that he was deeply grateful for this proof of esteem from his old pupils and friends. He should always regard this re-union with those with whom he had been so long familiar, and the circumstance that had called them together, among the happiest events of his live, and begged to assure his old asso ciates of Guy's that, could he in any way and at any time aid them, he should be ever at their command. The party then sat down to supper, after which the health of Dr. Lloyd was proposed by the chairman, and drank with enthusiasm. iprobilutal. THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAAI AT AYLESBURY. THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM presided last week at a special meeting of the Royal Bucks Agricultural Association. The meeting was convened with the view of adopting measures for the extension and enlargement of the objects of the association. Mr. J. HOWARD, the secretary, read a letter of apo logy from Mr. Disraeli—in which the Right Hon. member expressed his satisfaction at hearing the, the sphere of action of the society, which for five and twenty years had so consistently laboured to not' rage and maintain a good feeling bel,ween the various classes of the agricultural community, was now about to be enlarged—and also similar letters from Mr. Farrar, the High Sheriff, Mr. Philip Dauncey, Col. Brownlow Knox, M.P., the Van. the Archdeacon Bickersteth, and numerous other gentlemen influen tially connected with this county, all expressing their approval of the objects of the meeting. In the evening the members of the association and a distinguished company, numbering in all upward s , of two hnndred, dined at the George Hotel. Iho Duke of Buckingham presided, s upported by Mr. Du Pre, M.P., the Marquis of Chandos, M.P., General •