The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-10-04
IMPORTANT FROM CHINA AWFUL
CONFEDERATION IN CANTON--THE-
ATRE BURNT AND FOURTEEN HUN
DRED PERSONS KILLED.

| CONFEDERATION IN CANTON--THE-
| ATRE BURNT AND FOURTEEN HUN
DRED PERSONS KILLED!
The new clipper ship Rainbow, Capt. Laud, ar
rived here this afternoon at O'Clock from China,
9th June.
Captain Laud made the passage out in ITO days,
bad weather, and suffered a severe gale third day
out He made the home voyage in lO4 days, against
the monsoon Best trip on record
The proposed alterations in the English sugar
duty would, it was feared, effectually check oil
shipments of white, or cayed, sugar from China.
The Friend of China of May 81, from which
we copy the annexed details of dreadful fire in
Canton, announces the shipment of the entire crop
of new teas. Business dill in consequence.
The Midas, from New York, arrived at Canton
on the 2lst of May
CONFEDERATION IN CANTON.
From the Friend of China, May 3Ist.
On Sunday afternoon, fire broke out in thea.
tire within the walls of the city 1t has been the
cause of melancholy loss of life, as well as the
destruction of much property.
The theatre formed the centre OF asquare, TO
which there was access by only one narrow lane
After the fire was observed, the audience endeav-
ored to escape by the lane, but unfortunately the
crowd from without were trying to force their way
into the square, and prevented large number of
those who were within from obtaining egress. The
two bodies appear TO have got jammed, the great
est confusion prevailing.
1t is supposed that upwards of eight hundred
lives were lost by the fire, the falling timber, or
borne dawn by the crowd and sufIocaton The
bodies are so horribly mutilated their friends can
not recognize them. Ia consequence Of this hun
dreds lay unclaimed, and the worst consequences
are to be apprehended from their exposure in such
a climate at this season.
II is to be hoped that the city authorities will
have them buried at once; though from the nation-
al prejudces of the people with regard to the dead,
and the filial affection which prompts them to pay
great respest to the ashes their departed kindred,
Is feared that days will be allowed to elapss be-
fore the unclaimed and unacceptable are disposed
of.
We have had call from gentleman who left
Canton on Tuesday evening who has favored US
with further particulars. By the Mandarin's books,
the total number Of killed is 1887, including 80
male and female actors. The wounded are esti-
mated at 2,l00.
On Monday-the day after the fire--part of the
ruined wall fell and killed thirty more, wounding
several persons.
II is rather remarkable that thirty years ago q
similar accident happened at the same theatre. At
that time the authorities forbade dramatic PERFORM
ances by the inhabitants. The present company
are outside people 1t is anticipated that an edict
will be issued, strictly prohibiting all such exhibi-
tions in future.
The authorities have purchased 400 coffins for
the bodies that have not been claimed, and they
will be inferred Immediately A large portion Of
the dead are females; and ii is feared that not few
were murdered by the robbers that infested the ci-
ty on purpose to obtain their bracelets and other
ornaments.-N Y. Sun, Sept ls.