The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-04-24

lfrom the Roston Evening Transcript I'D inst
AT about three o'clock this morning. the National
Theatre, at the corner of Portland and Traverse
streets, was discovered on fire nj the roar of the
stage, IN tho corner towards Friend street. The
flames spread with great rapidity; and though tho
fremcn arrived with the utmost despatch the whole
building was we'll on fire before any water could be
thrown The edfce being OF wood, with tho ont
side only covered with plaster, it fell easy prey
to the deyouring element, and was completely do
stroycd with ali its contents save some $500 or $500
worth OF properties and wardrobe
by tho skiltul oxcrtons of tho department, not
outstanding tho theatre was almost surrounded by
combustiblc buildings, the fro did comparatively
little damage beyond the destruction of the theatre
A carpenters shop fronting on Friend street, an old
wooden building, was nearly destroyed. The wooden
buildings on Traverse street, opposite tho theatre,
were badly scorchcd, and some outbuildngs attached
to block Of brick buildings fronting on Friend
street, were burned.
The flames ragged with uncxampled fury for
time, and even through the misty atmosphere made
fierce and dazzling light, which illuminated the
entire north end with brlliancy never before wit
messed. The scene from tho heights in the suburbs
was sublimely beautiful.
The fire is generally believed to DO the work Of an
incendary, us it originated the back entrance,
below the stage, where there had been no fire nei
Their had any fireworks been employed during the
performances of tho evening nor was anything La
BILE to spontaneous combustion known TO DO within
the building.
The theatre estate was purchased of tho heirs of
W IcIDy ADOuL TWO months SINCE, by w imam
Schier, Esq, for the sum Of $40 600; and upon the
building and tsappurtelances of stage scenery, prop
critics, furniture, fixtures &C., he has but $4,000 in
surance.
Messrs Wright, Fenno s. Bird, the lcssees, lose in
the aggregate. at least SIS 900, with insurance.
They had made extensive repairs upon the building,
and their individual property connected with the
Enlistment also very valuable. Their lease Of
the premises was for ten years, commencing the lst
July last.
The actors and actresses generally sustained losses
in their wardrobes &c., and also the members Of the
orchestra, in their instruments and music. The the
are contained$ 000 worth ofmusic, 1000 volumes Of
prompt books, 500 original manuscripts, some very
yaluable-ali destroyed.
We learn that the elegant and costly wardrobe Of
Mrs. Sinclair is safe, having been removed after the
play last evening. Mr. VandenhoiIlost one dressing
case only, though il was at first reported that he
had lost everything OF the stock company, Miss
Julia Pelby loses about $500 worth, including some
costly jewery; James Ring about $500, comprising
his entire wardrobe; Mr.. and Mrs. Lake, 5000; Mr..
and Mrs. Prior, $I75; Miss Anna Cruise, $50; Mrs.
Vincent, 500; Mrs. Trrcll, $50; Reuben Nicer, in
Guiding music, 5000; Mr.. Cowell, 800; Mr.. Will
liams, 500; "OldSpenr." $l50; $. d. and G. John
son, $500; Edward Sanford, $50; Frank Munroc,
500; }. Munroc. $50; Mcssrs. Aiken, Leman. and
Flood, $50 each; Putnam and Elliot, stage carpen-
tiers, 500
The books and papers, together with $1,000 in
money, stored in one Of John Il. Wilder's improved
safes, which was found this morning among the hot
test OF the ruins, came out from the fiery ordeal
uniniured.
The building of the National Theatre was com
menced in May, 1896, and was completed, as to
be opened in the August following. Its cost was
S.SGCO, and the cost of the entire establishment,
including the land and all property connected with
it. is estimated at about $4,000.
The theatre was one of tho largest and best plan
ned in the country. The stage unrvallcd for
its size and capacity to exhibit plays with superior
effect.
The performance of ''The School for Scandal"
last evening, was witnessed by an audience of full
2.GCO people, and went off with much eciat.
We learn that Mr.. Brewer, of the firm Of Saylcs,
Merriam Brewer, on hearing of the loss of the les.
sees Of the National Theatre, offered them, in the
most liberal manner, the use Of the Boston Theatre
To the objection that the recent purchasers would
not have possession of the building for ten days. he
said that they would take it burned or unburncd.
Although the late proprietors have technical right
in the building, we hope that since they have thus
been absoved from all risk, they will cooperate
with Mr.. Brewer in extending helping hand to the
unfortunate lessees of the National who have been
so suddenly stripped of their property.
The performances Mt the Boston Theatre tonight
will be the same as those advertised to take place
ut the Nationals Mrs. Forrest and Mr.. vandenhof
appearing in beautiful and popular play. 1t is
probable that proilers of complimentary benefit to
the managers Of the National will be made by MEM
bers of the profession, and we have no doubt that
the theatrical public will be prompt to help on the
cause.