Washington telegraph., 1854-08-02
Particulars of the Philadelphia Fire.

The fire in Philadelphia, on the night of the
5th, to which the telegraph briefly alluded a dav
or two since. seems to have been 4 very serious
one, causing tbs destruction OF several well known
valuable public buildings. Among the structures
DESTROYED were Welch's National Theatre on
Chestnut street, the Chinese Museum on Ninth
street and some forty large stores and dwellings
extending from Eight to Ninth streets, and from
Chestnut to George streets.
The Girard House was in great danger and
saved only by almost superhuman exertions
1t is impossible at present to estimate the
amount of loss by this calamity but from a rough
guess it may be put down at one million of DOL
lars, and probably more.
The proportion OF insurance was rot ascertain
ed. An immense amount of property has been
consumed. This fire was in the heart and most
valuable part of the city.
1t is said to have originated in the National
Theatre from the firing of a gun during the per-
tormance, soon after 10 o'clock The flames
spread with great rapidity and the entire build
ing was soon heap ofruins the walls afterwards
falling. Fortunately no lives We're lost
The surrounding houses cought on the roofs, and
it was not long until the entire block forming the
choice part of the city was heap of ruins.
The AIT Union Hall took fire and was consid-
erably damaged.
Many fine stores on Chestnut street We're en-
tirey burnt out, some of the proprietors being in
to form anything like correct estimate of the
damage. Some put it down roughly at 81 .500-
900. and Others at S1.000.000
The insurance is supposed in all to be some
100000.
Great excitement prevailed during the fire
Thousands We're congregated in its vicinity and
the firemen worked manfully
Mr. Shepperd, well known actor perished in
the Theatre. His bones were found this morning
in the dressing room, He was probably endeav-
oring to save his wardrobe. Several firemen were
badly hurt but none fatally
The museum and theatre were worth over
100000, and not insured.
Know NoTH1NGs.-As many persons are anx-
ious to learn who and what the Know Nothings''
! are. they NAV learn something as to their creed
by reading the following article which We copy
from the Boston Know Nothing:p
American Platform.
l. Repeal of all Naturalization Laws
p None but Ndtipe .4ae11cdnS for Office.
g. A pure American Common School System
i. War to the hilt on Romanism
g. Opposition. first and last, to the formation OF
Military Companies composed OF Foreigners
g. The advocacy of sound, healthy, and safe
Nationality.
T. Hostility to all Papal Influences, in what
ever form, and under whatever name.
s. American Institutions and American Senti-
ments.
9. More stringent and effective Emigration
Laws.
10. The amplest protection to Protestant Inter
ests.
II. The doctrine of the revered WASHINGTON
and his compatriots.
II. The sending back of all Foreign Paupers
landed on our shores.
13. The formation of Societies to protect all
American Interests.
IA. Eternal enmity to all who attempt to car
ry out the principles of a foreign Church or State.
Is. Our Country, our whole Country, and no.
thing but Country.
16 And, finally, American Laws end Ameri-
can Legislation. and Death to all Foreign Inlu-
ence, whether in high places or low.
The Patent Office is doing an unheard of bus-
ness. Nearly sixty patents-or about ten each
de La,ra haar isslleA 1z-ithin ,x-aoE rIha