The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-07-07

VIVt-3U0
when gave yeu Sloos And now, Kate adisu think of
me feelior me and me, that may once more have
an ondsrstandns and that can tnow your feelings
see ,hemS Lat them come on 70 New York and
win not DO or say .nything that would y unps.sa.t
p al wrote this IN great haste, and cannot rsrsaa
These letters concluded the testimony on both aides in
this case.
r. Destructive Fare n philaaelpAla.
TIE NATIONAL rHEATRE. CHINESE MUSEUM, THIRTY
srokRs AND TwnNTY DWELLINGS, IN RUrNs-rHH
0lEARD HOUSE, DAMAGED IHkENss LOSS or PRO-
PERTy.
prom the Philadelphia North American, July 81
About bali.past nine o'clock last evening, COM
ner ced of the most trOus fires It has lately
been our kt to record. Owing to some careless-
ness in the handling OF matches behind the scenes
The National theatre, Vt the corner OF Ninth and
| Chssnut streets, fire was communicated TO the
mes, and the flames spread with rapidity that
d. fed 81 The efforts Of the 6rcnen. lurid glare
! was cast over the sky, and the alarm spread
| tbrou ghout the city.
| The State House bell rang the continuous alarm
which denotes that fire is Ia the vicinity and tho
| fremeD from all parts al the city FASTENED with
their apparatus to the scene of cOnfagratiDn. An
1 immense crowd Of persona soon collected In the
vicinity and the police were promptly ON the
| ground TO regulate proceedings. LOS
The National theatre Was entirely destroyed. The
audience escaped we believe, without single ex-
ceK,iop.. ,..,. ~,
only in the scenery, woodwork, &C., OF the Interior
but in the mere she'll which was OF the slightest de-
scrfption.
| theatre, lone of the most massive and extensive
structures in the country,-was entirely destroyed
The theatre originally did not join the Museum
building, but some years since the back part Of 1t
was extended to the rear wall Of the museum by q
wooden &C dition, in order to afford additional space
upon the stage for professions and other spectator
| lar plays. This connection unfortunately caused
the flames to communicate TO the magnificent mu-
building, which, though soidly built could not
! be saved. h
The Girard House caught ire at the cornice,
which was Of wood, but was eventually saved with
hgnant fury with which the caves burned, that the
hotel would be destroyed, the proprietors notified
their dodgers of their danger, and advised them to
| seek quarters elsewhere. These, to the number Of
over four hundred. were not slow in taking this ad-
vice. and the other principal hotels Of the city were
eagerly sought by them. The servants of whom
there were Q large number, also packed up their
1 goods to be in readiness for departure and the
scene at the rear OF the hotel was sorrowful one
! From the museum and theatre the flames spread
eastward, to the adjoining houses on Chestnut and
| SAMSON streets. The buildings Occupied by James
s. Eare's picture gallery, and Evans Co.'s large
dry goods store, were utterly destroyed. Many
Of he valuable pictures In Mr. Eare's gallery were
burned, as also = large amount Of pictare frames,
Hooking glasses and other stock. Some of his pic
| teies were saved, though in damaged condition.
His loss is quite large on which we regret 10 learn
that he has but comparatively little insuran ce.
Messrs. Evans h Co. were large dealers In costly
fashionable goods, and their stock was extensive
and valuable. Their loss Is OF course heavy but Ia
no doubt covered by insurance. From these build
ings the flames soon spread to the rear Of all the
buildings along Chesnut, SAMSON and Eighth
! streets.
Most Of the goods from the stores along Chestnut
and Eighth streets were carried out and saved aud
some OF the furniture from the dwelling houses along
| tree N INV War<a
very much impeded by the great piles Of stone with
which the STR cts were occupied, preparatory to
paving Chestnut street. The stores on the east side
Of Eighth street were saved with much difficulty, as
also the carriage bazaar the southeast corner Of
Ninth and SAMSON streets. ttN&
The fire extended to the southeast, as far as
Eighth and SAMSON streets, where the assduous and
UNI emitting exertions Of the Aremen checked the
progress Of the flames. The Girard House was saved
the upper stories only being damaged, and much
Of the furniture spoiled by the deluge Of water.
ton, We may mention those who occupied stores be-
meath - THEATRE. 8. Earle, picture frame maker;
Messrs. }, x nrette jewellers; Vsnzandt Craftsman
ptrfumer; Iheo. Amser, optical instrument mann
facturer; Young Hudson, segar and liquor deal
ers; Mrs. Elizabeth Place, keeper Of . millinery
store; Mr.. Houston, keeper of hotel, and Mr.
Franck, keeper Of an eating house--hoth the latter
others were injured to considers6is extent. The
total loss viii be immense, and days mpst elapse
before we can realize to the full measure the disas
ter that has be fallen our city.
The Boutilier Brothers are among the hsaviss,
losers by the c0n1agration. Their fine stock d
drygoods has been Amost entirely destroyed.
The pictgres Of the Art Union gallery were saved
! by prompt and continued exertions. The loss e
this institution win mot be fmuch moment.
The inhabitants Of the houses adjacent to the lrs
moved out the greater part Of their furniture, aud
for squares around there could be seen evidences
dread in the streets. Tbe-fremen were indefatiga
Bile, and in some instances daring and devotion x
the public service were lavlebly displayed. A mum
Der Of persons were reported 70 have BEEN injured
among them . member Of the Live Oak Engine Co.
Of New York. A vast crowd assembled in the
vicinity Of the re, and the excitemsnt Was for some
I time intense.
The shower Of sparks and fakes Of Are was ne
variable, and for time seemed to menace destrnc
ton Of wide spread character. The progress Of
the flames was most rapid. While the fremen
were exerting themselves to check the consuming
blaze in one quarter they astonished to zee the
IRE gaining fesT fnl Roadway in another. II y ow
ng to their gallant struggle alone that We ena
bed to record the final conquest Of this terrible con-
fagraticn.
The National theatre, a. IL was last called, has
since its erection, borne vsricus namss. i va
originally erected for Cookies circus establish.
ment, but was subsequently altered iuto theatre
under the auspices OF Ne well known manager W
E. Burton. For some years past Il was leased by
General Rnfus welch, Tor his National circus, but
Mr.. Thomas NcKeon a. manager. Il was deemed
the noet capacous theatre In the city, and such
was much used by opera companies The boxes
we're very deep-unusually SO, in fact-while the
whole audience part Of the house was lighted BY al
immense chandelier, suspended from the centre Of
be dome, and adorned With thousands q esss drops
The Chinese Museum building was originally
erected for the company which owned Peales COL
lection Of curceities, but passed out Of their
hands by q sheri1's rale and has for many yearz