The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1867-03-25
Great Fire in New York.

NEW York, March 23.-Ats.40 this morn
ing the Winter Garden Theatre was discov-
cred to be on fire, and at $40 the complete
destruction of the building was assured
There was not the remotest prospect Of
saving the theatre from the time when the
fremen first arrived and their energies were
mainly concentrated upon the adjoining
structures, including the Southern Hotel,
which was most threatened. Those efforts
were comparatively successful. The hotel
took fire on the roof but the flames were
confined to that portion, injuring materially
by fire the fourth, or upper story.
Fortunately, at this juncture, the roof of
the theatre fell, carrying with it portion Of
the nOrtherly wall, thus con6ning the flames
within the area of the theatre proper. giving
a surety that the contiguous buildings would
now be saved.
The destruction OF the Winter Garden so
speedily made it impossible to save any por-
ton Of the properties or wardrobes, either
belonging TO individuals or conformity to the
lessee.
The new and magnificent costumes, which
entered into the Booth Shaksperean reviyals,
are among the lost articles. These were es-
timated at over $50 900, and on them, it is
said, there is not a single dollar Of insur-
ance.
The loss to Mr.. Edwin Booth will be most
serious. not only as an associate lessee, but
as an artist. The greater portion OF bis private
wardrobe was reported to be contained in the
theatre, and like the other contents of the
building, it was destroyed.
The fire is reported to have originated from
an immense heater beneath the stage; but
in view Of the confusion incident to the de-
struction, and the absence Of some Of those
who were supposed to be in the theatre at the
time, the origin thus far is merely conjec-
ture.
Mr.. William Stuart, the lessee and mana
ger of the theatre, had u narrow escape from
suilOCation. He occupied room in the
theatre, in which be lodged, and where he
received his friends and transacted the man
aging business of the theatre. About half
past eight o'clock he arose and partially
dressed himself
The morning papers having been brought
to his room, he prepared to cut them prepar-
atory to reading them. While employed at
this he heard q noise outside, as if something
had fallen. This noise was at once followed
by sound as of dry wood burning Mr..
Stuart thought the sound very strange one,
and Immediately opened the door OF his room.
A vast volume of smoke at once enveloped
him in darkness and threatened to suhocate
him. He did not lose his presence OF mind,
however, and rushed along the passage lead
ing from the street to the stage.
The smoke was SO dense that from the
time Mr.. Stuart left his room until he
emerged from the burning building and
made his appearance on Mercer street he
was unable TO draw single breath. So ex-
hausted was he for few moments after
reaching the pure atmosphere that he was
scarcely able TO stand
So quickly did the fire spread that by the
time MIR. Stuart had reached the street his
sleeping room and the entire auditorium was
one mass of flames. Mr.. Stuart left his
pocket.book and watch behind him, and ex,