New-York tribune., 1876-12-06

which had surged up as near to the scene as the
ropes would permit, gave way in momentary ex-
pectatiOn that the walls would fall out
ward. Instead of this the rear wall OF
the theater fell first crashing inward with
mighty noise and burying itself in the burning de-
bris shower of sparks arose and this moment
later was increased ten-fod as the wall Johnson
st. tottered and fell inward ALSO A suppressed mur-
mur of admiration went up from the crowd at the
brilliancy and impressive character of the scene.
The fire now seemed to burn with added herceness,
and those who were watching the flames from q
distance thought that a new building had
caught fire. Those near at hand. however, saw with
gladness that the fury of the flames was spent Inc
dwelling structure adjoining the theater was now
enveloped in flames, and soon nothing but the un-
slightly walls were to be seen rising amid
the roaring sea OF fire. The neat on
JohnsOn-st. at this time was 80 intense,
and the streams of water which crossed each
other from several points made the place untenable
to all who were not guarded with tarpaun and
waterproof clothing. Westinghouse. looked like a
section of the Erie Canal when o break has
occurred. Mud and water in about equal pro-
portions filled the street. and the constantly moving
crowd soon rendered this thoroughfare almost inn
passible. JohnsOn-st. was choked with the frag-
ments of the falling wall, and great sheets of tin
from the roof and cutters.
The appearance of the crowds was quite singular.
There was a large number Of ladies present, the
majority of whom had been in the theater
at the time of the accident. and who
had not yet recovered from the fright OF the
unexpected catastrophe. They now moved rest
cssly about, attended by their escorts, and added
in no small degree to the difficulty of thread
ing ones way in and out of the multitudes
from one portion Of the fire to another. The
"roughn element was out in full force,
although it was much less demonstrative
than usual on occasions like this, when so much
opportunity is afforded to give loose rein to lawess
instincts. The motley throngs were very peaceful,
and the police regulations stringenty enforced
Travel was delayed on the Fulton-st car lines,
owing to the stretching of the hose across the street
in several places.
full hour after the fire began the sky was still
brightly illuminated, and the host of people in the
streets was receiving constant accessOns both from
Brooklyn and this city. The fire still burned
brightly although the greater part OF
the contents of the theater building was
consumed. On account OF the thick ire
Wall Dieters restaurant was little injured by fire ;
The Argus building suffered still less. Both build
ings however, were deluged with water.
The total loss on the Brooklyn Theater, owned by
tho Brooklyn Building Company, is $1sO,OOO. Its
insured for $4,000 in various companies. The prop
critics and portion of the scenes, owned by Shook
& Palmer, were valued at $2o,000 The loss on
actors and actresses wardrobes is $4,000. The
wooden and brick building adjoining the theater on
Johnson-st. was damaged $1,000. Six houses
on Johnson-st., opposite the theater were
badly scorched IN front, the damage not exceeding
$1,000 Dieturs building was damaged $4,000 by
water The rear of the PostOfice and police station
were damaged 81 900. shed on the opposite side of
Theater-alley, containing lumber, was damaged
$4,000. Several houses were scOrched and had
windows broken, the general aggregate Of this loss
not exceeding 81 900.