The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-12-07

Mr.. Coin. the proprietor Of lunch room
In Myrtle avenue near Fulton, felicitates him
self on what he justly conceives TO nave been a
very narrow escape. Shortly after 10 o'clock two
OF bis acquaintances, one Of them an advertising
agent and the other distributor Of bills for the
Brooklyn Theatre. went to his saloon and in
vlted him to accompany them to see the last
two acts Of the 1.-TWO Orphans" He consented
and, going to the theatre, which was close at
hand, they ascended to the upper gallery. The
entire spaco here, Mr. Coin says, was closely
packed, and 1t was not easy TO obtain even
standing room. Mr.. Coin and his companions
made their way TO the side and watched the
play until the close Of the nrst act, when they
went out. The second act was Just com
mencinR they resumed their former
places, and IA II drew toward the final
soene Mr. Coin noticed some confusion
on the stage, and the audience seemed TO he
growing restless and excited. His interest In
the play, however prevented him from paving
particular attention to these circumstances. and
It was only when several Of the spectators arose
hurriedly and crowded toward the doors that
he began to think that something was wrong
Then Mr.. Studley advanced to the front
with the audience, nut the noise OF
shnfli'ns feet prevented his voice from
suid Mr.. Coin. what the people were running
for The actors words, however, seemed to
have some enc I, ana many who had arisen re-
sumed their seats. The play went on confusedly
for a few seconds. and then sparks aud burning
material began to drop upon the stage. Pro-
badly this was the nrst intimalon thst most OF
the people IN the packed gallery had OF their
peril. Certainly Mr. Coin, up to this moment
had not suspected the presence Of nre
ia the theatre, aud lie now found himself
In an exceedingly bad position for sHectng his
eHcape. lie iTied 10 roach the door, but in the
desperate struggle f,r life gong on all around
him, he wos not At nr.t successful. At last he
was car, led out with the moving mass upon the
stairs, and here he caught momentary glimpse
Aghtnst the wall by the crowd. In a second she
had disappeared. and he did not see her again
she VS. tho only female he noticed IN the gal
leIy.
lIefors gaining the foot of the fret hight Of
stai a number Of persons fell and were tram
pied under foot. The passage way was blocked,
ana NJ coin was falling over the PROSTATE
| forms IN front ot him, when, quickly re llizing
his danger, he nuug himself forward despeT-
ately aud hmhled nesry to the foot of the
stars. Reg ming his feet quickly, he found
himself sllghtlY relieved from the great
pressure OF the crowd, aud attempted to
make tho best uso Of his opportunities by
he fell az In. hurting ms knee and ankle, and
had grodt difficulty in rising, Iecould hear tue
shrleks OF women and children In the parquet
and family circle, but could see nOtl Ing, as a
mass of bliudnR smoke was pouring into the
passage. Quckly gathering his coat about his
heau to av1id being runocated, he hastened for
ward aud gained the street II was not thirty
seconds after that, he said before he was In his
| lunch room where, "A moment later "a man Tag
| hair and clothing scorched. hIs last recollec-
toD, no said. was being Ia the top gallery Of the
| theatre ana the Interval between being torn out
OF MIA seat by the ierrorstIicken throng around
him, and walking In Myrtle avenue was an utter
| blank TO HIN.
| As far as Mr.. Coin could learn, his two COM
| panions lost their lives, ono Of them. the bill
distributor, had been In the habit Of dining In
his saloon zach day; but neither he nor the ad