The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1876-12-07
THE BROOKLYN FIRE.
Over Three Hundred and
Fifty Lives Lost.
Comments Upon and Remedies to Prevent
- SuCh Disasters.

NEW YORK, Dec. 7.-Up to midnight
two hundred aud ninety-fVe bodies had
been removed from the ruins OF the
Brooklyn Theater, and the search was
still being continued with the aid of
calcium lights. II is reported that the
entire orchestra perished, the stage door
being locked and members perishlng in
vain attempts TO gain egress. Two
bodies were found shortly before mid.
night under the directors box. One
was recognized as that OF Claude Bur-
roughs, ACTOR, and the other is believed
to be that Of the actor II. 5. Murdoch.
The bodies were burned 50 as to be
wholly unrecOgnizable, but were identi-
fed by portions OF stage dress worn by
| those actors. The total loss Of life will
be over three hundred, the majority be.
ing young men and boys who were in the
gallery. OGly few women and chill
dren suffered death 50 far as known.
All the morning papers sermOnizo over
the terrible catastrophe, but, as usual,
the sermon comes too late.
The Herald says the safety of the
community requires that public author
tiles should at least take this subject in
its hands. 1t is their imperative duty
to make and enforce regulations to pro-
tect human life and to prevent not
merely the recurrence, but the pOssi-
Olllty OF such horrors. 1t suggests as a
precaution against.the spreading OF fire,
that theater5 be provided, as in Paris,
with wire screens 10 let down just In
'front.' OF the drop curtain. The fame
could not then penetrate beyond the
edge OF the stage, as 1t has been ascer-
tanned that flames can not be cOmmuni.
Gated through the meshes Of the wire
Another SAT guard the Herald suggests.
Is that force OF tiremen with adequate,
means for the prompt Adjustment
OF ii e, be present during every per-
ioImance. This would have reassur-
ing effect and prevent paEic.
All lDe other morning papers unite in
the demand tor proper safeguards
against fire and better means OF egress
rom tAeaters in case OF danger.
The terrible loss of life in the Brooklyn
IheaUer, is attributed to inadequate
means of egress in an emergency oE this
Kind. The sun says eVeu had panic
not occurred there must still have been
great loss Of life. There was 10 escap-
ing the flames. II the theater had been
crowded, as it was during Clara Norris
engagement, the loss Of lie would cer-
talnly have been vastly greater than it
now is. There does not seem to have
been the most ordinary precaution taken
against fire. There was no water at
hand and no attempts 10 stay the prog
ress of the fumes. 1t says
that one of the first requisites OF we'll
appointed stage is an abundant supply
of water under sufficient head to reach
every part OF the cOm5ustib.e structure,
with hydrants having hose already at
tached to de!uge the whole place at
notice.
1t calls attention to the necessity OF
legislation to enforce an adequate sys-
TEN OF water tanks and hydrants to pre-
vent fire in theaTers, aud suggests that
a commission Of skilled engineers be APP
pointed TO Investigate the matter, and
advise in detail the necessary prevent
I've measures for legislative action.
AT The Police Headquarters the total
oil bodies found i'll the ruins of
the theater fire is now given at two hum
dred and forty-four. FMS is cOnsidera-
bly, less than reported last night, but
the authorities say two hundred and
forty-tour Is the correct number. Work
men are still digging in the ruins. A
CoronePs Jury IS now in session.
Mr.. Dion BJucicault has started a
i'll aid Oi the families OF the
victims with $1,000. Others of the the
atricdl profession have offered their |
services lor d benefit for the sufferers.
New YORK Dec. IA p. MA dis.
patch from Brooklyn says three hundred
and pinety-three bodies have been re.
covered from the ruins of the fire, and |
more are still in sight, |