The New York herald., 1879-12-28
ALMOST A PANIC IN A THEATRE.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD

By TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.
BALTIMORE. Dec. 27. 1879.
panic with its attendant terrible consequences
was narrowly averted at the Holiday Street Theatre
matinee this afternoon. and for few minutes the
most intense alarm and apprehension was felt.
Kate Claxton was playing Louise in the ''Two
Orphans. and as is generally the case the audience
easily alarmed. recalling. as playgoers usually
do in witnessing her performance in the role. the
numerous panics that have arisen from fire alarms.
The house was filled with q fashionable audi
ence. the majority being ladies. and
densey packed. Not only was every seat and
box occupied on the first and second
floors but the aisles and entrances were crowded
The play went smoothly to the last act few min
utes before tho time for the curtain to rise some
the entrance called the attention of Mr. Myers
the doorkeeper. the fact that was intoxi-
Gated and acting in a somewhat disorderly manner
near the head of one of the aisles- Mr.. Myers ap-
preached him quietly and requested him leave the
building. The man resisted. whereupon Mr.. Myers
drew him toward tho lobby Upon reaching the
vestibule the man turned quickly and struck
Myers violent blow in the face drawing
blood from his nose. Irritated beyond end urance
lie says. by the assault Myers. who is man Of
powerful physique. clutched the man and sharp
struggle ensued just at the entrance All the doors
leading into tho auditorium were open to AFFORD VEN
tlation tor the large house. and the noise OF the
struggling men was heard inside and quickly caused
III Mhrm. SOfue one called out, III the nope, prop.
ably, OF ailayine the momentarily increasing
word hight. was Thought bSA' BY some 'i 70 be be
are" The audience arose almost en- nsasse
ana for the space Of two three minutes the situa
ton was OF the grayest character. Captain Lannan,
who was standing near the entrance. quickly seized
aud separated the combatants, Myers being in the
act OF forcing tho man out Of the lobby toward the
outer entrance aud then sprang quickly up the stair
case leading to che dress circle, which was being
blocked UP by persons making their exit The
Captain was ably seconded In his efforts to
audience by several other officers and detectives
sud the theatrical employees. The exits down from
the lower floor into tho outer lobby were very
done by those persons who preserved their presence
OF mind was done Instantly Captain Lannan forced
the crowd the staircase back assuring them there
was no danger. ana only two or three screaming
eager haste, hurled herself on the tiled floor In
semfconscious state, followed by another, scream
ing for her child In the lower part of
the house the scene was thrilling. Fenr was
depicted on nearly every face. and many manifested
disposition to escape, but were treasured by the
voices OF several persons who pressed back the
struggling mass of humanity that was surging in
the aises and assured them that their fears
groundless. Just ut this critical moment Mr..
Stevenson stepped on the stage in semi-undrcss,
he just dressing for the part Of Pierre followed
tanned the of the trouble begged the audience
to be seated. assuring them there was. no dan
gcr. This statement, coupled with tho re
assuring expressions of other gentlemen, had
abated. Several ladies' who had tainted were
revived with applications of cold water, and
very few persons left the theatre. The
tain last act, disclosing Miss
Caxton quietly sleeping on the rude pallet and Mr..
Stevenson in the part Of PIERRE standing coolly by
Neither appeared disconnected in the slightest de
cree. The house applauded warmly. and the play
continued without further interruption to the
close.