The New York Herald Newspaper, December 20, 1876, Page 5

. previously prepared, will be passed through and thor- INCOMBUSTIBLE SCENERY. Preliminary Trial of a Novel Fire-Re- sister at Wallack’s. DEFYING A FIERCE FLAME. Dion Boucicault on the True Way to Make Theatres Safe. fm connection with the discussion now going on among experts in relation to dangers {rom fires break- ing Out on the stages of theatres which produce spec- | tacular and startling scenic effects »n experiment will | De made at Wallack’s Theatre to-day. Yesterday the preliminary trial was made—that 1s to say, as herein- | alter doseribed, preparations were made for this grand climax to be witnessed to-day by those to whom in- Vitations bave been sent, An invitation was sent tow the Fire Commissioners, which relatea that a mass of | banging scenery composed of canvas, wood and rope, oughly exposed to fire. The tollowing correspondence took place in relation thereto. This is the Commissioners’ reply to the invitation:;— Decewnen 18, 1876, J. Lxster Wattace, Esq., proprietor of Waliack's Thoa- re mR—Iam directed on behalf of the Commissioners of this department to acknowledge the receipt of your invita- tion to witness a practical test applied io a rendered incombustible by n process to bi 1 fest to be made at your theatre und to co! through and thoroughly e: to fire, While the Commissioners do not question that the test may result satistactorily, and that due prudence will be ex- cised in making the arrangements therefor, they are nev- of the opinion that the experiment should not b the danger ert take pli of disust possible accident now entertained can, to appeur without xood cause, the Com? glad to be s0 informed and Then came the following to the Board:— Wattacx's, Monday Evening. our note we beg to propose that the Sin—In. reply to conduct of the experiment be under the controi of your de- ged # test tor « preliminar, 1 lay) afternoon, at three o'clock, at Wal- theatre, and should feel obliged if your officers would. the application of fire and certify the result. If you favor us with your presence [fam sure you would feel lafied as to the safety of the experiment. DION BOUCICAULT, LESTER WALLAC This elicited a reply stating the Commissioners wou!d attend, TRE PRELIMINARY TRIAL. Accordingly the Inspectors of Public Buildings, President Perley, Commissioner King, Chief Batesand District Chief Gicquel, of the Fire Depariment, met at Wallack’s Theatre at three o’clock yesterday alter- noon to witness a preliminary exhibition of fire. proof scenery on the stage, During the past week Mr. Dion Boucicault bas de- ‘voted his spare time to the subject of preventing fires on the stage, and has at last succeeded, he tninks, in obtaining a solution of the problem. At tho exhibition yesierday two pieces of scenery were exposed on the stage. A large bose was attached ¢o tho gas pipe, and from tho nozzle a large flame was obtained. Thig flame was about five fect long and about the thickness of a man’s body. The nozzle rep- resented an immense blow pipe, and an attendant held 4, in close proximity to the scenery. The scenery which had been saturated with a new preparation, whieh will be explained hereafter, stoutly refused to burn, and not the slightest effect of the intense heat and flame could be discerned. Mr, Boucicault was then asked if the flame was continually held there to the scenery would it take fire. Mr. Boucicault replied that the experiment bad better be tried, and the blast Pipe was then held steadily against the can- vus until it fell into black powder, leaving a circular hole, but without fame or = spark. ‘The iwspectors and the fire officials expressed their en- tire satisfaction with the rosult of the experiment, as §t was thorough and satisfactory. To-day a public ex- periment will be given at one o'clock, and sn the opinion of the Commissioners 1t will prove satistacto- ily, there being no danger. DION BOCCICAULT ON CoMBUSTINLES. A Teporter of ibe IikxaLp called on Mr. Boucicault yesterday ‘noon, aitor the test, and stated that he ‘wished to ascertain the nature of the materials used, and the general manufacture of them. The following conversation ensue: Rerortsx—Mr. Bougicault, 1 hi been informed that you desire to introduce a system of fireproof scenery into the New York theatres. “Yes, sir, 1 endeavored to introduce it into the Lon- don theatres sixtcen years ago, and bad a Jong contro- versy in tha London 7imes on the subject, auvocating, as | do now, tho use of fireproof materials in theatres. The question arose from a smail loss of life at the time ut one of the theatres, and, as usual, the qu up, but svon abandoned, of Brooklyn Theatre disaster wil! die out unless some leading news- mper like the New York Henavp will take tt up and isk it continually belore the public. Such a news- puper must insist that proper precautions be taken in ail places of amusement, and the Hrratp certainly devotes more uttontion to this particular object than any other daily journal, I have po faith im tron cur- tains and increased width of alleyways and stair. vases. These are poor remediea We should prevent the disease, since it can be done, and pot take-precautions for its cure. The process of ren- machinery, gearing and all used behind the scenes of the theatre, in all its a very cheap, simple and e: peditious, Any pieco of canvas can be rendered fir root in ten minutes, There is no reason whatever t this sbould not be done in every theatre, and I have proposed that tne Fire Department shall appoint & commission to visi} the theatres once a month, and having tested practically by dre, as I did to-day, and will do so again to-morrow, they should issue a certificate that the scenery, machinery and furniture ot the tre examined is entirely fireproof, and such cet tificate Should be openly exposed to public view in the hall of the theatre as the certificates are huag up in the saloons of our ferry and river steamboats. If on y monthly visit any piece of scenery or machinery is found to combustible the certificate should oe withdrawn and the price of a new certificate be placed at $24 By this action the Vheatres will always be safe and the public will have entire confidence in them. This action, if adopted, would ve the means of allaying public disquictude on the subject of fires and would prevent a panic, which generally results so disastrously.”* we you any obj: jon to state the nature of this new fireproof scenery, and how it is used?” “Not the slightest. ana rope 1s soaked jn a solution of tungstate of soda for half an hour, This amount of time 1s quite sufficient. After it is dry itis primed with a solution of silicate of soda, when it 1s safo andjsecure. [he same application will also muke the woodwork partially lreproof, and in- deed it becomes so, for all practical’ purposes, But we intend to use another soiuuon tor the woodwork, which is called the ‘tungstate of molybdenum,’ that being more effective and thorough, When the scenery and wood work is thus prepared, a tire of any size can be built immedi- ly unuerneath, with no other eflect than to eventu- ally reduce it to powder,” ‘Wiat is the cost of th ew process Y’” “The entire stock of a theatre might be rendered firoproof for less than $100. The ingredients necossary are easy to obtain and they are not of high price, Ail the scenery im any theatre could be sata- rated and made fireproof in a very short time, There will be an exhibition at Wallack’s Theatre to-morrow (to-day) ut one o'clock, This exhi- Dition will consist of two painted drop scenes, hanging side by side, These scenes will be sprinkled with the tungstate of xoda, and in the presence of the invited guests a body of flame will be thrown upon it from a a8 binst pipe. This will bo grea to the in- ljammable condition of the scenery and stage than could ever possibly occur in’ a theatre from any accident from defective gas arrangements or anything eise.”” Mr. Bouctcault then peated that he proposed that after the public test to-day he would suggest that the coiling of thoatres, the stage, dreasing rooms, and all the offices attached thereto, should be treated with this fireproot bagi gob so as to render a fire in such theatro « practical !mpossibi Mr. Theodore Moss, Treasurer of Wallack’s Theatre, was proseut at the experiment yesterday, He e: pressed to the reporter his entire satisfaction with the Fosult of the test, and, in bis opinion, the adoption of the same would not only be ag benefit to theatre proprietors, but a source of confidence and safety to all theatre-goers. The public experiment at one o'clock to-day will be attended by the Fire Commissioners and others trom o Various city department. MAKE PUBLIC BUILDINGS SAFE, | CORPORATION COUNSEL WHITNEY'S OPINION ON THE POWERS OF TIE BUILDING, FIRE AND POLICE DEPARIMENTS—THEATRES INSPECTED YESTERDAY. Yesterday morning an adjourved meeting of the Committees on Pere consisting of the heads of tho difereti ony nts, met in the rooms of the Board Hies ty Corporation Counsel W. OC. Whitney rey, He stated that the Depart- | a complete control and jurisdic- other places to see that ot utidngs 4 over theatres and t suitable measures for the prevention of fires were pro- presided; Walter W. Adams, Superintendent of Build | be done in or about th ings; Joseph ly Perley, Prosident of tho Board of Fire GC F. Chandler, President of the Health Dopartment; William F, Smith, President of the Board of Police; Fire Commissioner Dr. Janeway. After hearing Mr. Whitney’s opinion, the committee requested that it be made out in writing for the use of the departments, and then adjourned sine dic. The following is a summary of Mr. Whitney opinion:— Under the old act of 1866, organizing the Metropoli- tan Board of Health, it might perhaps bi been ciaimed justly, at that time, tbat tne Metropolian Board of Health nad some authority over the subject matter of the nove construction and arrangement of theatres, although the general scope of the act shows it was mmtended that their powers should be invoked only im extreme cases. ‘THX DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS. But turning, seconaly, to tho powers of the Depart- , 1 Would appear that since the pas- of the act of 1871 the powers of the Board of Health must be supposed to be superseded by the au- thority of the Departm of Buildings. There the general subject matter of the proper construction and arrangement of buildings, With a view to security to life, is fully considered, and power 18 devolved upon the Superintendent of Buildings, which is, in my opinion, entirely inadequate, Section 29 provides that the Superimtendeot of Buildings ‘may, at any time, serve a written or printed hotice upon owner, lessee or manager of any of suid buildings directing any act or thing to rangement of the said puild- erewith connected, such as balls, doors, stairs, windows, seats, aisies and escapes, s0 a8 to afford the greatest possibie security to the public in the uses to which they may be sey- erally apphed,’’ This language is seen to be as broud as can very Well be !ramed. The illustrations given in that act enumerating halis, doors, stairs, &c., does not limit, at the goneral authorty, which sweeping and comprehensive as could be defued In my opinion the fll authority o the subject matter since the paseage of the act of 1871 conferring this power upon the Department of Buiid- ings, rests with tbat departm: There 18 also ade- quate machinery provided in this jaw jor tne execution of these powers. In the first place, it is provided that any person who, after notice, shall continue to violate any of the pro- Visions of the act, shall be deemed gui'ty of a misde- meanor, punishable by fine or imprisonment, as speci- fied in the act, In the second piace, a penalty of $50 Je in a civil suit for every violation of the r notice from the Department of Buildings. itch and In the third place, it 18 provided that the Superintendent of Buildings, in caso any owner, lessee or otherwise, of a building shail fail to remedy any defects to which his atiention is calied by the department may, by legal proceedings taken and carried on in the manner prescribed by the law, himself take possession of the premises and remedy the defect, aud the expense thereof shall there- after constitute a hen upon the buiiding or premises where the work bas been done, These seem to be entirely adequate for the purpose contemplated, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. In answer to the question what the powers of the Fire Department are in this connection, I would say that they are, in general, Z reason. bie regui: tions for the communication of alarms of fire and p viding the necessary means for the speedy extinguish- ment of ures. The duties of the officer tormeriy kpown as the Fire Marshal were, m general, Wo ascer- tain the causes of fires, and within a limited space, by way of investigation of flues, furnaces, &c., to provide against forms of construction liable to cause fires, But the powers are in general invested in the Superin- tendent of Builgings, and to that official the public must Jook for the preventive measures applicable to these cases. TRY POLICE DEPARTMENT. In answer to the inquiry, what aro tne powers of the Police Department over the subject matter cov- ered by yourcommunication? I have been referred to a provision of law which authorizes, in general, the police officers to arrest without warrant, “tor viola- tions of law.’? They are intended as an arm of the criminal law, so fat as arrests are concerned, and should co-operate with the Department of Buildings to prevent continued violations by any owner or lessee of a theatre of the provisions of the Building act, wherever the violations are made a misdemeanor by * the statute. Agide from this general duty, which de- volves upon the Police Department to co-operate to prevent, and to apprehend persons guilty of the viola- tion of criminal statutes, | know of no authority which the Police Department havo in the premises, VIRWS OF SUPERINTENDENT ADAMS, Mr. Adams, Superintendent ot the Department of Buildings, 1n' conversation with a HxRaLD reporter yesterday, said that the District Attorney and Corpora. tion Counsel had decided that he is only officral legaily authorized to compel proprietors of theatres and other public. halls of this city to have propor Means at their disposal to prevent accidents from fire in the bull “a. Heretolore, Mr. Adams ys, he has repeatedly made complaints against theatres and public halls for keeping their doors, ‘other than for direct entrance to the ticket ofllcegclosed; but he declares his complaints were almost invariably set aside because of the inter- Jerence of persons of influence, who should not have interfered at a'L Since the Brookiyn calamity he Suys many of the theatrical managers have told bim that what he proposed betor that they are peri quirements, He will now, however, he says, men to waich the theatres nightly in’ order to be sure that all the legal requirements for safety from fire are complied with. In this connection he desires it to be understood that he does not favor the proposed ex- hibiton to-day at Wallack’s Theatre, He levis that the experiment could be tried eleewhere, whore the safety of baildings Would not be endangered in case of a fallure of thé experiment. BROOKLYN BUILDING INSPECTORS. : Ot the Committee of the Common Council appointed to inspect the public buildings of Brook.yn Aldermen French and Murtha were the only member< of tne committee who appeared at the City Hall yesterday morning. Alter a discussion they agreed to have the consulting architects carry on the investigation w:ith- out their assistance. A communication was transmitted to Messrs. Crooks & Gaylor, architects, authorizing them to make inspections of public buildings and re- questing persons in charge of such places to afford them ail facilities to make a careful and thorough ex- amination. In the afternoon the architects visited Packer Institute and other buildings in the vicinity, They will continue their work to-day. INSPRCTIONS YESTERDAY. The inspection of theatres and other places of amusement was continued yesterday by Inspectors Dudley, Owens, Hyde, McGinnis and Green, Tho places visited were Chickering Hall, Lyceum Theatre, Booth’s Theatre, Kelly & Leon’s Minstrel Hall and the Grand Opera House, CHICKRRING HALL. The first examination was made in Chickering Hall, on Fifth avenue, It has seating capacity for 1,246 people up stairs and down. There are two stuirs leading from the gallery to the front of the house on the avenue and two exits into Eighteenth street An addition dvor is being cut in the centre of the gallery leading to separate stairs conducting to Fifth avenue. This will be used only in emergency. The inspectors will recommend an addi- tional door tnto the rooms looking out on the balconies in the front from tho landing where the people coming from the gallery meet thoso leaving the ball proper, They will also recommend that wider binges be placed on the doors-aqpening from the auditorium into the Jobbies and that snap catches be affixed to the doors, 80 tbat when they are pushed back they will catch and Temain open. The heating of the hail 1s from a fur- pace under the sidewalk 1n Eighteenth street, LYCRUM THEATRE. The gallery of this theatre wil seat about 400, There are two class distineticns on this tier, and what is known as the gallery, t it trem the has only one reguiar means of exit Street, The other portion of the family circle can be emptied by two stairways down to the main entrance. Original there were two stairways leading from th d the inspectors will recom- mend that the stairway removed be replaced. This will give two mé@&ns of egress. A small window on the west side looks out on the roof of an adjoining building. ‘he inspectors will also recommend that this Window be cut down and a Gre escape leading to the roof be piaced there for use in case of danger. Ax the doors ding to tho lobbies are narrow and some of them liable to interfere with people leaving hastily, some changes will be recom- mended to secure greater safety. ‘Iwo double doors and two single dvors lead from the balcony to stairs at each side running into the vestibule. The irs re. quire oracing, which the juspectors intend also to recommend, Four doors tead out from the parquet almost into the sireet, The dressing rooma are under the parquet and have ample means ofegress A brick wall rung from the basement up to the roof and sepa- rates the stage from the auditorium. There are pass- ages at both sides of the theatre, back of the private boxes, communicating beth front and rear, BOOTH’S TURATRE. There are four openings trom the gallery to the lobby, from which the stairway emptying on Sixth avenue leads, 1 addition to these there are two other stairways leading down to the dress'circle and one into the wardrobe room The Gress circle has toree means of egress and the balcony two, The principal stairway to the balcony is made of stono and is fireproof, Tho parquet has three double doors into the vestibule aud ‘bree into Twenty-third street. A brick wall com- pletely separates the front of the house from the stage. ‘The facilities for getting the people on the siaco into the street are as complete ax those from the auditorium. Th turnace, gas room and carpenter's shop are ail unde Twenty third street. The acen not used in the piece in course of representation 1s all stored away in the cellar underneath the stage, where there $s little or ne-chance for fire to get near them. There is one large ‘a street, through which ali ‘© properties are taken ou’ for travelling. Appliances for extinguishing or putting out fire are placed at different places. The inspectors bad nothing to recommend as additional safeguards or means of egress (rom th KELLY & LEON’S MINSTRELS’ M411. Alter lea’ Booth’s a visit was next paid to this handsome litle theatre, on T -third street, It will not bold many over 600. There i# only one tier above the orchestra circle, and from this there are three separate exits. The lower part of the house is similarly constructed. With a jew seats taken out on each side of the side aisle up stairs, whicn the inspec- tors will recommend, the means of egress from this pince will be rendered as pericet as that from any piace of amuse mthe city. The way of ys ofl the stage ts by doors through the private boxes and the regular passage uuder the orchestra, An escape by the rear in Case of need is also available, GRAND OPERA HOUSE. From the gallery of this house there is ono regular stairway leading into T ty-tourth street, The in- apectors will recommend that the stair to Twenty- third strect be also made available for immediate use iLoceasion demands it In the dross circle st will be recommended that an additional door be cut leading to the Twe ind Bt stairs, These stairs trom tho gallery and. circle, however, are not to be used for or- jh the sidewalk on dinary purposes, A window the Twenty-fourth Street side looks our on the roof of an ad- jJowing building § T parquet has three wide doors into a vestibule capable of holding about 800 people, There are two otber doors to alleyways leading into Twenty-fourth street, The inspectors will recommend the removal of what are known asthe parlor chairs and substitution of the ordinary iron chair used throughout the house. The stage was found to possess ample means of egress. ‘The scene room, where scenery not in use is stored, 1s in a separate bullding, shut off by iron doors, 1u one of the Aromas rooms, close by the greenroom, ti inspectors will recommend that a door be cut and a fire escape be placed into a workshop adjoining, as jurther security to those who may be in their root ita tire should occur, The ways of escape from the Stage to Twenty-fourth street are through the regular stage door aud by passages under the parquet to Eightn avenue. FIREPROOF BUILDINGS. To Tue Epitor ov tae Henaup:— orts of the mectings and opinions of men ty as to the safety of theatres and other pub- lie buildings | see little or nothing said about fireproof buildings. All the suggestions and plans about fire proof scenery and wide halls and stairways for escape amount to nothing in a weoden building or in a build- ing lable to burn as the ill-tated Brooklyn Theatre burned, We need a der of building tor all i buildings, public or pri You, the Hexaup, h set an eminent example in fireproof building beg you to advocate and urge fireproof buii the only means of SAFETY, Brookiyx, Dec, 18, 187 BICKETY HOUSES, To Tas Epirox or tar Hératp:— Atatime when the public mind ts permeated with the horrors of the late holocaust ia Brooklyn would it not be weil for our municipal oflicers to be more vigi- lant in regard to their duties? ~The theatres, now that attention bas been drawn in that direction, will be well cared for, but the many rickety buildings on both sides of the city where manufacturing business is car- ried on are entirely igaored. The trite axiom, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”? should be heeded. In one section of the city, the East side, in a densely popuiated avenue, stands a large, rickety building, tiled with inflamma. ble materials, and iu tho cellar is statioved a steam engine. The effluvia at some periods is almost unbear- able. I would state, én connection with this Jact, that the owners or manufacturers, not daring to use’ thoir own names, substitute that of one of their employés. The police, FireDepartment, Board of Health and De- partment of Butidings have been notified, but without avail; the public nuisance is still anabuted. Can't something be done? or will the public again be called upon to Witness a repotition of the Jate terribic disas- ter? y A CIRCUS TIGER. MURDEROUS ASSAULT BY A BRUTAL crncus RIDER ON HIS WIFE—BRAVE MRS. WHIT- TAKER. Charles Roberts, the well known circus rider, until recently employed with P. 7, Parnum’s show, perpe- trated yesterday upon his helpless aud unoflenaing wile one of the most murderous and cowardly assaults re. corded in the annals of crime, Rdberts, who is said by his acquaintances to be a dissipated and brutal fellow, has long been in the habit of illusing bis wile, and for the’ past four months has irequently threatened to kill her, The lady, who is declared by her companions to be a model of virtue and amiability, was employed in the Hippodrome troupe as a rider, while her husband had charge of the supernumerarics and managed the pageant known as “The Congress of Nations.” While the show was ex- hibiting in a Wostern town some months ago Nillson the trapeze artist, beat one of the boys who periorms with him in an unmerciful manner. Mrs. Roberts’ ‘womanly heart was moved for the child and she pro- tested against his punishment, declaring that it was shameful to treat him so cruelly. Nillson, in a Tage, complainod to Roberts about his wife's “meddling.” The manly busband at once applied an epithet to the lady, who was atthe moment flying around the ring ina cloud of musiin and tinsol, the envy of half the country jasses in the tent, and swore that he would ‘fx’ her, Mrs. White, costumer of the show, heard the threat of the brutal husband, and, rushing to where the unsuspecting wile was about to descend trom her horse at the close of the act, warned her to fly to ber dressing room at once for satety. The two women entered the room in question together, and in an instant Mrs. Roberts found her throat in the deadiy clutch of her husband’s fingers, i his voice was hissing curses into her cars, Alter fearfully abusing the woman he was torn off by the ate tendania, who were aitracted by her crics, NOT THAT KIND OF ANIMAL. The affair was reported to Mr. Barnum and he in- stantly dismissed Koberts, declaring that no such beast was to be included in bis menagerie. Nothing of special noto occurred betweett the husband and wife until about a month ago, when, one day in the Hippodrome, Mrs. Roberts remarked to Mrs. White that she feit weak and that she had not eaten anything for twenty-four hours. “Being questioned about the matter, she stated that se and her husband were in pinched circumstances, baving nothing bat her salary to depend upon for support. Mrs, White at once in- vitea ber to cometo her nouse and take dinner with herself and her husband, who is the well known “wnimal mau” who has the superintendence of tho animals attached to Mr. Barnum’s show. Mrs. Roberts accepted the invitation and was soon seated at the table with her irieuds, who board, when in town, with “Pop” Whittaker and’ his wile, at No. 369 Fourth ave- nue. She bad been there but a few minutes when Roberts entered and angrily demanded to know of the Whites why they were harboring bis wile? They at- tempted to pacity him and invited him to take dinver with them; but he only became more insulung and ended by making an attack upon the unhappy woman who was tnarried to him. He was finally ejected trom the room, breathing vengeance. A BRUTAL ASSAULT, Mrs. Roberts has been employed since the season closed in assisting Mra. White in preparing costumes jor the coming summer's exhibitiogs, anu yesterday morning, about half-past eight o’clock, she arrived at the house already mentioned to begin her day's work. A Jew minutes previously ber busband had emerged from the Putnain House with a claw hammer which he borrowed from the clerk, under the pretext that he wanicd to drive some nails, and hid himself m the area of the house in which his wife was employed, where he awaited bor arrival. When the untortunate ‘woman attempted to descend the basement steps the rufian strack her a terrible blow with the hammer aud she rolled like a log down the steps, and striking agains’ the basemeut door, burst it open, Hearing the crash, Mrs. Whittaker rusned out in time to see Roberts running down the steps toward the senscicas woman, with the murderous hammer uphited to strike another Liow. With the quick instinct of a true wo- man the old jady threw herself between the would-be murderer und the prostrate form of his wife, so that the blow, instead of striking the latter in the head, fell upon her body. Mrs, Whittacker assisted the wounded woman to rise, and holding back her busband, gave her time to totter into the basement, Roberts aimed a swinging blow at her as sho was getting out of his reach, but it was warded off by the outstretched arm of Mr& Whittaker, which was torn open from elbow to wrist by the sharp claws of the hammer, A BKAYE WOMAN Mrs. Roberts gained the dining room and sought refuge betind the table, Jter hasband, with murder stil at his heart, atiempted to reach ber, but was grasped by the intrepid Mrs. Whittaker, who struggled with bim and was kicked and beaten so that she bas since been confined to her bed, While doing all in her power to bold back the raffiau trom his bleeding and reeling victim sve cried continually for heip. Strange to say no one seems to have heard her, although the door bad been left open upon the #treei, and a num. ber of students who bvard in the house were then in their rooms. Releasing himself from the grasp of Mrs, Whittaker, Roberts chased his wile around the room. Terror lent her strength, pot- withstanding her wounds, and sho whirled around tables and chairs with breathless speed, while ber hus- band foilowed, hissing imprecations and stumbling over the turniture which Mrs. Whittaker, unabie to do auything else, was continauily throwing im his way. At last the hunted woman saw a chance to escape to the door, and was passing through 11, when the fiend, about tv get away, threw hammer and struck ber in the back of the head, felling her prone to the floor. Probably thinking he had Hnisbed his wife, Roberts then picked up the ker, Lhatdauntiess fought bravely, and aiter receiving some hard knocks, the marks of which will serve as mementoes ot the struggle ior many a day, she succeeded in clutching her assuitant by the throat and choked tim until the hammer fell from bis ig 2 Then she picked it up, and, threatening to crush his skull with it, im turn, drove bim off. When he was fairly out of sight, womanlike, she tainted, and was carried to ved by inmates of the house, whom her cries had at last attracted to the spot, Tho wounded wife was at once conveyed to her home at No. 75 Third avenue, where she now lies in a criti- cal condition. On leaving the house Roberts at once proceeded to the place of business of Mr. McLean, the ‘canvass. man’ of Mr. Barnum’s establishment, and telling bim that be had just obtained employment as a ratlrond conductor succeeded in borrowing his watch, ‘for that day only."’ Then be disappeared and the police were put upon his track. A COLORED OFFENCE. At about ten o'clock on Monday night, while Mrs, Knickman was standing in ber husband’s jewelry store, on the Jamaica plapk road, n Pennsylvania avenue, East New York, saw & Hegro peer into the window, As the store had been robbed @ stort time previous by king the window and securing a tray full of rings and watches, she ut once iolormed her Lusband jhe man’s presence, Observing tuat he had been detected, the uegro walked away irom the window and stopped in front of the jewelry store windows of Mr, Henry Herm, on the same block, wher, with a well directed biow of his fist, he shiverd! the glass into a thousand iragments, seized tour lockeis, a geld piated cross and nite finger rings, valued atabout $50, ani mado hig escape through Evergreen Cemetery. It is — that this daring burglar is well koown to the police, | through NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1876.—TRIPLE SHEET. THE THEATRE CALAMITY. CONTINUATION OF THE INQUEST—A STAGE MANAGER WHO NEVER CALCULATED ON FIRE—THE BUSINESS MANAGER'S THEORIES— THE RELIEF MOVEMENT. The inquest into the late calamity at the Brooklyn Theatre was resumed last evening at the Kings County Court House, before Coroner Simms and the jury. ‘The attendance was pot numerous in the lobby, ‘TUR BUSINESS MANAGER, Loraine Rogers, the first witness called, testified that be had been a theatrical managor for filteen years; was business manager of the Brooklyn Theatre since September 4; the duties of a business man- ager areto look after the fiuancial interests and look alter the comfort of the audience; was not calied upon te go on the stage except upon occasion of being calied vo confer with a ‘star’ as to business duties; gave no tustructions to the stage hands during their performance or rehearsals; my supervision of the stage was confined to auditing bills and to the purchas- ing of materials for the stage; 1 engaged nono of tho attachés behind the curtain, only those throughout the hoxse; most of the hands had been engaged previous to my joiing the theatre; there were tivo depart- ments engaged-—namely, the business, the ushers, the stage carpenters’, the gas men’s and the dramatic; so fa the stage management was concerned it was under control of Mr. Thorpe; the working of the theatre in front of the curtain was under my charge; the care of the fire appliances were under my control; 1 have been an actor asa boy, and I have rover yet been in a theatre where there was any spocial attaché or corps responsible tor the control of fire; each man was responsible tor bis own duty; as to tho obsery- ance of rules in the cage of fire no, matches were to be lighted in the theatre, no cigars wero to be smoked in the building, and such and such tools were, Acvording to Messrs. Shook & Palmer's rules, only to be used 10 case of fire; Mr. Thorpe was always on duty ou she siage When the troupe was there; on the aight of the fire 1 lett tho theatre five minutes after eleven o'clock; when [ saw the tire 1 hastened to the scene, aud was passed through the police hoes by Sergeant Gane, and L remained there until about halt-past threo o'clock; saw Mr. Smith there, and, in answer to a question, 1 told bim about bow many were im the bouse that night; there was somo dis- cussion about the probability of Mr, Murdoch’s escape; iu conversation with Mr. Kingsley and others there was @ general supposition that everybody had escaped from the house—that no lives were lost; the number of tickets sold for the gatlery was 405; there were four or five supernumeraries, perhups, there; a lew per- sons who went to the gallery—perhaps twenty jer- sons—exchanged their tickets tor the dress circle on finding the gallery tull; there were, in my opinion, about 390 persons in the’ gallery thut night; the rules and regulations were satisfactory to me; there were six ushers employed, including the chiel; their duties were to be at tho theatre at half past six, lo prepare themselves tor tne auditorium, and to indicate what portions of the house wero reserved; 1 Was their duty to conduct the audi- ence to their seats; the chiel usher was a special offi- cer, having’ authofity to remove disorderly persous; the duties in event of fire was to open all the means of egress trom the house on the lower floors; tho special police officer was to open the doors at the ead of the performance; the question of fire raroly arises in the mindsof manavers, except in reference to panic; there were two detectives detaied on duty and Mr. Lott, who was on the salary list, there was also a policeman on duty there that night; our gallery had been very weil filied tor two or three weeks previous to the fire; L inspected, at the suggestion of Mr. Palmer, the condition of the property und the place generaliy, and I found the appliances ¢xcelient; there was a bose on the wall near the hydrant, un the stage; there wero one or two dozen fire buckets or buckets of water on the paint trame; there were also twelve or moro fire axes; saw these appliances there since last Sep- tember; | was in the atte of the theatre about threo days boiore the fire; saw there some retuse furaiture, Matiresses, carpenter's shavings and other reluse of that character; the centre chandelier was supported by a large iron’ beam runniyg across the dome, Q. Now, sir, how did the Brookiyn Theatre compare with the other theatres with which you have been Connected as to construction and manner of egress? ‘A. Itbad decided advantages over any other theatro with which 1 bad ever become familiar; from the slage there were two exits—oue from Fiood's alley and one {rom the box office; there was a very large door opening into Flood’s aliey aad another tuto the par- Quet; there was a door opening into the gallery stair- case {rom the dress circie; the lobby room wus exten- sive; the house could empty in three minutes, and the aisles Wore as nuMeFoUS As in Yost theatres; the gile Jory stairs were more spacious than most'stuircases to be found in theatres. Q is there any danger us great as fire in a theatre? A, Yos, sir; there ure dangers from panic in other ways, ‘It would ve well for the business manager to give precaution as to fire, but at the same time wo should consider that it would bo utterly impossible tor the manager to guard cotirely against the oatbreak of fire The Mayor ot aciy could not be held respon- sible for the prevention of fire in that cominu- ty; ,1 never know a business manager to enter biscoe department of a theatre and in- ct the employés to prepare ; nover examined the hose azd water buckots; the workings of the stage rested entirely with Mr, Tuorpe; tn case of fire | don’t consider that | should be responsible in any manner; my understanding was that Mr Thorpe, who was on the slag, should direct what should be done in the event ol a fire; Mr. Thorpe was on the stage, and all responsibility to apply the means rested on him. ‘THR ORIGIN OF THK FIRE, As to the origin of the fire 1 have a theory that the little pieces of paper, which were used in the play to give a snow effect, might have tailon underneath tho guard of the gaslight, which might have created a spark which a draugbt of air could bave taken up to the border light; alter the futile eflorts had been made (0 put the fire out, tho stage hands, who had been beaung i with sticks, abandoned tho undertaking, and somebody pulled the Jobuson street door open; this created a draught which drove the fire through the house; this great draught was drawn up through tho tunnel-like dome and the combustible matter up in. the loit smothered the people who bad become massed up in the gallery mtaircase; the officer un duty there bad been tp Some manger overcome by the throng; I be- lieve that these people had doen forgotten by’ thos: who were helping beiow to take the people out of the dress circle, THK STAGE MANAGER, James W. Thorpe, who was stage manager of the Brooklyn Theatre, was the next witness, Ho teetified that he bad been twenty-two years in the busine: the stage of the Brooklyn Theatre was hampered w: superfluous scepery on the night of the fire; there were a few buckets, which were balf filiea with water, kept in the part gallery at all times; there was also a hose op the premises; when my attention was called to the fire it was by a voice saying, “Look there!” 1 looked and saw a flame as big as my haud near the cut wood drop, about two-thirds ot the way above the roof | of “the hut;” we bad just set the scene; I said, “Get a pole,” whieh Mr. Weaver got and tried to reach the flame; Mr. Van Sicklin let down a groove and tried to get oa 1t; L saw then that, owing to the fact that thero were six of those borders, they must get on fire, aa thoy were close togethor; a spark fellon the hut and spread likea ripple on’ the water; I told the auai- ence to go out quietly, but it was a pando- monum in @ minute and @ bait; in that time, or not more than two minutes, the entiro rigging lott was a rooring furnace of fire; 1 thought of the hose, but { could not bave got at it; then | remem- bered that my family were up stairs, and I went into my dressing room and made my way to their apart ments, co through the box door; as I passed saw the drop curtain falling in’ tery olds; didn’t see a soul in the parquet; didn’t look ‘into the gallery; in the lobby 1 saw the mon trampling women and I told them to keep cool, that there was ample room for them to get out from 'there; 1 nad supposed that all of the peop'e had got out; 1 would not have been po-sibie fora man to have thrown water from the paint bridge, a distance of tifteon feet, tv the border light which Orst caught fire; on leaving the stage | wont upto my room, which was on a level with the dress circle, and took my fanily out through my private staircase ; there had never been any firethere to my knowledge belore; the curtain for the last act went up at twelve insnutes past cleven o'clock, and about five minutos later my attention was called to the fire, The’ witness, atihe request of the jury, pointed out, from the model, at length and im detail tho position of the scenes and of the hydrant and of 4 hose; witness said hi a theatre before; would suggest now, in the light of ex- perience, that hydrants ve placed on each side of the stage, and that a sprivkling arrangement shgald be run actoss the stage overhead, above ail that portion of the ignitable material—so us to flood the stage in an emergenc} Mr. Datly, whose life, thanks to God, I ‘was the means of saving, the last to leave the stage; the employdés had never been specially drilled for extinguishing fire; the discipline bebina the scenes atibe Brooklyn Theatre was as complete as you will find in any theatre in the United States, A STARTLING CONFESSION. Q Did it not appear to you that it was your duty to guard against firey A. No, sir; I never thought it was my duty; fire never entered into my calculations; I think this great calamity will have the effect of giving greater al tion to guarding against accidents from fre ie m abytoing else that has ever transpired in the world, Shortly alter half-past ten o'clock the inqnest was djourned to meet at the Sapervisor chambers at halt-past seven o'clock on Thursday evoning, Decem- ber 21, This morning the jury will take the testimony of Miss Maud Harrison, one of the actresses, at ner residence in Livingston street. BROOKLYN FIRE RALIRF MOVEMENT. The Finance Committee of tho Brooklyn Theatre Re- lief Association have issued a circular to the citizons, of which the following is a copy:— The Brooklyn Cheatre Rolief Axsociation have deemod it necessary to call ® meeting at the Acadomy of Music, tor Thursday evening, December 21, at eight o'clock, tor the purpose of laying betore the citizens vf Brooklyn’ » mtate- went of the present condition of the sufferers by the terri- Ie fire, and the menns adopted b; association for re- Heving the families of those who pert . Henry Ward Beecher, Charles H, Hall, D, D, try J. Haynes, J. Hyatt Smith and James Ti fy others will be present and address the meet 0 He cessities of the hor You aro earnvatly requested to attend and give us your c0-ope' in the xood work. Should acything prevent your attendance, and you are In mpathy with the objects of the meeting and desire to as. ist us, please communicate with the secretary at your earliest convenience. The ciroular is signed by Frederick A, Schroeder, Thomas Carroll, David Channcey, W. E. Sinn, A. P. Putnam, D. D,, and Albert Daggett RAVANNAN’S SYMPATHY. weer Schroeder, of Brooklyn, yesterday received the following copy of a preamble and resolutions which bave been unanimously adopted by the Ciy ty Council of Savannah :— Stute of New has bee mity, carry ing mourni: ‘and whereas, wo having but just emerged from a urievous affliction, which was alleviated by the sympathy and the generous nid of the citisens of Brookiya, in couneetion with vthers of these United states: therefore be it Resolved, By the Mayor aud/ Aldermen of the city of Sa- in councit assembl 4 their fellow citizens of 10 the sorrows of the peopl of Brooklyn, and, with gra f ‘and ebsrity to usin the past mpathy in this their grief. Send —That ttis Honor the Mayor be requested to for- ward to His Honor the Mayor of Brooklyn a copy of these proceedings in expression of the fraternal sentiments of the citizens of Savannah toward their countrymen, the citizens uf Brooklyn. TAK RELIRY FUND. Boxes for the reception of contributions for the afflicted families bave been placed im the several local bewspsper offices of the Western and Eastern District, and alse at the principal saloons and billixrd rooms of Brooklyn. A movement is on foot among the public school children to contribute toward the laudabio odject, The pupils of Schoel No. 18 Maujer street, have subscribed $80, and the little folks of Primary 36 have handed in $20, School Ni up to yester- ipts acknowl avenue Baptist church, $75 0. Jersey City, $36 Strong place Baptist church, #25, ‘The total receipts at the Mechanics’ Bank up to yesterday alternvon amounted to $7,603 23. The grand aggregate ot re- ceipts trom all sources thas far ts $33,413. ‘The Law Commitiee of the Common Council are con- sidering a resolution presented at tho last meeting of the Board of Aldermen, authorizing the fuancial officers of the city to issue certiticates of indebtedness to the amount of $50,000 in ald of the tund for the Brookiyn sufferers. Park Retormed church, THR WERALD LIST. Previously acknowledged... Young Disciples’ Bund. ay J, Goodwin, agent Aimee Opera Company E. A. Sothern * Total... EYTINGE ON THE BROOK- LYN FIRE. [From the Cincinnati Enquirer, Dee. 17.) Miss Rose Eytinge, tho star at the Grand Opera Mouse this week, Mfhs rooms atthe Burnet. Knowing that she had been in New York the week of the Brooklyn fire, and bad mingled with her professional, brothors and sisters alter the disaster, we thought her expres- sions upon the subject might be of interest, even amid the exhaustive accounts and editorials with which the press of the country still teems, Accordingly wo called yesterday morning, und were received with a grace and courtesy characteristic of the profession, and in this case of the woman, Miss Eytinge was ‘under the weather,” and it was nearly time for her to leave forthe afternoon performance, but she politely ac- eeded to our request. In the conversation which fol- lowed Miss Eytingo spoke with tho earnestness and feeling of one who felt the event, which she fre- quently and eloquently termed “hideous,” as of & personal sorrow. She began by expressing the fear that she could say nothing of fresh public interest at this late date, and then came to the thing at present of Most importance—tue measures of relic to survivors. Yhe haa attended the meeting of the profession at the Usion Square theatre, and suid the absence ot parlia- menwury Knowledge on the purtof the actors would have been amusing had the occasion not been so sol- emn, Miss Eytinge was sure that the meeting had Made a mistake in calling upon the general public, and thal it should have appealed to the profession alone; ‘hat no actor or actress in the world would haye failed to respond to the call with that liberality characteristic of tho art, acd that toen the sullering patrons of the theatre would be directly relieved by those who were, or Will be genorally held to be, the cause of their mustortuaoe, We ventured to suggest that the managerial pro- fossion shouid ratber ve held responsibie. Miss Eyuunge replied that however that might be, or even sf nobody was directiy responsivie, the thea- tres would sufler, ag they wero already suffering in New York. RevortER—Will this falling off in patronage not dio out when the “inv days’? horror is over? Miss Evtixge—I think it will last this year, already disastrous to the profession. Reroxrex—You were familiar with the Brooklyn Theatre. Was it not ordinarty sate? Miss KEyTING’—Much more so than very many in tho country. Notvonly wasit ou the ground floor, with parte exits for the upper tera, but its iisie und jobuy room was more than usually ample, the house baving been butit When real estate in the vicinity was hot exorbitant, and the plans having been liberally made as to space. Reroxtxx—Have you read the Fire Marshal’s opinion that (he request from the stage “to sitdown,” however well meant, was a fatal error? Miss Eyrisas—l bear it is now so considered, but it was not so bad as other blunders—blunders born more of the terror of the moment than of any radical cause. Take, Jor instance, the poor fellow who locked and stvou guard over the stage door, He was not so much to blame. His orders were impefative and without discretion pot to admit the persons outside who were clamoring for entrance. What was + anted was some- boay with presence of mind enough and manhood enough to have knocked bim down, relieving him of his awful responsibility. Reroxter—How do you account for Mr. Mardoch's douth, as he must, unlike poor Burrougis, have been Wwaro of the suil extent of the dangerirom the first? Miss Evrincxk—He was complewly panic stricken; had not oven in good health, and seemed dazed by the terrible situation, Miss Claxton, why 1s a wonderfuily nervy little woman, drow bis arm under hers and ai- tempted to lead him out of the passage through which she so narrowly escaped. He would stop, look at her Diaukly and theu at the fire above, and finally pulled his arm tree aud rushed back to what proved to be his Irightiul death, Revoxter—Do you think of anything else not al- roady published? Miss EytiNGz—Only this (for of course you know al- Teady o! the hideous blunder waich was committed in ra sing the curtain for the last act after the theatre was already known 10 be on fire), that the talk about lost wardrobes and valuables 18 simply sickening. magi native minds a-mavy have been at work. Miss Ciax- ton, for one, 1s certainly misrepresented, Sho knows, ag all the profession know, that actresses do not leave costly wardrobes in the easily broken-into dressing rooms of theatres, They take to the theatre only their basket or bundle, with the actual necessities of tho play running, aod in the “Two Orphans,’ as Louise, Miss Claxton needed but little of value, She 18 certainly not responsible tor the statement published, tor she has too much good taste to montion any pecuniary loss, however heavy, in tho Jace of such a hoiocaustof human hives, 1 presume tho reporters swarmed upon her in that terrible day of excitement after the fire, and that no matter how Carotul she was uuder the flood of cross-exumination she was misinterpreted by over-enterprising young journalsts, Rxvortek—Ono more question, Miss Eytinge, ona subject of general inte: Western newspaper re- porters, who are astonished he vague way, to say the icast, in which the New York press treated the disaster the morning foliowing it. Did Miss Claxton or anybody else who escaped have any idea of the ter- rivie extent of the loss of lite which they could have given to really hve reporters? Miss EyTinGgz—That I do not know, only tnat even the company had no certainty that any of their num- ber bad perished before two o'clock the next day, ROSE BOSTON MANSIONS ON FIRE, THE “BACK BAY’ RESIDENTS OF THE ‘‘HUB” ALARMED BY A CONFLAGBATION—MR. HUN- RIWELL'S HOUSE PARTIALLY DESTROYED—A MAID SERVANT BURNED TO DEATH. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] i Bostox, Dec. 19, 1876, A most destructive conflagration occurred in this city this morning, and, under the pressure of a high wind and the detention of the engines by the snow bound streets, it at ene timo threatened to destroy millions of property im the wealthy “Bask Bay’’ portion of the city. The fire originated in the ole- gant mansion of Hollis Hunniwell, corner of Dartmouth and Marlborough streets, which was entirely con- sumed together with nearly all its valuable contents; only a few valuable paintings were saved, and these in adamagod condition, and the total estimated joss to Mr. Hapniwell will not be tar from $100,000, which, however, is amply covered by insurance, A KITCHEN MAID BURNKD UP. Catherine O'Hara, a girl eighiven years of age, who hed been employed in the capacity of akitchenmuad, oc- oupied one of the rooms in the upper or Mansard atory, and jor some reason Was not awakened, or, as some suppose, was so frightened that ahe was unable toeflect her She was suflocuted by the smoke and flames, and her body was subsequently found in the room which she occupied. ‘Two fire were algo seriously and probably fatally injured. FLIGHT OF THN INMATKA. Mr. Honniwell himseli was met by a sheet of while arousing the other members of tho family, escape from instant death was almost miraculous, Indeed all the occupants of the house nad a narrow escape trom suffocation, being obliged to flee to the noigi#ors in only their night clothing. The tlames at an early stage threatened tho residence of EK. U. Sh man, No, 146 Marlvorough sireet, directly in the rear of the burning buslding, bat w danger was av by the exertions of the fir mn, who had control of them only after three ho rd work, upper stories were completely ruimed, w. 1h at por- tion of the first tloor not touched by the flames will have to be rebuilt. The successive ringing of alarms cadsed an apprehension that the great years ago was to be duplicated, ANOTHER MANSION BURNED. The old Motley mansion at Riverside, Dedham, was also burned this morning, and the family of Jobn Goodin, who oceupied it, ly their night ire ot four Church of the Puritans, $112 29; | | | an whieh 2 JAPANESE ART COLLECTION, THE FINEST WORKS BECOMING SCARCE IN JAPAN-—A CHOICE COLLECTION OF ‘‘cURIOS,” ‘An immense concourse of fashionably dressed ladies and many gentiemen attended at the large salesroom (Clinton Hall) yesterday afternoon for the purpose of purchasing holiday presents from a select and interest ing collection of Japanese ‘curios.’ It is only a few years since that Japan and its pro- ductions were, to the “outside barbar! almost @ sealed book. What little information could be gleaned of its resources, wealth and products was doled out im decimal fractions through the circumlocution of em- Dassies, Which, at best, enjoyed only a circuinseribed Umit of observation. Latterly, however, since free access has been granted to foreigners “to make them- selves ai home” yp this bonighted country, much haa been learned of its system of domestic economy, arta and manufactures. Much enlightenment, especially in the fine arts, has been given vy Professor William K. GriMs in his book entitied “The Mikado’s Exnpire’’ This publication enables one to unders'aud tho Jupan- as they are, and deais with their mythology, bis- 'y, Social lite, art products, &c,, very clearly and definitely, ‘fhe opening of Japanese portsto Buropeans has tended to bring into active notice the curious and ancient styles of tho fine arty, Which even the skittul and cunningly imitative Chiness are unable to rival. Many articles of vertu, not only in jewelry but the highly wrought lacquer work, have been im- ported in large quantities and disposed of to good ad- Vantage to the American people, who are fast becom. of this delicate production, Eepe- cially t rely fine lacquer ware, inlaid with pure gold, has tound great fuvor in the eyes of the collectors, but, unfortunately tor them, this art 1s be coming almost extinct as civilization encroaches op the ancient cusioms of the Japanese. The old Ja Damios, in former years, possossed im mense castles or ostates and’ numerous retainers, skilfal artisans predominated, While these servants wero treated as equals, on ad. count of their great attainments as ar! they were bevertheless dependent upon their masters: tar support, The business of these retainers was to manu: tucture all Kinds of tine work, consisting of sword: lacquer work ol every description, bronze statuary ai other articles of the very bost nature. Thcse wares are to the Japanese what ine paintings are to us, and the Damios’ idea was to have frest and original de- signs constantly produced, no matter what time wap consumed in bringing them torth, Gold and silver haa a low vaiuo to the Japanese, consequently thoy entered largely into all kinds ot decoration, Tho system of retainers, a mild type ot slavery, hae been abolissed, and skilled labor is now being more appreciated. The tine lacquer ware is daily becoming scarcer, and the elegantly imlaid Japanese morceaug bave to a great extent passed into the hunds of private collectors, and no more thana year at furthest cap viapse befure all that is left in (hat country will be absorbea by the huuters after curiosities, Ae such as are found be as greedily Board as (be treasures unearthed by Professor Schhemano, fhe superiority of old Japanese work 1s not to be queg tioned, It Js not that the native artists have lost then skill, but itis because the motive that once led (hep to toil on from father to son, generation after genera: tion, to please some family of novle patrons, no longer exists, 118 also.a mistuko that such examples of ary are of easy acquisition in that isiaud, There they are scarce and dear, and they must continue to grow wore and more so. Evon modern work is cheap only in re- gurd to (he common kinds. 118 surprising to observe the difference between their own valuation of what ie the product of their best skill, and common though good work. Mossrs. George A. Leavitt & Go, will continue this sale at Clinton Hall to-day and the following afterhooms until disposed of Tho catalogue conxists of neariy 1,000 valuable articles, and presents a tompting view: to the beholder. Here the observer finds a lautern in the shape of a temple, of antique bronze, aixte inches in height, Further on large round pertu: box of Chinese cloisswnné enamet on bronze, rich 1m color and design; then a book of Japanese puintings on silk; rare sketching in ink and color, jorty-eigbt specimens The tables are littered with antique Sab- uma ware, candlestick vaces, octagonal shape floral and insect decoration, Deep, round disbes pt the finest Kaga porcelain, with the usual decorations of red and gold, inside and out; tine gold and black lacquer wine bottles, with exceedingly fine cloissonné enamel section stund, design of Mikado crest; Coreun water bottle, square form, with top handic; a pair of choice Kaga vases, eiephant handles, fine decurations; ink stand of Japanese cloissonné enamel on bronze dee. orations in bright colors; old and curious deep pluttor of Japanese cloissonné enamel on bronze, round form; vase of tinest Kiota porcelain, decoration of fuus in relief, and exquisitely painted medallions, han- die of raised flowers and ians; specimen of Imari por- celain, representing Japanese children playing Dai Kagura or **Lton of Corea;’’ Damio travelling caso of finest black and gold lacquer, heavy fire gilt mount. jugs, 13x33 inches, Still iurther on were exhibited richly lacquered saucers; Dainio’s toilet box, black and guid lacquer. aventurive lacquer on imside; perfumed boxes of oid aventurine lacquer, with Mikado crest 1m pure gold and pearl; set Laki bowls, red lacquer dec- n gold; a stork’s egg, box with pure gold lac- resenting clouds; pertumed boxes of aven- ; decorations of flying storks and Ty- coon’s crest in goid (two sections) ; old bow! of Satsuma ware, medallion decorations, fincly painted border of green, gold and crimson; teapot of old Satsuma ' ware, wade ms! Ape of & sack, tied with cord and tassel, floral ‘decorations 1p natural colors; Kuga wine cup, inside decoraved with representations of the famous Japanese poets, painted on pure gola ground, fan and floral deoora- tions in medallion on the outside; maguificent Japa- hese sword, pure gold and bronzo mountings, with Mikado’s crests, In exquisite lacquered scabburd, man- ufactured by Taveyoshi, of Kioto, over 250 years ago very antique jewel cabinet, ivury and door ox- quisitely lxequered with pure gold, silver mountings; Damio'sdespateh box, teays, Darmo’s stands, lacqui Jaki cups; ivory carvings, representing wild beast Charwer, the ‘vicious horse, group of musi- cians and cow, boat crossing stream, figures and bird of immortality, taming the fox, fisherman and chiid, group’ of childron play’ ene, surprise, god of longevity, and stor! y others’ Wood carvings represent also in: numerable objects as weil as clegantly executed art, A Japanese bed spread, richly embroidered upon brows ‘ike steel colored siik lining, corded with beavy silk, braid and tassels at corners, 6 x7 feet, is likewise & fine specimen of workmanship and highly attractive Thus the entire catalogue might be itemizea and.eact article invoived, presenting some new and attractive interest dwelt upon wita fervor, THE “HISTORICAL SOCIETY. es ADDRESS BY FREDKKIC DE PEYBTER ON ‘‘REP- RESENTATIVE MEN OF THE ENGLISH BEVO- LUTION.” The lecture room of the Now York Historical Society was comfortably filled last night with members of the society and their frieuds, the occasion of the gathering boing the delivering of an address on tho “Representa. tive Men of the English Revolution,” by President Frederic De Peyster. Toe venerable William Gullen Bryant, as First Vice President, presided, and seated on the platiorm were James W. Beekman, Second Vice President; Goorge H. Moore, Corresponding Secretary; Andrew Warnef, Recording Secretary; John Austin Stevens, Librarian, and Rev. Dr, Adams, After an opening prayer by Dr. Adams, Mr. Bryant introduced Mr. De Veyster as the orator of tho evening. The speaker began by saying that he should treat of the men who gave honor and distinction to the feign of William IL by excellence in metaphysics, natctal philosophy, literature,’ theology, statesmanship aad arma, In John Locke he found tho toremost man ot the period in intellectual philosophy, the legitimate outgrowth of these tendencies of human thought which had culminated in Lord Bacon and developed in the utilitarian ethics of Paley, the theories of Jeremy Beutham ard James, and vobn Stuart Mill, and ip the Eoglish und Germrn seientitic mae im oF the present day, His great merits lay in his restricting for the tune being tho liniis of human inquiry, abe thus directing ali the energies of the mind to ihe 1p: vestigation of those phenomena which connected the material interests of society. His political course was scarcely less nguished, bis work on ‘foleration’”’ having bad a great infiuence im deter- tolerant policy of tne governm It has jiood unrivalled ag the authority upon this subject, Aé an illastration of the department of Nat Qral Philosophy Mr. Do Peyster placed Sir Isauc Newton in the rank of loader of the men of thet aay. Reviewing his great discoveries, he remarked :— “Lt would be impossivie to measure th Newton’s influence upon scientitic progress i arom and toroughout the wor) His discovery of the aliraction vi gravitation gave accuracy precision alculutions u ry commerce depends, to the discover; eummposite character of of the facility with waich brilliant color’ are produced. sweep of machinery of the proseut day is but the ex» pression of the mathematical processes which tho ble. Jieht effects In a word, the st calcuens of Sir sauce Swift the speaker held As the great reprosontative of the literary power of the way. As 4 political satirist be has never been equailed by any writer im the English janguage, Mr, Depeyster recited some of his passages illustrating toe iropy of bis satire on political matters. Dresdeu he represented as tue poet of tho period, whose genius was to be traced in Wordsworth and Shelley, and which evoa yet inspired his most distinguished successor in English verse. The Duke of Marlborough Mr.g De Peystor represented as a brilliant mi! genius, to whom England was indebted more tor @ory ib arms than vo any other man except the Duke of Wellington, With a briet resumé of the striking points in the career of Wili cluded his address; tions of our own country sagacity, and liberal intuence of that Princo in his the American coloutes, At the conclusion of the address a vote of on motion of Mr, Beekman, tendered te Mr. The large audience thon: dispersed, themselves of the invitation to inspect the artand Egyptian museum of the society, Poyster. taany svailtng throwa open, -