ADDITIONAL AMERICAN NEWS.

Evening Star, Issue 4298, 5 December 1876, Page 4

ADDITIONAL AMERICAN NEWS.

A frightful accident occurred at the Royal China Theatre in San Francisco, 300 crowding into a place quite unfit to hold them, a number of Chinese females being present, f'ome matting in the gallery caught fire by sparks from a cigar in the hands of some careless Chinamen. The utmost confusion prevailed, and a panic ensued, and largo numbers of the Chinese in the auditorum rushed frantically for the door, and those packed in the gallery did the same. The doors were closed, but they were res ; stless against the torrent of yellow humanity that poured down the stairs. The foremost of the crowd, thirty in number, were scarcely out before the massive door fell open and crushed them to the floor; while over it crowded tho dense audience. The fire was summarily quenched by the actors, who continued the performance, which had the effect cf staying many of the frightened Chinese. The railing of the stairway leading from the gallery to the floor giving way several were frightened, and fallen men were crushed under foot by their terror-stricken companions. The tide having been checked, the officers raised the prostrated, and moved the dead and several others who were rapidly dying. The sight of bodies was horrible beyond description. The Royal Chinese Theatre, or “The Royal Louise Trap,” as it is more generally known, has became accustomed to panics. ImpecuniousChinamenwouldstand at the door to solicit checks, and were called “check grubbers,” and were accustomed to scale the walls of a China shop adjoining the theatre, and on reaching the roof were enabled to look into the theatre through the side windows. A “check grubber” would call through the window the startling cry of “Fire,” which would be taken up and be repeated at the other windows with more terrifying emphasis. The terror-stricken audience, not delaying to look round to determine the truth or falsity of the cry, would rush for the door over the benches, and the greatest confusion would result. The men who had rushed out at the beginning of the excitement would return, and among them would be the “ check grubbers ” who caused all the excitement to secure free seats. There is war in Columbia. The national troops in Lima had proclaimed Dr. Galendo Provisional President of the iState, and were in occupation of that part of the State ; hut Senator Teofildo Deil Hio, with his Conservative forces at Libano Quasces, the historical Quirrillas of Cundenamarce, were ou the war path in great strength. A great battle was fought on 30th August at Losechanco in Cauca, the rebels numbering 6,500. The rebels wore defeated by 3,000 men, under General Tenello, and lost more than 100 killed and wounded; while the Government forces lost 200 killed and 300 wounded. Vaccination being resisted by the lower classes of Valparaiso, an order has been issued making it compulsory in view of the great mortality. Santiago had 2,000 deaths from small-pox.