RIOT IN A PARIS THEATRE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 8415, 14 January 1899, Page 2

RIOT IN A PARIS THEATRE.

Paris, Dec. 7. An extraordinary scene occurred tonight at the opening of the new Opera Comique, which has been rebuilt in the place of the theatre of the same name, which was burned some ten or twelve years ago, the conflagration being attended by much loss of life. The house was crowded with all the rank and fashion of Paris, comprising the President of the Republic, and a number of members of the Imperial family of Russia, conspicuous among whom were the Czar's uncle and aunt, the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess Vladimir. The President bad scarcely taken his place in his State box with his Imperial guest than a full-fledged riot ensued, part of the audience shouting " Vive l'Armee,". while the others were equally vociferous in their shouts in favor of Colonel Picquart. It would have been well enough had they contented themselves with mere cries, bub the people present worked themselves into such a state of excitement with their howls that they proceeded to Mows, and a free fight ensued, upon which the Grand Duchess Vladimir looked down with amazement, the Grand Duke Vladimir with a sneer that he did not attempt to conceal, and President Fame with profound mortification. It was a scene suoh as one could sea at the present moment nowhere save in France, and showed the Russian Grand Duke how incompetent the Government here is to maintain order. It was not calculated to add to the value of the Franco-Russian alliance in the eves of the illustrious Muscovite guests.