The Sun.
London, England, 1864-02-09 00:00:00

The Fearful Accident at Santiago,

IMPROVING THE OCCASION a la CHADBAND !
(From the John Bull.)
We all remember how in " Bleak House" Mr.
Chadband undertook to " improve the subject"—
the subject in question being the moral, social, and
educational deficiencies of the poor boy Joe. We
know too how very little the process did towards
supplying these deficiencies, whatever sustenance
it may have afforded to the self-righteousness and
self-complacency of Mr. Chadband and his auditory.
There are plenty of Chadbands among us, and the
first idea—and very often the last too—which they
connect Nsr ith the misfortunes of their neighbours is
that of " improving the occasion' to their own glo-
rification or the indulgence of their own envy,
hatred, and uncharitableness, as the opportunity
may seem most favourable.

One could hardly have imagined that this weak-
ness of poor human nature should not have found an
exception for itself in the presence of that appallinf?
horror which has made Santiago a city of such sor-
row as history hardly records. The story of two thou-
sand women and girls gathered together for the pur-
pose of worshipping God, and suddenly exposed to a
rain of fire from the roof of the church—rush-
ing in their terror and agony towards the doors,
and there falling over each other in a screaming,
struggling pile of humanity, trampled and choked
and burned to death, and dragged from that con-
fused mass of human ruin blackened and disfigured
corpses—all this brings before us a picture of horrors
which might have been thought capable of causing
us, for one moment at least, to sink our religious
animosities in one common grief and sympathy.
Yet no sooner were the details of the fearful dis •
aster made known than most of the organs of public
opinion in this Protestant country eagerly jumped
at the opportunity of "improving the occasion" for
an anti-Popish demonstration, and made it their
special business to connect the accident as much as
possible with the rites and usages of the Church of
Rome. Misfortunes of the same kind have been
subjected before now to like comments. When a
certain tower in Siloam fell there were people who
sought to "improve the occasion" in the sense of a
moral Pharisaism, and we know how they were re-
buked. We wish that the rebuke might have some
influence on those who are so pertinacious in im-
proving the Santiago disaster under the promptings
of religious Pharisaiam. This is the more to be
desired, because such an outbreak of heartless
bigotry is calculated to draw away attention
from the real lessons taught by the accident,
and from the care which ought to be taken to
provide against similar occurrences. We are not
indeed likely to have a holocaust of church-goers in
this country in consequence of that over-dressed
religion which finds acceptance in Chili. But we
have our crowded gatherings here too, and a fire, or
the alarm of one, might at any time cause a fearful
destruction of human life at one of our theatres or
other similar assemblies. We do not make sufficient
arrangements for the sudden exit of a multitude, and
we have not equalled the attention given to the mat-
ter in other countries—possibly from the high price
paid for space in London as compared with the con-
tinental cities. We recollect the frightful peril in-
curred by a large crowd when Covent Garden
Theatre was burned down ; we have heard too of
an alarm at Mr. Spurgeon's Tabernacle. We can
qulte imagine that if either of these accidents had
come near its results to the horrible sacrifice at San-
tiago, there would not have been wanting people
to " improve the occasion" after the same fashion.

In reference to the same appalling casualty, the
following sensible, and in many respects very re-
markable, letter, signed " Father Thomas," appears
in the Weekly _Register of Saturday :
The terrible calamity that has withered the hearts
of millions must never be forgotten—and will not,
we heartily hope, be repeated any more by unwise,
unbefitting, and outrageous muslin draperies and
excessive illuminations.

We priests leave too much to sacristans end
volunteer decorators, and through an over sensitive-
ness of giving pain to zealous and well meaning per-
sons, we suffer our chapels and churches to be turned
into drawing rooms or dancing halls, so far as deco-
ration goes, Blue, red, or white curtains, glass
chandeliers, various coloured tinsel papers, lights
and lamps everywhere in blazing immoderation.
Let there be lamps and wax lights in tasteful
arrangement, but no muslins, red, white, and blue,
nor anything in exaggeration and unmeaning pro-
fusion. Any way, for heaven's sake, let all possibi-
lity of conflagration be removed.
What an unfair use has been made by our enemies
of this accident—an accident it was, and nothing
more and nothing less. Our hearts are riven by this
most sad and sorrowful accident, and there is not
that man, be he priest or not priest, who would not
have braved the flames to drag any one of these poor
sufferers from that dreadful fire even at the risk of
his own life. No doubt on that most frightful even_
ing every one was in a state of bewilderment. We
can now well see what might have been done, but
if we had been in that frightful scene ourselves !
The whole was all over in five and twenty minutes
—there was no time to think, no time to act. If
any of our public theatres were to take fire, what
must be the consequence ? Thousands of people,
all rushing wildly to make for the narrow doorways
and staircases, trampling over each other, and mak-
ing their destruction doubly sure.
Would the public press attribute such a catas-
trophe to the judgment of heaven ? Nothing of
the kind. Then why turn on us and say that this
conflagration was no accident but a manifest visita-
tion of God's indignation ? Indignation at what ?
Those worshippers of God and- Christ His Son were
collected together for divine worship—not for the
worship of the blessed Virgin, as they understand
the term, but all congregated to worship their God
and honour His most blessed mother Mary. They
sought her prayers—that she would pray for them
and with them to her and their Lord ; this was all
they asked, and, whatever they did and said, this is
all they asked and this was all they meant. Why,
then, denounce them as idolators and worthy of
God's manifest indignation ?
God's day will come when these hard-mouthed
blasphemers shall be called upon to justify them-
selves.
In the meanwhile we feel assured that most, if
not all, that died in the Church of God that even-
ing, assembled as they were to praise God and be-
seech His mercy, aro now with the blessed in the
everlasting world. The Almighty has taken them
away from the temptation and sorrows of this
wicked world, and, as was the case with the holy
innocents—whilst lamentation is on earth there is
juy among the angels.

WIFE MURDER AT WORCESTER.—A sad case of
murder occurred on Sunday afternoon during the
hour of divine service, in Worcester. It appears that a man
named John Ford, alias Hoboy, 33, a labourer, had been
living for about 12 years with one Elizabeth Hull, 44, whose
birthday happened yesterday, and they resided in a court
leading out of St. Clement's-street. From whan be
gleaned at present it seems that a man namedll Henry
and
Haarennett went into the house where Ford and Hu
that he sat in the place some time before he saw anyone.
After a while Ford came in and asked where " Bess " was.
Bennett said he had not seen her, but in a few minutes she
came in carrying some cabbages, which she had purchased
for another man, a neighbour. Ford had some words with
her, and told her she should not fetch things ththere
people. From words he came to force, and felled her with
a blow that laid her senseless, fracturing her skull. Au
alarm was afterwards raised, and a neighbour fetched in
Police-constable Archer. On that officer going into
house he found Ford and Bennett supporting the woman,
who appeared lifeless, and was bleeding profusely from
severe wound in the forehead, which appeared to have beena
caused by the fire shovel, which was covered with blood.
Mr. Palmer, surgeon, was called in, but his assistance
of no avail, as the unfortunate woman was beyond the reach
wasll
of human aid.
.Ford was taken into custody, and the housereae
having been visited bye
great
:arc; t
crowdse
me Superintendentexcitement
prevailed ,
assemblingPower,utheat
neigh-
bourhood
t wase
dowauyirlslleobnmegubrought before the coroner's jury at
sTeheuerperdprisoner
lel all
the inquest, which will probably be held to-day.—Birminy-
ham Gazette.

THE NEW THEATRE COMPANY.—,This morning
the cause of Brandon v. Rickards was called on in
the Lord Mayor's Court. It arises out of the late attempt
of Mr. Boucicault to erect a joint-stock theatre, but as Mr.
Henry James, the barrister engaged by the defendant, was
unable to attend, the case was, by consent of both parties,
directed to stand over till Saturday.

Battersea Working Mens' Club and Institute

The opening of this club .took place last night,
a public meeting being hel d in Lammas Hall,
under the presidency of the originator, Charles
Curling, Esq., who was supportea by the following
gentlemen, who were present on the platform, and
spoke in explanation and approval of the objects and
uses of the Institution—The Revs. T. J. Jerikinson,
J. Milling, J. M. Soule, W. Evill, Esq., Junior, E. C.
Robins, Esq., Dennis Gaven, Esq., and Norman.
Shairp, Esq. The meeting, which was a full one,
was also addressed by two working men, Mr.
Fearn and Mr. Ward.

After a few introductory remarks by the
chairman, Mr. Norman Shsirp, the honorary secre-
tary, read the report of the Provisional Com-
mittee, from which it appeared that a house
in Church - road had been taken and
under the superintendence of Mr. E. C. Robins, the
honorary architect, had been thoroughly repaired
and fitted up for the purposes of the institute.
About £2OO had bee❑ expended, and as little nice:e
than half was as yet subscribed, pecuniary aid
was desired from the wealthy to enable the
institute to start free of all liability. The
Reverend H. Solly, the secretary of the
Union, then delivered an eloquent address explana-
tory of the objects and advantages of working
men's clubs, of which be himself had been instru-
mental in establishing some sixty during the list
two years. In the course of his address, Mr. Solly
observed that the object of clubs and institutes for
working men was to supply a great and ackno ws-
ledged want, and to satisfy the craving for social
intercourse which he believed to be divinely
inspired for a good purpose, and therefore intended
to he gratified. They sought to do this without
leading the working man into habits of intempe-
rance, but rather by offering him a helping hand
to enable him to resist the seductions of the gin
palace, and to be interested not only in his own im-
provement, but also in the welfare of his fellows.
He said it was not intended to draw away husbands
from their firesides, but rather to make them value
them the more ; and that until suitable dwellings
were provided for a reasonable sum, without the
miserable inconveniences which usually distinguish
the homes of the working classes ; that until better
lodging oould be had at lower prices, so that a large
family should not have to exist in a couple or la-
ventilated rooms, or run into debt for rent. Until
such time, it was obviously needful, and it was
intended to provide the working man a place of
resort, where he could meet his friends and enjoy
a few hours quiet recreation after his work till his
wife should be ready to receive him, and be able
to listen to the news of the day which he may
have gleaned from the papers at his club.
He said it was not intended to form temperance
' societies, but rather associations, where the tempta-
tions to intemperance should be removed, and n.
ducements to temperate habits and mutual im-
provement provided instead. They were not
engaged in a ;crusade' against innkeepers, but in
attempting to provide that which it is not,
their interest to afford viz., a public
house without intoxicating drinks therein. Neither
was it intended that clubs should be made religious
societies, but rather social and moral, mutual bene-
fit, improvement and recreation societies, 'pro-
moting the cultivation of these virtues without
which religion is soon brought into disrepute.
He wished it also to be understood that it was the
desire of the promoters of these clubs that the work A
ing men should themselves be in some sense re•_
sponsible for its success. Two-thirds of the
managing committee would be composed of
working men, above the ago of 18 years, with-
out distinction of class or creed, so long
as they observed the rules of the institu-
tions which they themselves would be requested
to take part in forming. It was the desire of the
promoters of the Battersea Club to further these
objects, and he trusted the undertaking would be
success. Mr. Solly was followed by the gentlemen
and working men before mentioned, and at the
close of the meeting a considerable number of work-
ing men came forward to enroll their names as
members of the club.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE,

TATTERS ALLS'.--LAST EVENING.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STAKES.
10 to 1 agst Blithtield (take 11 to 1)
CITY AND SUBURBAN.
100 to 6 agst Liston (taken)
33 to 1 agat Marigold (taken)
LITERPOOL STEEPLECHASE.,
10 to 1 agst Emblem (taken and offered)
100 to 7 agst Wee Nell (taken)
15 to 1 agst Portland (taken)
15 to 1 agst Real Jam (taken)
100 to 6 agst Bantan (taken)
20 to 1 agst Sinking Fund (taken)
25 to 1 agst Jerusalem (taken)
25 to 1 agat Emblematic (taken)
25 to 1 agst Medora (taken)
33 to 1 agat Harty (taken)
TWO THOUSAND GUINEAS.
6to 1 agst Paris (offered)
6to 1 agst Fille de l'Air (offered)
100 to 15 agst Cumbuscan (taken)
10 to 1 agst Scottish Chief (taken)
10 to 1 agst Claremont (taken)
CHESTER CUP.
16 to 1 agst Accident (taken)
20 to 1 agst Blackdowa (offered)
25 to 1 agst Muezzin (taken)
33 to 1 agat Merry Hart (taken)
40 to 1 agst Tattoo (taken)
THE DERBY.
10 to 1 agst Scottish Chief (offered)
13 to 1 agst Coastguard (taken)
15 to 1 agst Cambuscan (taken)
16 to 1 agst Forager (taken)
22 to 1 agst Historian (taken)
23 to 1 agst Claremont (taken)
28 to 1 agst Idler (taken)
33 to 1 agst Ackworth (token)
33 to 1 agst Ely (taken)
35 to 1 agst General Peel (taken)
50 to 1 agst Baragah (taken)
GG to 1 agst Baloi nock (taken)
66 to 1 agst Stafford (taken)
100 to 1 agst Canat (taken)
100 to 1 agst ti irgilia (taken)
100 to I agst Copenhagen (taken)

MANCHESTER BETTING—YESTERDAY.'
CITY AND SUBURBAN.
25 to 1 agst Liston (taken)
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STARES.
1000 to 80 agst Blitbfield (taken)
15 to 1 agst Lioness (taken)
LIVERPOOL STEEPLECHASE.
10 to 1 agst Wee Nell (taken freely).
100 to 8 agst Emblem (taken)
CHESTER cur.
100 to 7 agst Accident (taken)
2000 to 80 agst Blackdown (taken)

RACING FIXTIJ
FEB'

Birmingham
2
Harrow
Chelmsford l7

Nottingham Spring 1
Derby Spring 3
Liverp00l
Shrewsbury
Doncaster Spring

AP:
Croxton-park 1
Edinburgh Spring 2
Abergavenny
Think 5

RES FOR 1864.
:lIART.
Lincoln Spring ..... ... 23
Hungerford ... • . 25

Warwick . • • le
Durham ..• • 2S
Northampton .......... 29
Catterick ..... .. 30

Chester ! .
York Spring
Salisbury .. 12
Bath

'RIL.

Ascot
Hampton .............. 15
Newton .............. 15
Odinam .............. 21
Bibnry ............. 22
Stockbridge .......... 23

Jt
Newmarket July
Carlisle .. 5
Abingdon
Liverpool July
Stamford
14
Pontefract

Epsom Spring ........ 7
Newmarket Craven .... 1/,
Newmarket First Spring 2r,i

Manchester
Harpenden .... 20
Epsom ,

Chelmsford.. .. 28
New Forest Hunt 2S
Ne wcastle-on-Tyne ..
Worcester (Summer) •
Ipswich

Nottingham
Winchester l9
Southampton ..
Chesterfield . 21
Goodwood ••••. X 29

EAPERIAL PARLIAMENT

HOUSE OF LORDS— Last Evening,
Ths LORD CZANCELLOR took his seat on the woolsack
at fry a o'clock.
The house sat for a warier of an hour, but no business
v.as transacted, and their lordships then adjourned.

1.1075 E OF COMMONS—Last Evening,

The SPEA....tali, took the chair at four o'clock.
PETITIONS.

Petitions. were presented by Sir J. SHELLEY, signed by
1,000 persons, in favour of the reduction of the duty on fire
insurances, and several other petitions to the same effect
were also presented from different parts of the country.