Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-08-27
HORRIBLE FANATTcIsM.
CTuciirion Of d Ec,no/e.

81,
titled, Narrative of the Atrocities committees
in the Canton of Zuriuh, in 1923, by a Faiiati-
cal Association" The details are of SO horrible
anature, that one wonld be led todscredit their
authenticity, had they not been publicly and
jurisdically proved before the tribunals of Zu-
rich. The following is an abstract of the prin-
ciple factsi-In the northern part of the Canton
of Zurich is little village, or hamlet, named
Weldensbnch, the inhabitants of which amoun-
ting to about five and twenty families, are en-
ployed in agriculture Amongst these, the
family of Jean Peter was considered to be the
most prosperous and happy, until the depIora-
Die event which has plunged them in misery and
ignony Marguerite Peter, aged 90 years one
oil the six children of Jean Peter, had acquired
for some years back, amongst the fanatics. of
the country reputation for sauctity. She was
considered woman endowed with supernatu-
raj knowledge, and intrusted with mission from
heaven to relume the torch of faith.-IIer natu-
raj enthusiastic temperament had been excited
and nourished by the prea clings of certain tim
Grant missionaries to such PITCH as to give her.
In the Ignorant eyes of those around her an air
OF inspiration.--EJJ this means she had insensiby
acquired most unbounded influence over her
father, her brothers, sisters, and servants. and
had even succeeded in forming numerous as
sembhes ofpersons of both sexes sand all ages
who IN these pIous orgies, delivered them
selves up to the most revolving practices that
folly and superstition can suggest.
On the 18th of March, 1923, at O'Clock in
the morning, the neighbours Of Jean Peter were
surprised to ind, contrary to his usual early hab
ITS, his house closed, and the windows carefully
blinded on the fnside.-On approaching they
heard noise, ash proceedipg from violent blows
oil ratchet; mingled with the confused cries
OF various persons, and at length they heard the
following Xclamations-ssInpoke all the ANGELS
above! Invoke all the holy prophets! ImpIore-
the aid OF all serapliius! Courage, strike 1t
is viiian-it is murderer-strike vigorous
! iy!"-Ihese strange sounds and EXPLANATIONS
continued until two O'clock and were succeed
ed by perfect silence, which lasted until nine
o'clock, IN the evening, wbenthe same sounds re-
commenced and continued until midnight when
profound silence ensued. at fen o'clock the
next morning these lugubrious noises and ex.
fciaInations again began, and the neighbours
distinctly heard the blows of hatchets as they
were struck against the beams and posts Of the
house. AT two o'clock the noise became so
loud and furious particularly from the upper
story, that all the inhabitants of tile villages ga
! thered round the house, but none of them dared
to approach, for fear of formidable watch dog,
chained near the door. At half past seven o.
clock the noise ceased, but recommended at
midnight with redoubled violence. From Pc
ter's bed chamber the voices ofmen and women
were heard crying out shave pity on us--suc-
cour us God all powerful.-deliver us--strike--
1t is a william, &C." After in vain summoning
those inside to open the door, the baiiie order
ed one of the windows to be burst in and on
light being introduced through it, there were
seen ilye men leaning against the door to pre-
vent 1T being forced open, a man apparently
dead was lying on his face on the floor, a ereun
OF men and women lying upon each other near
! the door, and close to terr woman upon her
knees, WHO was slapping with the palm of her
| hand, the body of the man stretched on the
floor, and exclauning at eacli slap-''Have pi-
| ty, have PITY"
On the door being forced open, the men urged
on by the women, endeavored 10 resist the gen
d'arnes, whilst Maguerite Peter continued to
slap woman near her, crying out 80 Have pity
| Lord!" Two men and two women were then
discovered lying in such manner upon the
ground, that the head ofa man was in the lap of
a woman, and the head Of "A woman in the lap
Of man. The gen d'armos being ordered TO
| lead Peter out of the room, the men and women
loiDed in resisting them, but when, in spite of
! their efforts he was brought out TO the porch of
| The house, they all hung upon bin, drew him to
/ the ground, and formed a circle round him, all
closely hugging and embracing each other.
| When Peter attempted TO answer the questions
Of the Magistrate, bis daughter Marguerite rails
cd her voice, and said to hiin--s' Father, do not
| answer him, continue only to pray" She then
| added" Let usdie. shall quit this life Cbristn
| The Others Chimed in with - Lord deliver us
Lord have pity on us'7--The BailIe seeing that
1t was in vain to attempt bringing them to res-
son at that moment, ordered them TO be left in
the porch Of their house, and told the crowd to
retire; ageu d'arrnes beingplaced in front of the
house. AT four O'Clock in the morning of Fri
day, the 18th, they appeared, to be somewhat
Gained, and at their request were permitted to
enter the house. This was however only de-
ceitful calm for on their being left alone, AFset