Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-08-10

From the Cincinnati Republican July23, (Jackson.,
RIOT AT THE THEArRE-It being announced in
the bills eff Friday, that Governor Houston would
attend the Theatre in the evening, and the weather
being peculiarly pleasant, very large audience had
assembled at 3 o'clock. The play had progressed
to the second act, when Mr.. Houston, accompa-
MED by some gentlemen of this city, arrived, and
took possession of tho front box. Two persons,
whose names we are proud not to know, seated i'm
the second box on the right, Immediately began to
hiss; q gencr Il upronr was the consequence the
business OF the stage suspended, the actors
and actresses, excepting the manager, retiring be
hind the wings. ''Turn him out" ''Femae purity,
and "the Veto," now resounded from the right
wing Of the boxes, the ladies left the house in
| alarm, the friends of Mr.. Houston and the lovers
of good order pressed to the box occupied by the
unoffenilng object of the excitement, determined,
US far in their power, to protect HIM from, Insult
| and abuse, and the Theatre became Ione general
sceno of confusion. Mr.. Caldwell the manager
after several Intellectual attempts to obtain silence
addressed few words to the audience, which were
lost amidst discordant calls of 'Out with Houston
Turn out Houston, and the play may go on !"
These, accompanied with Kisses and cat calls com
pletely drowned the Managers voice; and a de.
monstration seemed TO be making in the boxes fer
a general attack the box of Mr.. Houston.
In this situation of affairs several of that gentle
mans friends cndeayored to obtain a hearing, but
with very i'll success, only u very few of their re-
marks meeting the ear.
Mr.. Houston, who, throughout the whole even.
ing, appeared perfectly calm and collected, hp yinp
obtained II moments silence, addressed few re.
marks to the audience, appealing q stranger to
their hospitality and patriotism. He expressed his
deep respect for the character of the citizens of
Ohio-said he felt proud in the recollection o. ha-
wing fought and bed in defence of his country in
the war ofl6l2, when his companions in arms were
soldiers of Ohio; that he had attended the theatre
upon the special invitation of the Manager, and
he was extremely sorry his presence should occa-
sion such extraordinary cbution of feeling. He
had proceeded thus far audibly, amid cries of
Don't hear him." "Out with him." when his voice
was overpowcred by every species of noise that
ms enemies could put in requisition.
The manager again made attempt to address
the audience, but with the exception of very few
words, scarcely heard beyond the orchestra, was
unsuccessful. Mr. Hernzen came on the stage and
Attempted TO sing the audience into good humor;
but the first line of his song met with decided hiss
and ne retired. Finding all attempts to proceed with
The amuscmcnts of the evening Ruthless, the mana
ger declared the performance closed, and Mr.
Houston and his friends succecdcd in leaving the
theatre uninjured
III is impossible TO conjecture the motives that
produced this disgracefu transaction. From many
OF the cries uttered by the rioters, were induced
to believe that it originated in political feeling.
Justice and strict of duty, however, com.
pei US to assert the fact and do it with pleasure
That many distinguished gentlemen, supporters of
MI. Clay, men who are an honor to any party and
10 human nature, amongst the foremost in
protecting Mr.. Houston, and in striving to ouelI
tho disturbance.