The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1838-05-26
pE.N.Nsl.LI.r.NL.4 MaLL.

erected LOT the purpose OIL pubic discussion, |
was opened for the first time, and great
excitement was created in the city in conse-
quence of several speeches having been
made upon the subject Of the abolition of
slavery. On Wednesday a large crowd as
sembled in front of the Hall and broke SO or
go panes of glass, but done no other damage.
Thursday the excitement became general,
and resulted in the destruction of the build
ing, the following account of which we eX-
tract from the Philadelphia Inquirer of Fri
day.
Destruction Of Pennsylvania Hail.
The popular excitement growing out of
the dedication of Pennsylvania Hall, and the
attending circumstances, reached fearful
pitch throughout Yesterday The tumult
of the previous night was the theme OF all
tongues; thousand extravagant stories
were circulated, and the apprehension be-
came general that the night would not pass
bv, without still more fearful and exciting
scene. During the day, the Hall was opeA,
and as we bel eve, one or two lectures were
delivered At noon, from 100 to 200 per-
sons congregated in front of the building;
and the number continued TO increase and
the sensation become stronger, until to-
wards sundown, when thousands from eve
rV section Of the city and county, poured
in dense masses towards the scene; and by
8 o'clock, there must have been a cOncourse
of Ten Thousand persons, of all classes,se
es; ages and conditions. The Mayor, we
are told, made his appearance at an early
hour. and closed the doors of the Hall; not
withstanding it was understood that socie-
ty would meet there in the evening for the
purpose of discussion. We need scarcely
state that, as the crowd increased the ex-
citement waxed warmer. The first de-
monstrations of attack were made upon the
windows, which were thrown at, from nu-
merous hands and from every direction.
The movement was followed up by an
attempt to force the doors, which at first did
not succeed the efforts, however, were
soon redoubed, and an entrance efiected.-
The next step was breaking the seats, gal
leries and furniture in the interior. The
fragments it is said, were hastily gathered
together in the centre of the hall land torch
applied. The gas pipes were cut and fire
communicated to the streams that issued
forth. These are the statements OF the
night; for with conflicting runiors in circua'
ton, it was impossible to discover any au
thenticated account of the more deliberate
preliminary steps. The alarm of fire wa:
speedily given, and the vast multitude re-
ecoed the cry. The state house bell alst
rang out, and the engines and firemen pour
ed in with their apparatus, which they
speedily put in readiness for action.
The crowd by this time had swollen L
an immense magnitude, and not only SiXt!
street from Arch to Race, presented dens
mass of human beings, but all the street
and alleys adjacent, were thronged witt
eager and excited spectators. The alarm
soon spread through the city-a few hast,
particulars passed from mouth to mouth
and the apprehension was fargreater anon
those who had not an opportunity of vii
Messing the progress of the flames, than tn
immediate spectators OF the scene.
This was natural; the Hall being locate
in one of the most densely populated part
of our city. within a stones throw oil tn
Arch Street Theatre. and number of fran
buildings being in the immediate nelghbo
hood it was feared that, no matter ho'
well directed the affairs of the ,iremen, nc
how liberal the supply OF water,t they wou
not be able to bound the progress OF tn
flames. Nay more, conflict between tn
police and the crowd was apprehended; an
hence, many an anxious mother, or susceI
tible wife, dreaded lest the night would NJ
pass by, without the destruction Of life ;
well as property.
Soon after nine O'Clock, the whole bull
ing was wrapped in flames, which dlfluse
a lurid light around, and throwing their re
reflections upon the multitude below, in
parted a remarkable and fearful effect to Il
scene. Every window vomited forth
volume, and the roof cracked, smoked al
blazed before the progress of the devouriI
element 1t was fearful scene, and y
we never witnessed so vast concOurse
passive and SO quiet, considering the circul
ces of the case. The great majority a
peared to be merely spectators; unwillil
by any movement whatever, either to
crease the existing, or provoke further
element. The fremen were perfect
seIf-possessed and took especial pains