Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1856-11-08
FEARFUL SCENE ATTENDING Mr.. CHOATES
e7rr SPEECH AT LOWELL

eF.1 SPEECH AT LOWELL.
The speech of Hon. Rufus Choate in Hunting
ton Hal, Lowell, on Tuesday evening, was at
tended by an incident of fearful aspect at the time
but which happily passed off without the threat
ene1 caamitous results. A correspondent OF the
Boston Courier thus describes it:
The meeting was convened in Huntington Hail.
over the railway station. Ladies were admitted
to the galleries, and these thronged, the doors
were opened to the multitude. The Hall is one
hundred and twenty by eighty feet At o'clock
it was filled to repletion. Men stood packed to-
gether in the closest possible Manner and it was
estimated that there were over five thou,and per-
sons within the walls.
The meeting came TO order, was organic ID ;
the President Mr.. Whipple, was introduced, and
was gracefully saying that he would not detain US
that his audience was here to hear another-and
while thus agreeably engaged, a sound as if from
a cannon at distance, Filed all ears, and we felt
the floor yielding. There was general panic and
a movement toward the platform, and great deal
of excitement.
Mr.. Choate was sitting on the rostrum, calm,
contemplstive, and apparently mediterranean
that he was unconscious of the shock. He in
quired of gentleman seated near him, in his
characteristic way, "Are we sinking to the earth"
and being informed that the hall was used for
dancing purposes, and that it was the spring floor
Ouiy IIlht uhu SVSu Way no OUeOifOu, fCiJ
well, let US go on then" But the crowd was
alarmed, and it was necessary to say that There
was no danger and to announce that 4" Mr.. Jo-
seph H. Rand, member of the city government,
and an experienced architect, would go below and
examine the building"
Mr.. Choate had spoken fully thirty minutes,
when another dismal sound was heard-more sink
ing of the floor experienced-there was panic
again and rush. Mr.. Choate paused; Mr.. But
Ter shouted There was no danger" others gave
similar assurances; but the men were FESTIVE.
The ladies alone were composed.
Notwithstanding the threatening aspect Of af-
fairs-the floor settled at least six inches in
the centre of thu hal--not more than a thou.
sand men withdrew. There was some commoton
in the ladies' gallery, and movement, but conf
dence was restored, and for ten minutes general
quiet was observed en- the part of all.
Mr. Butler returned and said: Gentlemen, al
though have full confidence in the strength of
this floor although am persuaded there is no
danger, yet such is the state CT feeling here, l
think we had better adjourn. But let there be no
stampede-retre in order"
In less than FIVE minutes the hall was empty,
and all escaped accident and harm. And now let
me say there was danger--imminent and awful.
Mr.. Butler, though he disguised his fears entered
the hall never expecting to leave it alive; and to
his frmness and intrepdity credit should be given
for the preservation of that great concourse Of
men and women. He discovered, with Mr.. Rand
that the floor had yielded perceptibly; that the
noIse whirh so alarmed all, was the swapping OF
the iron fsstenngs and supports; that if the audi
ence was not soon removed, the fl Dor and the roof
and perhaps the side walls, would soon come down.
He discovered that certain timbers upon which
the floor rested had given way, and that the ceiling
of the depot beneath was opening ald threaten
ing.
But the audience retired in order, and without
accident. The gentlemen on the platform W re Of
the last to leave. Mr.. Choate, while pass sing to
the door, for the first time seemed TO indicate by
expression a realization Of the danger which envi.
roGed Us The fl DOR actually sunk under him two
or thres inches aud he was heard to remark,
This is GOING but he retained his sefposses-
sion and walked on.