Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1856-11-21
a T1,r,CIfuI scene,

The London papers by me Odnaui"ci' "S eue1'
furnish the following particulars OF the fatal accident
at the Music Hall Snr1y Gardens, while the Rev.
Mr. Spurgeon preaching:
Before the service commenced the enthusiasm
within, and even without, the building was intense.
After the preacher had proceeded Tor some minutes
on q sudden the hysterica scream and subsequent
fantng of female in the gallery TO the left OF Mr..
s and at the farther end of the building, occasioned
a connection ,. =,
Presently, the people at the doors cried "Fire!'
-(here really had been strong smell OF hFe few
minutes previonsly )-others called out:-lhe build
ing is falling I" and then, from above, in the galleries,
in the hall and from all Sides rose Voey of screams
and sbricks which were followed by terrific rush
to the doors
The preacher paused in terror. Viewed from the
orchestra, the body of the hall presented scene of
dire confusion and agonized excitement. Fortunately.
from the floor being encountered by seats, moments
obstruction was given 10 the rush. That moment
saved the lives of many no would nave been over
whelmed in the tremendous onset toward the door,
and gave time for more tranquil observation.
The preacher, recovering himself, implOred silence,
assured the people Of safety, and while the shreks
and screams still re>ounded, and terrible groans were
beginning to be heard, set up hymn, which, al
first loudly chanted from the orchestra, soon spread
itself over the troubled congregation IN the body OF
the hall who seeing the roof still above them,
and the galleries still crowded with listeners, terror
stricken, yet eagerly hanging upon the preachers
words thus encouraged, joined in the hymn.
Not IN the galleries. mere was d rush maue
in the circular stair the right side facing tie
entrance. Down this stream Of frightened men,
women and children poured, rushing on In terror
and impeiled om behind by crowds in still greater
alarm Tuning upon the stairs of the second
gallery, ii slight curve is made by the balustrades.
There unfortunately. from the overwhelming pres
sure the mahogany handran BROKE and the balus-
trades gave way one after the other for about three
wards Urged by the crowd "bove, those below fell
over the Sides down the we'll staircase to the stone
floor beneath.
The first who tumhleG over was we'll dressed
woman, who struck upon her head and died without
O. groan; the second another respectfully dressed
female, who fell screaming in an agony, with child
clasped in her arms; then came another woman
then two men, and others followed. Meantime, the
crowd from the end of the hall below were rushing
round the passage, forcing their way outwards owe
the dead and dying The groans and screams were
such as might be tancied of Pandemonum.
SUPERIOR CoURT-This tribunal was engaged par
of Tuesday and all yesterday in the trial of Ra
e chel Freeman fer Arson in burning the dwelling O
Mr. A. H. Whi'tield' in this town. last Spring
The Jary, at 10 o'clock last night, brought in ;
verdict Of Guilty This is her second conviction
but alter the frs, at the Spring Term, the Cour
granted new trial.
For the State, Solicitor Strange; for the prisoner
Messrs. VIM. B. Wright and Joseph Baker, Jr.
The Court will lie occupied to-day with an ap
p.ication to admit to bail three States prisoner
II from Bladen county, who could no, be tried at tn
late Term for want of time, and who are now her
with their Counsel, John A. Richardson, Esq.-Fag
Observer, 18Th inst.
SYNOD or NORTH CARoLINIA-This body convene
at the Presbyterian Church this town. last evening
the Rev E. w. Caruthers, Moderator of the last Sy
nod, in the Chair, having previously preached tn
opening Sermon
+, The Rev. NeiII Mckay, of Harnett county, wa
;, then chosen Moderator for the ensuing year.
There are sixty seventy Ministers present.
The session will probaly continue till Monday mex
and in the mean time there will be religious service
twice day, morning and evening.
Fay Observer 18Th INST.
Other in the hands of the President
The next session will be held at Jamestown O
Thursday before the second Sabbath in Noyembe
a 1887
c. The Conference adjourned on Tuesday evenino =
Greensboro IN CN Times