The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-11-24

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HON. JOHN CocHRANEs LECTURE AT THE coofEh IN
sTITUTE LAST NGHT-rHErSAPPRofRiAIEp LAS 70
TO Re GIVEN FREE TO ALL CLAssss-ofkNiSs VI
THE WEST AND A HOME FOR THE kAlshA IAN.
ors ALARM or fIRE-BURsrISG OF THE GAS
GREAT ExCITEMENT BUT NO AcCIDENT-THE Lee
TURE ADJOURNED, ETC.
last evening pursuant to notice, the Hon. John
Cochranc delivered mort interesting, eloquent and
instructive lecture in tie Cooper Institute, before
the Catholic Library Association The commod
ous hall was about half filled by select
and highly intelligent audience numbering about five
hundred persons ladies and gentlemen, who paid INC
most marked attention the eloquent address, at
essay, Of the lecturer.
At eight O'Clock Mr.. CocWANE presented himself, and
most warmly received by the assemblage. He then
proceeded deliver his lecture which of most
instructive character. He commenced by beautifully,
and with his peculiar command OF language, eucidating
the rights of the huslan He alluded TO mans in
hercnt right TO enjoy the land, cultivate and i'm
prove il, and nex1 proceeded TO the discussion OF the
question Of tho unappropr'ated lands OF the states ne
argued that all and should be given 10 those VINO would
readily take and enjoy IT, and eloquent manner sue
cesssuy proved that the only euemy 10 true liberty
the difficulties Of possession placed on the Western and
other lands by the government OF the country. He
instanced as an example OF the minority 10 the majority
OF tho people enjoying the freedom and benefits Of
landed proprietary, the European countries and gave
a very interesting statistical table OF the numbers
compared to the population, who enjoyed the soil
European countries. He argued that should
enjoy land he did aud water and showed that the
Western continent present lying waste should be
the property of the people OF the United States those
willing cultivate and improve it, thereby enlargng and
providing for the thousands who sought refuge and
home in the New World. Tue honorable gentleman then
proceeded discussion OF the benefits which not only
the government of the United States but all classes
would by opening the West TO the industry OF our
over crowded population this and the other cities Of
the Union aided by the powerful tide OF emigration which
was continually pouring in upon our shores. -
Mr. Cochrane then gave very interesting statistical &C
of the gain which would accrue 10 the government
proving that allotment OF land by the Legislature to
each would conduce 10 the wealth Of the country
At this stage, and while the honorable gentleman was
proceeding in his interesting DISCOURSE the gasghts be
rather DIM and almost unnotced by the assembly,
which at the eloquence OF the speaker
darkness ensued Mr. Cochrane announced that the
would be relghtod but ut this moment the door
leading from the back Of the platform was lncauousy
opened disclosing the audience vast and brilliant body
Of flame inside. An alarm OF fire was Immediately
raised but owing the timely caution Of some gentlemen
platform, rush. and consequent accidents. were
prevented The hall then in total darkness Inside
the luminative power of fame perceptibc. All,
however, left in safety.
The accident which, in another establishment
public institution, might have proved fatal The large
supply tube the metre had been broken and the
fame clicked the very ceiling OF the lofty hall After
time, and the destruction OF sundry coats carpets
&c the main supply turned OFF, leaving few gentle
together with the reporters, in total darkness. All
happily safely secured and the dangerous element
prevented from making its fearful ravagcs. Mr. Coch
ranc retired amid the applause of the assemblagc.