Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-06-23


Chicago occupied position in the upper gallery, ana
PLAYED several lively airs with fue effect
The Convention having been called to order was
opened by Prayer, by the Rev. Henry Sieer .,
Mr. Dawson of Pennsylvania, moved TO dispense with
the reading of the journal, which was agreed to.
The President announced that reports OF Committees
were in order.
SINKING THE FLOOR.
At this point of the opening proceedings, just at the
moment when the most intense anxiety prevailed as 10
the presentation of the report of the Committee on Gre
dentias and when the Chairman, Mr. hrum was expect
ed to rise loud crash proceeded from the centre OF the
floor and about hundred and fifty OF the delegates
including the New York delegation, were observed, IN
the true theatrical manner to be going down through
the stage. For moment scene OF the widest excite.
ment ensued, which communicated to all parts oil
the house. though fortunately the ladies who filed the
dress circle and the crowded upper tiers oil male spec
tatOrs, able IN moment to comprehend tue NATURE
OF the accident
Those occupying that portion of the floor which was
involved the catastrophe rushed headlong over the
benches towards the Presidents chair, communicating
TO all in their way the terror that for moment perVaded
the whole house Some did not stop IN their stampede
until they had scaled the tables and made flying leaps
over the heads of the large army of reporters aud editors
whose seats enccle the rostrum. In the meantime IRE
sdeut Cushing shouted the top Of his voice assurances
that there danger to DE apprehended and endea-
vored by every means in his power TO aAy the excite
ment. Quite number climbed up 10 the side windows
opening ON the stage, and made hasty exit by these
openings aud had it not been for the camness displayed
by the President and the membrs of the Press who are
accustomed all manner Of excitement some OF them
would have doubtless crossed the roSrum and made their
exit out of the back windows into Jones Falls.
The ladies who packed in the dress circle to Its
fullest capacity witnessed the with entire cmnes
but few of those nearest the doors joining in the fright
they being unable TO see what was the cause oil the
alarm The mass otspecatOrs occupying the second and
third tiers endeavOred calm the excitement on the
floor by the capping of hands, and were Immediately
loned by the band which struck up The Star Spiged
Banner in their liveliest strain.
The floor being cleared, it ascettained that the
front of the stage and the portion covering the orchestra
had given away and suddenly sunk about three feet in
the centre throwing the etteeS and those who were on
them within circle OF about forty feet into one wedsed
mass from which they extricated themselves as rapidly
possible and fled in all directions TO distant parts OF
the house. Fortunately, one was injured, as would
doubtless have been the II the floor had sunk down
all the way to the basement underneath
The extent of the damage done proved upon in
yesgaon to be very slight. The simple slipping of an
upright support to the TRAVERSE beams upon which the
ost and floor rested caused the floor to be lowered TO
the ground The floor itself being laid in battoned sec
tons easily taken up, other supports placed IN the
proper places, and the floor speedily relaid.
The number of persons on the floor was very great,
indeed it presented one compact mass OF human beings
it being evident that there many strangers on the
floor as there were delegates. How they all obtained
ings that follow:
At this point Capt Rynders arose and amid the din OF
voices and confusion said Mr. President the platform
has not broken down-only one plank got loose
Great laughter.
Mr. Cochraue-I hope the Convention will repair the
platform. Renewed laughter.
The President-Tho Chair requests the convention to
maintain silence for a moment.
Delegate-New York and Pennsylvania have gone
down together. Great laughter.
The President-Gentlemen requested to take their
That person in the gallery who mas suspended his
umbrella over the gas light is requested to remove it.
The umbrella had been noticed for some time, having
been placed the light screen, and was appre-
hended that it would take fire and create another panic
The voice OF the President did no; reach the galleries.
owing the noise, and the request repeated by Mr.
Todd OF Ohio one OF the Vice Presidents in sten,ori-
an voice. This was effective and the umbrella Ia
ken down
Mr. Ludlow, Of New York-Ia view of the fact that
there now three tunes the number OF delegates
present the GOOr move tha. take recess for one
hour
Cries of NO" "no," "no"
The President-How the seats be otherwise re-
paired:
done TO the Democratic party. Laughter
The motion to take recess was put ana declared car
rcd
Mr. Stuart-Nr. President hope there viii be orders
given that gentlemen who have right here shall not
]
officers az the door to take the tickets as delegates come
H. tina. may not be oyerrua with gentlemen who
have no business here.
The Presjcat-Tde Chair will Inform members Of the
Convention tlat direction has been given that each
delsg gate
Many Voices-"Sit down, sit down"
The Presid.ut-Tac Chair will wait tiil gentlemen are
seated; he cannot proceed until that is done.
Mr.. Wright, Of Massachusetts, rise to question OF
order
TIE Pres.deus-The Convention mas ordered that a
| recess be taken.
Mr. Wight is very evident that this floor now
contains twice many people eau, with safety, be
seated upon it. Il Is the privilege OF delegates TO hold
their seats here aud insist, question of privilege
that the SegeauttArms shall see that none Others be
admitted upon the Goor.
Mr.. Stuart-We cannot do any business as a Conven-
ton. therefore make the suggestion to the Chair that
all tickets whether held by delegates reporters, after
this floor shall have been cleared be given up as gem
tlemen come in, as being the only remedy for THIS
abuse.
THE obec, being to prevent delegates after they have
Obtained Abundance, from sending out their tickets to
/ other parties, who again use them.
Several members-'That's right
The Presideut-During the stngs at Charleston the
chair ventured take the step and he would have re-
newed excep; for suggestions made in regard to
his exercise OF authority that tended to render him re-
served upon that point. He will EOw in view OF the
accident that has occurred, assume TO direct that every
ticket upon being presented by any gentleman having
a right 10 admission shall be delivered up 10 the OIL
Ger upon enteriag and that check be given TO each
gentleman admitted with which he may resume his
seat
Mr.. Stulrt-Mr President, don't give any check.
The Prosdent-Without check then; have them de-
liyered to the officer without a check.
Mr. Ryuders OF y. VI ask the chair how is that 60
ing to remedy the evil complluGd Of nov?
Mr. Cochraue of New York; submit that the Presi-
dent have power to act in this matter according to his
discretion
The Presdent-The Chair begs leave to make fur
Their uggcston-hat with the understanding that pro-
per arrangement shall me made by which shall be rem
dered impossible that other gentlemen shall be introduce
ed upon delegates tiches, the Chair will adopt some
process for that purpose Meanwhile in order that the
injury may be repaired he respectfully requests of gen
tlcmcn vacate the hall, in order that the workmen
NAV proceed to their work.
Mr.. Rynders Of New York; doubt ii an hour will
be time enough to do it.
A Deega'e-Mr President delegate from Pennsyl-
yauia has lost his hat in the confusion. Laughter
A Delegate-How to get back to this hall? Is
the officer authorized to give US checks
Several YOices-"NO checks"
The observation-disclosures will please to clear the hall
now.
At this point the band in the gallery struck up the
Marseilles
Mr. Gilmor, of Pennsylvania ask the Chair to d.
rect the SergeanaAms TO have the house cleared gen.
tlemen will not 90 in any other way.
The PreSdent-The Chair requests gentlemen to leave,
otherwise it will be impossible repair the hall After
an interval the Chair again said II after five minutes
the hall is not cleared the Chair will assume that those
remaining are intruders and will order the Sergeantat-
Arms to clear the hall of them as sdch. The reporters
will remain | have a communication to make to them.
The effect Of his announcement to clear the hall,
and in few minutes after silence had been restored.
The Presdent-The Chair desires to state to the gen.
temen of the press that for the purpose of facilitating