Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-03-01
The Recent earthquake il. oregon

The Recent earthquake In oregon.
| The San Francisco BplJetin states that
| the following letter WAS written from Fort
klamath, under date CT January Sth, 1867
| 10 O'Clock a. III, and Is reliable
This morningat day light We were started
from our sleep 10y the preciptatc shock OF
an earthquake, Immediately followed by a
noise rs Of distant thunder But in d little
while quiet reigned, and every one was con
versing and laughing heartily ut the singu
lar phenomenon but our countenances
soon underwent Il serious change, for it be
gan to grow dark the whole heavens were
| full of a very black smoke or cloud the ali
J had a sulphurous smell, and ashes Of s
i broWnish color fell as fast as | ever saw il
snow. We had to use candles in the mess
room. The most Of us went in to break
fast, but had only got fairly into our seats
when horror upon horrors the eartl
seemed rolling like waves upon the ocean
every one was thrown to the floor, only, OF
regaining their feet, to be placed in the
same position again, accompanied with the
rafting Of dishes, the crashing of win
dow-glass, clacling Of timbers of buildings
and the screams of the frightened. You
could not imagine more perfect chaos
Some of us gained the door and such ;
|
before beheld. The tall pines AROUND. the
fort seemed lashing themselves into fury
the wagons in front of the stables were en-
gagged in pitched battle horses and cat
tie were lying crouching upon the ground
uttering the most pitiful means ; dog
were bowling, and the unearthly cries o.
| the kalamath Indians campHd near the for
completed the scene. We imagined we
were amidst the 6 wreck of matter and the
crush of worlds" The suffers store was
thrown about twenty feet from its former
! position. There were 10 lives lost, nor any
serious accident to any one. but there are
quite number OF bruised shins ;,nC
skinned noses. There is no serious damage
to any Of the buildings, all being log ant
frame houses but do not think there i
Il whole pane Of glass left at the fort.
Wisdom and Wit.
A representative in his maiden speech OF
the floor of Congress, in reply TO an oppo
ncnt, by his telling hits and witty speeches
and puns, kept the house in Il roar Of laugh
ter for nearly half an hour, closing annie
quite demonstration of appreciation, ans
as he thought. with great success. Wha
was his establishment, after having receiv
ed the congratulations of several friends a
the close OF the days proceedings, to b,
greeted by Mr.. Benton, who, taking hin
aside, said:
''sir, I have heard your speech. have
been here many years This is year frs
session. Will you permit me to give yor
a bit of advice %
''Certainly, sir, was the reply. Il shall
be honored 10y your courtesy"
'Wen, sir" said Mr. Benton, ''you
speech was exceedingly brilliant it spark
lei with wit it was funny they laughed
heartily at it but never do such a thing
here again if you wish to advance as
statesman or politician. -
"What !" said the astonished debntant
''neyer make a speech o.
ono sir, not that but don't make PEG
pie laugh, replied Benton.
''Not make people laugh, MIR. Benton
Why it requires some genius to make q wit
~ speech.
True, sir ; but the public has a poor ap
probation of genius. You must gain
reputation for wisdom, not wit. You cal
gain Il reputation for wisdom i'll Congress
by not speaking single word during the
session.
"a reputation for wistlm %"
"Certainly. Sit still and look wise. -
Mankind is prone to reverence the solemn
ass =