New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-08-07
SERIOUS ACCIDENT LAST EVENING
THE DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM CRUSHED.
One Man Mortally Wounded.
SEVERAL PERSON DANGEROUSLY INJURED

At the Democratic meeting last evening
in Lafayette Square, where the oolored man
Willis Rollins was to instruct the Democ.
racy how to do 1t, the platform, which was
densely packed, crushed to the ground with
its entire load of humanity. One of the
speakers was about addressing the audience,
but he went down with the other unfortu-
mates in an almost inextricable mass. The
shrieks and groans of those who were
wounded, added to the hundreds of voices
around, for few moments created a panic
that is quite indescribable.
Those near the scene coolly went to work
to assist those in dangerous positions. 1t
was ascertained that several men were
under the planks, partly crushed, and call
ing for help.
officer Kennedy, of the First District po-
lice, was taken out, and it was as3ertained
that his right leg was injured, not re y
seriously, however. ....
Officer Gilliard, Second District, was more
badly off, as his entire body had received
considerable weight on it from plaIks and
men. 54
Joseph schadel and Lewis Guerin were
picked up, considerably bruised, but after a
little relief were able to depart for their
homes. f2
The next one was Johnny Cooney, a boy
not more than thirteen or fourteen years
old, who was found quite insensible, being
sadly wounded about the head. The scalp
was fearfully torn from his skull and his
face bruised, so that it was thought the lit
llr fellow was dead, until he cried piteousy
to be taken to his mother; nor would he
utter scarcely any other words. Officers
took him into the station.house, and gently
attended to his wants. He lives on Girod
street, near Commerce, with Peter McDer.
mot. After the lads wounds were dressed
he was sent home.
A young man, whose name proved to be
George Eeckard, living at lis Laurel street,
was probably mortally wounded. He was
crushed, and his hurt is internal. 1t is very
doubtful if he ever RECEIVERS.
Mr.. Henry Labatt, an attorney, 1874 Ora.
vier street, was found TO be bruised TO some
extent. but as he soon disappeared it is SUP.
posed he was able to seek his home.
Mr.. Lewis Garland, 1856 ST. Peter street,
we were informed was among those who
were caught under the platform. He was
not seriously harmed.
Mr.. Barrett, reporter of the Picayune,
was precipitated to the ground in an un-
reasonable hurry. While falling his hand
was lacerated by projecting nail. How
ever, he will eat his rations to-day as usual
There were several persons seriously
damaged, but as they were SO quickly car
ried off by their friends it was quite impos-
sible for as to obtain particulars.
The unfortunate men were at once taken
over to the station.house and attended to
with all care, and the crowd kert Off.
Hundreds of persons called in an anxious
mood to inquire who had been harmed.
The mishsp made short interruption in
the meeting; but the largest portion of the
attendance adjourned to the City hall, where
Scott Jordan, one of the colored orators,
and other speakers, addressed the assembly
without the listeners being able to hear
scarcely word that was said. The crowd
was alRt anu bSlSAduly OIuCLlJ'
Loud shouts were heard for Rollins, but
he would not or could not respond, es.
pecially as he had euchered his Camp and
st. Charles street friends, and began fora
toring" on Poydras street, where quite a
number of his political kidney had congre-
gated, glad to be enlightened on the events
of the impending crisis by one of the newly
enfranchised.
The accident is greatly to be deplored,
and our reporters have seen no Republican
who did not join in the general sorrow that
a meeting held for the discussion of polite
al topics resulted in a disaster that has
probably cost the lives of some individuals,
and caused serious bodily injury to others.
The platform is the same that was used at
the recent Democratic demonstration in
Lafayette Square.