The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1870-05-06

once the terrible accident, while
Others who observed the volumes of
dust pouring from the windows sup
posed that an explosion ofthe heating
boiler i'll the building had taken place.
Mr.. w. III. Grant hastened to the bell
house on Ninth street, and at his in
stance the general alarm was sounded.
The bell was tapped rapidly, and all
within hearing of the sound were
startled, knowing that something un-
usual had occurred. The report
spread rapidly that the capitol was on
fire, and citizens ran from all direc-
tons to the square. The white dust,
resembling clouds of smoke, stall en-
veloped the northern end Of the CAPT.
tol. and, until the awful fact was real
lied, the impression prevailed that
the building was doomed to dstruc
ton. Every heart felt shock of hor-
ror as the news spread, and from all
parts of the city, and through all the
thoroughtares and streets, crowds
took their way to the capitol, all feel
ing that their nearest relatives and
dearest friends might be among the
victims. Is addition to these private
and personal apprehensions, there
was an appalling sense of public Gala
nifty that stunned and bewildered the
firmest mind.
Such scenes as presented themselves
were sickehing. Fortunately there
arc always in emergencies those who
throw aside human weaknesses, and
Immediately give themselves up TO
the work of rescuing, saving and re-
lievin@ the subjects of disaster. 1t
was 50 yesterday. They lost no time
but, going into the fearful scene, they
commenced operations at once. Con-
spicuous among those who initiated
measures for relief and order were
Gov. Walker and Senator French.
The first order given and executed
was TO break open the door and win
dows and admit air for the relief of
the many who We're supposed and
correctly as ii subsequently turned
ont to be mcnaced with sufiocation.
While some removed the fallen tim
beers under which the sufferers lay,
others procured ladders and placed
them at the windows Hacks, pri-
vate carriages, furniture wagons, mat
tresscs, and other convenicnccs wcrc
soon provided in great numbers.
Then commenced the work ofremov-
ing the killed and wounded, and u
scene was presented that tried the
stoutcst nerves and tho coolest hearts.
One after another the dead and the
wounded, all covered with dust, were
brought down the ladders and either
laid ON the grass or placed in vehicles
and carried to their homes or TO other
quarters kindly provided for them.
As the victims of the disaster were
brought to the windows and appeared
before the thronging multitude, the
most intense anxiety was felt and
manifested as to their recognition.
All were on the lockout for their
friends. So begrimmcd were the
faces with dust, and SO crushed was
their clothing, that recognition was
not easy. Most of the unfortunate
persons, howeven were recognized
before they reached the ground.
The feelings of the spectators were
of the most painful character and full
o. rapid alterations. Now they re-
cognizcd in one Of the bodies a rela-
ton or a friend dead: then one man.
gled; then one not SO severely injured.
What a relief it was when one appear
ed in view who had escaped injury.
AT length all the rubbish was re-
moved and all the bodies recovered.
Great as the calamity was, it was felt
to be relief when the painful work
was brought TO conclusion.
The Dispatch says:
One man relates how he was buried
Oh the top of all others, SO that he
could not move while he received the
last words of manned and dying
man under him, who turned out to be
an old friend. Just before =. Ii. Ay-
lett entered the capitol, he was con-
versing with a friend about the death
of a friend, and remarked on leaving
1--WE arc all passing away" Mr.. Ay-
lett was borne to the plateau north of
the capitol, where he expired. He
uttered fervent prayer before death
forever sealed his lips.
The House of Delegates was not in
session when the crash occurred, and
only fifteen or twenty persons were
in the hall at the time. The hats and
caps taken from the ruins nearest the
statue of Washington were thrown at
the base of the pedestal, making quite
pile. All distinctions of color were
levelcd. The body of Senator Bland
was laid out between the corpSes of
two White men.
The hall of the House of Delegates
was completely wrecked. The Spea-
ker's chair. a relic of Colonial times,
was thcown from a window and bro
ken TO fragments.
The stretchers and ambulanccs he
longing to the Medical Department
of Headquarters were sent to the
scene by direction of the General
Commanding.
A large number of those who went |
through sustained no other injury !
than q scrvere shock and few brlliacs
or cuts. Ii is marvellous that so many |
escaped death from the falling timbers
and the heavy plaster ceiling of tie |
courtroom, which must have fallen |
upon the crowd.
Railroad From Columbia TO shelby
Vile