The Emporia weekly news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1881-1889, 1882-03-09
PRosrRArEp on THE pLArFoRm

Henry Ward Beecher Stricken With III
ness at the Chicago Music Hall.
CHICAGO, H., March AT Central
Music Hall last evening, q grand audi
ence, numbering $500 people, assembled
10 hear Rev. Henry Ward Beecher lee
ture on THE Moral Uses of Luxury and
Beauty" But few greater audiences ever
gathered in this city. Every seat in the
great hall was occupied, and so great
was the crowd that Manager Adams was
compelled to utilize the stage, upon
which was seated over 100 people, who
surrounded Mr.. Beecher so that not
more space than twelve feet square was
allowed the distinguished orator for
platform As he made his appearance
upon the platform at S:15,
ACCOMPANIED BY PROF. DAVID SWING,
who introduced the lecturer, the great
audience gave him long and continuous
greetings. Mr.. Beecher looked pale and
careworn. A faint smile illuminated
his countenance as he acknowledge the
greetings. He stood a moment,
hesiiaiing, and in a low tone
began his lecture without notes
His opening remarks on Riches were
not in Mr.. Beecher's usual clear, explic-
it language, but rather iHcoherent and
disjointed. He had scarcely spoken 1if-
teen minutes, when at the close of the
quotation: "How hardly shall they that
have riches enter the kingdom of God !?
There is an impression" when he sud-
denly paused. Squarely facing the au-
dience
HIS FACE BECAME DEATHLY PALE.
He was observed TO waver slightly, as
though dszed, slowly closing his eyes,
when a gentleman in the audience hast
lily rose, and breaking the almost pain
full silence that had come over the au-
dience, cried out in an excited manner,
gestulaung TO those on the stage: Take
hold of Mr.. Beecher, he is about to fall. }"
Immediately several gentlemen sprang
| where the great divine stood and gently
laid hold of him. Mr.. Beecher tor fully
a minute, stood like a statue, apparently
| unconscious of their friendly grasp.
when he was gently seated. At once two
ladies approached, took his cool hands
| and began chatting them. Sfr. Beecher
sat perfectly mOtionless, uttering no
word. The immense audience mean
| while, awe struck with the remarkable
scene passing before them,
REMAINED IN ABSOLUTE SILENCE
few moments. Mr.. Beecher was OBJ
served to move his lips, as though at
tempting 10 speak to one of the ladies
now tanning him. No audible sound
reached the silent audience. A glass of
water was at once held to his tainting
| lips, of which but a swallow was taken.
From his seat Professor Swing was OBJ
served to rise and re-enter the door lead
| ing to the stage. The moment the ia
miliar countenance of Chicago's great
| divine was recognized, feeling of re
| lief, as from the intense strain, came
| over the thousands present. Professor
Swing approached the pale, silent
afflicted Beecher, and gently took his
hand,
| ASKING HIM HOW He FELT.
For the first time the great Brooklyn
divine slowly moved his head, turning
his great, sorrowtul and ghastlN
countenance upon his friend, whom
he evidently recognized, and In
low whisper uttered a few syllable'
to the professor, who, gently clasp
ing him for moment, arose and an
nounced that Mr.. Beecher, was very i'll
too i'll TO entertain thought of proceed
ing with the lecture. He must at ono
be removed to his bed. He knew thu
people of Chicago would be indulgen
with the distinguished orator, who hal
not been well for two days, and SHOULD
not have attempted to lecture this eve
ming. He would like an expression
from the audience as to dismissal, thosl
for dismissal to say aye. Immediately
FROM ALI. OVER THE VAST ROOM
came a universal, yet subdued, hushet
response of aye. The audience silently
and speedily dispersed. Mr.. Beeche
was at once removed to his room at tn,
Grand Pacific, physicians summoned
and his illness pronounced by the ply
sicians in the nature of apoplectic. NJ
serious results are anticipated. AT lates
| infnpT11o finn hn reSfInp niIlQtiy
Mr.. Beecher's illness created profound
sensation throughout the city. Grea
anxiety and sympathy are expressed TO
| his welfare,