The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-09-09
A NIGHT OF TERROR.
Graphic Description Of the Awful Scenes
That Occurred In Charleston.

From the Charleston News and Courier.l
Necessarily the description that can be given
OF the disaster which has befallen our city con-
sists in the narration of the experiences and OBJ
servations OF individuals, and the subject be-
ing the same and the experiences of all being
nearly alike, the story told by one careful OBJ
server may we'll stand for hundred others,
with slight variations. Probably the best
idea that can be had OF the character of
the disturbance, therefore, may be obtained
from a narration Of the events and scenes Of
Wednesday night as they were presented to
n single person. While engaged in his usual
duties in the second-story room of the NelCs
and Courier Office at the time of the first shock
the writer's attention was vaguely attracted by
q sound which seemed TO come from the Office
below, and which was supposed for n moment
to be caused by the rapid rolling OF IA heavy
body ms an iron safe or a heavily laden truck
over the floor. Accompanying the sound there
was perceptible tremor Of the building,
not more marked, however than would
be caused by the passage OF a street
dray along the street For
perhaps two or three seconds the occurrence ex-
cited no surprise or comment Then, by swift
degrees, the sound deepened in volume the
tremor became more decided the ear caught
the rattle of window sashes, gas-fixtures and
other loose objects. The men III the Office, with
perhaps a simultaneous flash OF recollection Of
the disturbance OF the Friday before, glanced
hurriedly at each other, and sprang TO their
feet, with startled questions and answers.
What is that? Earthquake? And then all was
bewilderment and confusion. Then the long
that seemed to perVade at once the troubled
earth and the still air above and around.
The tremor was now rude, rapid culver that
agitated the whole building as though IL were
being shaken by the hand Of imme asurable
power, with intent TO tear its joints asunder and
scatter its stones and bricks abroad. There was
no intermission in the vibration OF the mighty
subterranean engine. From the first TO the last
il was II continuous jar, only adding force TO ev-
cry moment and ms IL approached and cached
the climax of its manifestation, it seemed for q
20 farri
hands could possibly survive the shocks. The
floors were heaving under foot, the surrounding
walls and partitions visi6iy swayed to
and fro the crash Of falling masses Of
stone and brick and mortar was heard
overhead and without the terrible roar
filled the ears. 1t is not given to many men TO
look in the face of the destroyer and yet live /;
but il is little to say that the group of strong
men who shared the experience above family
described will carry with them the recollection
Of that supreme movement TO their dying day.
None expected TO escape. sudden rush was
simultaneously made to endeavor TO attain the
open air and fee TO place OF safety but before
the door was reached all reeled together to the
tottering wall and stopped, feeling that hope
was vain. That IL was only n question of death
within the building or without, TO be buried by
the sinking roof crushed by the topping
walls As we dashed down the stairway and out
into tho street. already on every side arose the
shrieks the cries of pain and fear the prayers
and wailings of terrified women and children
commingled with the hoarse shouts OF excited
men. Out in the streets the air was filled to
the height of the houses with whitish cloud
of dry, sitting dust from the lime, mortar, and
shattered masonry, which, falling upon the
pavement ana stone roadway, had been re-
duced to powder. Through this cloud, dense as
fog the gaslights fickered dimly, shedding but
little light, so that you stumble at every step
over the piles of brick or become entangied in
the lines of telegraph wires that depended In
every direction FROM their broken supports. On
every side were hurrying forms of bareheaded
men and women, partially dressed, some
almost nude, and many of whom were crazed
with fear or excitement
The FIRST shock occurred at So az was indi-
Gated by the public clocks. The second shock.
which was but faint and crisp echo of the
FIRST, was felt eight minutes later. As IL passed
away the writer started homeward, 10 find the
scenes enacted on Broad street around the Neics
and Courier Office repeated ut every step OF the
way. st. Mohaels steeple lowered high
and white above the gloom, seemingly
uninjured. The station-house, massive