The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1886-09-08
If the Scene in Augusta was SO Pa.
thetic. What Must 1T HIVE Been in
Charleston.
AKn,LStd Chronicle.

augusta Chronicle.
No such scene was ever witnessed, and we
trust never will be again, as the one that was
seen on Broad street as the reporter reached
there from the third story or the Chronicle
building-ladies in Mother Hubbards and
other gowns, ringing hands and crying, cling
scene was one that could not fni to affect the
strong men, who tried to- oassurc the distressed
ones that it was all over. Hardly had they
become quieled before the second shock oc
was lined with ladies and chiIdren-tamiies
who had rushed from their homes. The
Chronicle detailed several OF the staff, who
made tour Of the city. The scene on Broad
street as the reporters started down, besgared
description, ladies' and children, cuntrolla
BILE, still crying and praying to God to save
them. The street scenes are without equal,
and there is no instance In the history OF the
city that has caused such panic OF fcar-in.
fants clnging TO their mothers, crying, and
brave men giving way.
As the lower portion OF the city was
reached, In Robertson's alley, negroes were
found heaped together on their knees, shout.
ing, praying and in dread fear. Sounds of
ping and plastering cracking caused con-
Sternatiun. The entire populace was by this
time-the third Shock-in the streets. Hous.
es were all entirely deserted. The night may
here InvulidS on StretcherS and on mattress.
es were in the middle of the streets, and half
clad people, afraid to return to their homes to
clothe themselves.
TOUR THROUGH DUBLIN.
All the citizens In this part of the city had
taken quarters in the street for the night, and
the colored people were praying and seemed
particularly frightened. IT Is impossible to
give any Of the damage done, though 1t will
amount 10 a great deal. A heavy glasS-face
book lease in the law office Of Hon. $. David.
son was thrown to the floor and demolished.
Ornaments, chandeliers and other breakables
were destroyed all over the city.
Bells rang in all parts Of the city, and the
reporter was by the Christian Church ut the
time OF the first shock, and heard the bell
ring twice.
THE SHOCKS UP TOWN.
In the upper portion OF the city, along the
streets, the people were found, talking and
whether their time had come or not. In one
instance Il husband and wife were sitting on
chairs in the middle OF the street, with their
young children clinying to them. The moth
er had young babe at her breast and was
and begging God TO spare herself and little
ones. 1t was not until several had gathered
around, all arguing the useleSsness of such
excitement, that she was quieteu. In every
direction the same scene was witnessed, and
in some localities all the people on the square
had gathered together in the middle. dis,
cussng the situation with blanched faces and
scripilOn. One gentleman said: This is my
first experience with an earthquake, anu
hope tn God, fervently and from my heart,
that it Is the last"
"and don't think shall be myself ugain for a
week."
Word was received late this morning that
several young ladies uptown had tainted
from fright and physicians had to be called
in. OpiateS were necessary in several cases,
and even then it was difficult TO put them ~
sleep.
AT THE JAIL
the prisoners cried, prayed AMI begged to be
taken out. The people i'll the vicinity de-
scribe their cries us hcartrending. Jailor Col
lins, the ever:faithful and kindhearted officer,
felt for the prisoners, bnt had no way of tax
ing them out of Jail. We were unable to see
him, but arc told that lie says never had such
feelings In his life.
NUMBER OF SHOCKS AND TINE.
The exact number of shocks was thirteen
the first one ut y.2, (city tme) and the last at
1888, (city time.)
The following are the times of the different
shocks, the one at 9.5l being the SeyereSt, and
the one at lO:27 next In severity; at 9:5l. 9:32,
96, 1907. 1912 1926 1927 lO29. 1854, lO:3S, 1915,
l:U3 seventy fifth meridian time.
STILL IN THE STREET.
At the time we go to press people arc still in
the street waiting for breaking of day-Emi-
lies together, little ones warmed by nesting
in the laps of their mothers, the strong arm
of the attectiona;e brother supporting the
timid but loving sister. while boys, white and
colored, are stored away in dOorways and
dry goods boxes waiting the dawn Of day.
Such u dreadful night OF suspense the citizens
of Augusta never witnessed and we pray
they never will again. The latter portion OF
the night was bleak and cold, making 1T
doubly uncomfortable for those who remained
in the streets.