Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-09-11
APETERSBURG PANIC.
An EXCITING SCENE IN A CIRCUS.
TENT.
A Crowd stampeded BY Storm. and the
Exhibition Broken Up--Assignment
Of q Msrchant-Hews and Per-
sonal Notes.
| Correspondence of the Richmond Dspatcn.l

Correspondence Of the Richmond DIspatch.l
PETERSBURG, Sept. 10, 1886.
A scene of excitement, amounting
almost to a panic, occurred during last
nights exhibition of Doris's Circus
Company in this city. A very heavy
rain fell during the first half Of the per-
formance, saturating the tent-cloth and
pouring through on portions OF the
audience. This fact caused Q good deal
Of uneasiness, and fears were expressed
by the timid that Q collapse Of the can
vas might result from its own weight.
About this time some one indiscreetly
cried out that {" the tent was falling"
and at once q scene Of confusion oc-
CURED. The people arose and left, or
tumbled from their seats and hurried
to the doors to escape the threatened
calamity. Fortunately the places Of
exit were wide, and the people all got
out without accident. The rain con-
tinued to pour down and many persons
weie drenched. Going out so hurriodly
from scene of brilliant light into one
Of almost complete darkness, there was
for some time great deal Of confusion
outside, and many wandered from the
right paths every body fsrvently wish
ing, no doubt, that he had remained
at home. The entertainment was, of
course, effectually ended, as none were
found to return to the tent. And, really.
there seemed to have been no cause for
danger.
Mr.. George @. Gary, china. and crock
eryware merchant, corner Of Sycamore
and Bank streets, made an assignment
this morning to w. R. McKenny, Esq,
trustee for the benefit Of his creditors,
who reside mostly at the North. His
liabilities are "a, 400, and his assets in
cluding stock and debts are $4,000.
The preferences, which includes rent,
taxes, and attorneys fees, amount to
5000.
At q special meeting of the Common
Council held this morning favorable
reports were received from the expert
engineers and committee Of the body
who recently went to Portsmouth to
test the merits Of the La France steam
fire engine in use in that city, and the
Council adopted resolution authorizing
the purchase of an engine Of that de-
sign to replace one of the old ones be-
longing to the city. The cost of the new
engine, which it will take two months
or more to build, will be a 400, q de-
duction of 81 900 to be made for one Of
our er gines TO be taken in exchange.
The Order of Druids Of Richmond
and Manchester are expected to visit
Petersburg on Monday next on pic
mic. which is to be held at West End
PMk.
1t is represented by the friends of
Cornelius Holloway, who is confined
in the Jail in this city, charged with
stealing a horse and buggy from James
McDonough, Of Richmond, that his
condition was such at the time of offer
irg the team for sale that he was legally
incapable of committing the crime
charged against him.
PERSONAL NOTES.
Mrs. DR.. Wood, OF Montgomery,
Ala, is visiting at the residence Of her
father, W. L. Watkins, Esq, in this
city.
Mr. George W. Hall, commissioner
of revenue, expects to attend the
Grand Lodge of Red Men of the United
States, which meets in Detroit, Mich. e,
next week, as one Of therepresentatives
Of Virginia.
Sir Knights Alexander Wilson and
John T. Parham will probably attend
the triennial conclave Of Knights Tem-
plars of the United States, which meets
in st. Louis on the 2lst instant, and
will carry their families with them.
Mrs. Stephen Urquhart, of South
ampton county, is visiting her mother
Mrs. S. A. Plummer.
Rev. DR.. J.J. Lafierty, Of Richmond,
is announced to deliver one OF his hui
morous lectures in this city next week
for the benefit of the High-Street Metho-
dist Episcopal church.
Mr.. A. S. Reinach, one Of our most
prominent Hebrew merchants, expects
shortly to remove to New York to re.
side. Mr.. Reinach was for several
wears member of the Common Council
from the Third Ward.
The first german Of the season was
given tonight at Library Hall.
Information was received last eve-
ming of the death in Brunswick coun-
ty OF Mrs. w. W. Meredith, refined
and cultivated lady, widely known and
beloved.
Inspector-G General 10. Lane Stern in
spected the R. +. Lee Battery, OF this
city, tonight. ROBIN ADAIR.
BIG LAWYERS FEES.