Evening star., 1939-09-24

Upon this occasion an attempt
was made by Yankee skipper to
take from the District II slaves and
transport them to the free States of
the North. The boat set sail at 2
o'clock on the morning of Monday,
April II, but was overtaken in the
lower Potomac and those seeking
freedom returned to Washington
The event created stir in the city
at the time, and though the man
agement of the National Era had
nothing whatsoever to do with the
affair. yet when the matter became
generally known a mob visited DR..
Bailey at his home. then at Eighth
and E streets, with probable intent
to do him bodily harm.
Here the doctor denied having
anything to do with the attempted
escape, but this did not seem to ap-
pease the wrath Of the crowd, which
soon assembled In front Of the Era
ONCE, then on the east side Of
Seventh street between F and G
streets, and here began to break the
windows Of the office and do other
damage.
Story From Guard.
At this time Washington was
ponced by what was known as the
Auxiliary Guard, of which John H.
Goddard was captain. AS one might
assume, Capt. Goddard has passed
on years ago, yet his personal ac-
count Of what took place at this
near riot and rowdy gathering is still
q matter of record. He said:
Il was presiding in my lodge at
Odd Fellows Hall, on Seventh street,
that night, when word was brought
that there was going to be a row.
hurried up the street and found a
crowd in front of the office and at
once pushed my way to the door
Presently some of my men came
around. The crowd was a very de-
termined one and vented its feel
ings by throwing stones through the
windows and bowling. They told
me had better get away from the
door, as they were going in. I said
that they would have to 60 over my
body.
"A large paving stone. thrown by
q half-grown boy, struck the build
ing. and. glancing of. fell on my
shoulder. I then made them a
speech, and said that If there were
any men in the crowd who were
responsible for this disorderly as
semblage, let them come forward
and not send their half grown boys
I then called upon all good citizens
to aid me in protecting private prop
erty and the peace of the city.
There were no further demon
strations on the part of the crowd
and presently something called
them away and they went to the
Patent ONCE steps, where speeches
were made. believe that if had
not taken my place between the
door and the mob they would have
gutted the Office, and this act would
nave been the cause for the removal
Of the Capital from this city,"
Publication of Novel.
But, however careful Editor Bailey
may have been in conducting the
Era along temperate lines, yet he
consciously or unconsciously pub
lished In his paper for the first
time what Is said to be the most
celebrated novel of all time-"Uncle
Toms Cabin; or Life Among the
Lowly," by Harriet Beecher Stowe
1t was published here during the
years 1851 and 1852, when the of :
flee Of this anti-slavery paper stood
opposite Odd Fellows Hall, about
where is now the Lansburgh e. Bros
store. In 1852 this novel was printed
in book form and was subsequently
translated into at least % languages,
And this story certainly had much
to do toward bringing on the Civil
War.
No doubt the reference to Odd
Fellows Hall, where Capt. Goddard
was presiding over his lodge on the
night of the riot referred to. will
recall to many an old-timer the
large hall in the original building
which occupied the same site on
Seventh street as the present struc-
ture of that fraternal body
1t was beautiful hall, with large
handsome chandeliers, such as we
rarely see today. 1t was fine
hall for dancing, and when not
used for this amusement was given
over to light theatrical perform
ances, concerts and the like, and
up to so years ago one might see
played here Ten Nights in a Bar
ROOM" Uncle Toms Cabin" His
Worst Enemy" dedicated to Father
Mathew, and plays Of a similar
character. And here came Blind
Tom, the celebrated Negro boy
pianist and vocalist. who always ap-
plauded himself, even If no one else
did, which, Of course, was seldom
the case.
Variety Shows.
The shows were generally of the
variety character, somewhat along
the line Of our more recent vaude.
vile, and occasionally there was q
troupe of athletes, as well as the
man who played on the musica,
glasses such exquisite pieces as 81
Wander Today Ger the Hills, Mag.
gle" followed, perhaps. by Gene.
We've, Sweet Genevieve."
Then, Of course, at intervals ap.
peared the tattooed man, the living
skeleton, the fat man, the sworc
swallower, the giant, and other curl.
osities, including Mr.. and Mrs. Ton
Thumb, Minnie Warren and Com.
modore Mutt, the midgets. Too bac
there is not a place like this ir
Washington today. What Joy it woulc
bring to the youngsters!
The National Era ceased to exist
In 1860. At this time, Lewis Gle.
phane, who had been its business
manager, helped form q company
including himself, William Blanch.
ard, Martin Buell., w. J. Murtagh
and one or two others, for the pur-
pose Of publishing the National Re.
publican, the first number of which
was issued on November 20 10Rf