Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 87, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 January 1917 — A STAMPEDE ALMOST RESULTED [ARTICLE]

A STAMPEDE ALMOST RESULTED

At Opera House Tuesday JN’ight— Thought Gallery Was Falling. During the progress of-the show at the opera house Tuesday night almost a panic resulted when a sharp crack was heard,, caused either by the frost in the walls of the building or the slight settling of the gallery, the front of which is- supported by rods extending down from the ceiling. Somte foolhardy person yelled “fire’’ and instantly the large audience was in an uproar and striving to leave the hall. The timely appearance of one of the actors on the stage begging the people to be quiet and assuring them that there was no fire nor no danger, averted what might easily have proven a terrible panic. As it was several left the hall and some did not go back. Manager Ellis States that there is no perceptible sinking of the gallefy, but it is probable he will tear the same out ere long anyway. The Democrat is not prepared to say whether this gallery is safe or not, but after the experience of Tuesday night a thorough inspection should be made before any more shows or other gatherings are permitted there. People who were in the opera house and especially those in the gallery at the time are emphatic in saying that the gallery dropped or settled, it seemed several Inches, and cannot afford to take any chances on the loss of even one life or the injury of any person through another such scare. The city authorities should by all means order a thorough inspection of the building at once.