Alexandria Gazette

Curious Scene in New York.

Last night as early as 10½ o'clock a very
large crowd assembled at Union-place, in anticipation
of the Grand Serenade to Madame
Sontag, by the combined Musical Societies of
the city. A moment's glance at the material of
which the crowd was composed, satisfied us
that mischief was intended. There were several
hundreds of noisy persons near the doors, who
were easily recognizable as of the Primary Election
order, and their behavior betrayed their
purpose long before the time of putting it in
execution. By 11 o'clock the crowd had increased
to many thousands, filling the space back to the Park
fountain. The arrangements for Police were in
some way misunderstood, and no force was
present, so that in order to keep the crowd
from ransacking the house, it became necessary
to barricade the doors. There was great trepidation
inside for fear that the people would
break in, in spite of the fastenings.

At 11½ o'clock the performers, escorted by
a small number of Firemen, arrived, but all
attempts to get near the house were frustrated.
The uproar was perfectly deafening, although
thus far every body seemed to be in good humor.
The Firemen and Police made some effort to
clear a place for the music, but soon gave it
up, and the performers stationed themselves as
well as they could, on the west side of the
crowd.

Madame Sontag, accompanied by the Count,
now made her appearance and was received
with hearty cheers; but she was very much
frighted at the excited crowd, the vociferous
cheers and the new and indescribable "tiger,"
which was given in true New York style.—
Her tears, however, were all for the people, of
whom she was certain many would be hurt in
the rushing and crushing multitude.

The cheers and yells continued for about ten
minutes, and then the musicians struck up
"Hail Columbia," which put the crowd in better
humor, and order was partially restored.
Then followed the overture to Der Freischutz,
which was listened to with excellent attention.
Madame Sontag stood on the balcony during
the performance, waving her welcome to the
crowd.

Now there arose a perfect furor among the
crowd for smashing white hats, and dozens of
men who were unfortunate enough to wear
such head gear, were rudely assaulted, and
where resistance was made, were unceremoniously
knocked down. Among those worst
used was Gen. Hall, whose hat was knocked
over his eyes half a dozen times.

There were also some scuffles with the Police,
and several severe blows were given and received.
All further attempts at music were drowned
by the noise of the crowd, and not even Dodworth's
Band could get a hearing.

About this time some of the musicians were
beset, their instruments broken, music, torn up,
&c.

This decided the matter. The performers
moved off by force of the pressure, and soon after
the Chief of Police appeared with a large
force to clear the ground.

Madame Sontag retired, and the lights were
extinguished in her rooms, and at 12 o'clock all
was over.

The entire affair was broken up, and all the
disturbance made, in consequence of some malicious
misrepresentations made in the morning
by parties who are adepts in business of the
kind—at least, this is the only reason alleged
last night for the disgraceful conduct of the
disorganizers.—N. Y. Tribune.