The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1886-02-27 00:00:00

SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC DEMONSTRATION
IN HYDE PARK.

The Social Democrats had a field day in Hyde-park
on Sunday afternoon, and from the Socialistic. point
of view it was a great success. The prosecution of
the Socialistic leaders no doubt raised them in the
eyes of a large number of the working men and un-
employed in the metropolis, and the late riots were
also a feature which gave additional importance to
the gathering. London talked of little else on Sun-
day, and in some quarters there Isere grave fears that
a further riot wonld follow. Happi'y these fears
were not verified. The objects of the meeting as set
out in a somewhat inflammatory handbill, were to
support the proposals of the Social Demo-
cratic Federation, for the organisation of
the labour of the unemployed and the re-
duction of the hours of labour. The working
classes were asked to come in their thousands for the
purpose of making a vigorous protest against the
classes who "robbed and oppressed" them. They
were also appealed to to uphold "their right to live
in comfort,' and were assured that "now or never
was the time to organise for a social revolution."
The weather on Sunday was not very favourable for
an outdoor demonstration; it was very cold, and
there was a light, chilly fog overhanging the park.
Nevertheless, it is computed as a moderate estimate
that there were at least 50,000 persons attending
the demonstration, whilst another one puts the
assembly down as being fully 75,000 strong.
Whichever may be the correct figures, there
is little doubt but that the Socialistic gather-
ing around the old Reformer's Tree was a vast
one indeed. To say that all present sympathised
with the language of the speakers would be absurd.
A gathering in Hyde-park will always attract a vast
number of people who have no sympathy with the
objects of the meeting. So it was on Sunday. The
fringes of the crowd which gathered around the plat-
forms were composed of well dressed gentlemen, who
had come doubtless out of curiosity, and who seemed
chiefly occupied with scrutinising the composition of
the crowds. Boys, too, predominated to a large
extent, and not more than one-half of those present
held up their hands when the resolutions were carried.
The Social Democratic Federation is not a large body.
It numbers some 1100 subscribing members, who are
affiliated with 10 branches in various parts of the
metropolis. These marched early in the afternoon from
their different headquarters to Hyde-park, where they
assembled about three o'clock. They marched along
in an orderly manner. The foot police on duty in the
park numbered about 1000, and at Hyde-park and the
Marble Arch Police-stations there were large reserves,
as, indeed, there were at all the Metropolitan and
City police stations. The authorities were well pre-
pared for any emergency, and the troops in the Wel-
lington Barracks were kept in readiness in case of an
outbreak. There had been a rumour that the Fair
Traders bad determined to cause a disturbance, but,
if present, they did not make any display, and kept
ver'y quiet. On the other hand the Socialists were
well prepared, it is stated, with the fighting element,
and in close proximity to the coal vans, which
were used as platforms, had stationed some of
the best amateur pugilists in the country. The
leaders of the movement assembled in Grosvenor.
crescent, just behind St. George's Hospital, and here
some strong-minded women occupied themselves in
pinning red ribbons to the coats of the body guard
which surrounded each vehicle. Mrs. Hyndman,
wife of Mr. Hyndinan who is now being prosecuted
for sedition, was amongst them. Then there were
some girls who evidently belonged to the humbler
classes. Prominent among the female democrats
were the wife and daughter of a well-known
Swiss socialist. A movement was made for the
park about twenty minutes past three, the various
speakers taking their seats in the ears. Over
the sides were suspended placards of " Justice,"
the organ of the federation, on which was
printed an extravagant cartoon representing a street
scene. The chief feature was a well-stocked pro-
vision shop, over which was inscribed the words
" Working men, look and be thankful." On the
right was a figure of Britannia on a pedestal behind
some palings, holding sword and scales, beside which
was a notice board which contained the inscription.
" Working men not admitted." As soon as the cars
bad passed Apsley-corner an unfortunate hitch oc-
curred, which at one time seemed likely to lead to
serious consequences. The police stopped the cars,
on the ground that such kind of vehicles were not
permitted to go over curbstone. Mr. Burns set off
at full speed to Hyde-park Police-station to
know the reason, and then the crowd swarmed
out of the park and surrounded the cars.
After a pause of ten minutes the police waived their
objeetion, and the cars entered, followed and sur-
rounded by an excited throng. As the cars proceeded,
cheers were repeatedly raised for Hyndman, Burns,
who seemed very popular, and for Williams. The
view from the platform as the cars came in view of
the Reformer's Tree, was an imposing one. The huge
crowd soon divided itself around the cars, and the
business of the afternoon commenced. It consisted
of the passing of an identical resolution after speeches
from the four leaders of the movement at three plat-
forms. The burden of the speeches was that the
unemployed wanted work, and that they were entitled
to a share of the wealth they had done so much to
create.
After the meeting had broken up a large body of
roughs followed the principal speakers, who were re-
turning home in vans by Grosvenor-place, Hyde-park.
The mounted police followed the crowd, who, on
arriving in Victoria-street, Westminster, raised a cry
"To the Houses of Parliament and St. Stephen's
Club." About 2000 men and boys then began stone-
throwing, and several persons were struck with the
missiles, but their injuries were of a slight nature;
and their wounds were dressed at the local hospitals,
and they were allowed to proceed to their homes.
Telegraphic messages were sent to Kennington-road
and Kennington-lane Police-stations, where a large
body of the L division were kept in reserve in case of
riot. At five o'clock stone-throwing became general, and
several arrests were made in Parliament-street. Near
the Home. Office a scene of great excitement took
place. Fortunately, however, the police were equal
to the occasion, and managed to disperse the unruly
crowd. About 2000 persons passed over Westminster-
bridge, with an advance-guard consisting of the
greatest roughs in South London. On passing Mr.
William Jordan's establishment, 262, Westminster-
bridge-road, a shower of stones were hurled in
all directions, and windows were smashed. Large
plates of glass were smashed, and the time-
keeper, Sullivan, in the employ of the London Tram-
ways, bad a narrow escape of his life. At this time
about GO or 70 police-constables of the L division
sallied out from the station and met the disorderly
crowd near Messrs. Atkinson and Co.'s establishment
in the Westminster-bridge-road, where a general riot
took place, and windows were smashed at Messrs.
Davis and Co.'s, and also at Messrs. Atkinson's. A
young man named Graham, a grocer's assistant, was
apprehended, and was removed to the cells at Ken-
nington-road Police-station. About six o'clock the
police managed to disperse the crowd, who made way
again over Westminster-bridge. In the evening South
London had assumed its normal state.