The Sun.
London, England, 1839-07-18 00:00:00

BIRMINGHAM.

(eitom ourt OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
BIRMINGHAM, WEDNESDAY, FIVE O'CLOCK, P.M.
The borough continues to wear the same appearance as
it exhibited immediately after the melancholy devastation
of Monday. No man can reckon With certainty how long
his life and property may be secure. One general feeling
pervades all classes, even the movement party itself, of as-
tonishment at the authorities having allowed the work of
destruction to proceed for an bout without the slightest at-
tempt to stop it. The circumstance has excited the indig-
nation of the lovers of order and peace, while it acts as an
inducement for the rioters to proceed in their frightful career.
It appears that petitions numerously signed will be
forthwith forwarded to Lord John Russell, or the Govern-
ment, demanding, In some instances, the immediate dismis-
sal of all the Magistrates, and rigid inquiry into
so flagrant a dreliction of public duty ; no doubt their
conduct, subsequent to the period alluded to, deserves
praise, for day and night they have been unremitting in
their exertions to secure life and property, both of which,
if we are to believe continued and somewhat apparently
well authenticated reports, are in a most perilous state.
Yesterday evening the attention of the authorities and
military was completely directed towards Walsall and
Wolverhampton, when, for the first time, the artillery were
brought. The latter came at six o'clock, set off in double
quick time, followed by the 4th dragoons, rifle corps, and
metropolitan police, up High street and New-street, in the
direction of the Holloway-road. At Holloway-hill, the
rioters, despite all this military parade, were determined
on holding a meeting. They had assembled for the pur-
pose, when a squadron of dragoons and a strong body of
rifles made their appearance, and darted into the centre of
the assembled throng, capturing eighteen of the ring.
leaders, amongst whom was William Wilks, a notorious
character, and leader of the Chartists.
A great number of the latter were brought up to the
public office justice-room, bound to keep the peace, or
fined in mitigated penalties. Last night presented large
groups of people, evidently determined on no good inten-
tion. But the marches and countermarches of the troops
quite anticipated whatever might have been their objects;
while the police charged down the lanes and alleys where
people were seen.
In the absence of the military, the special constables,
4,000 strong, paraded the streets, meeting with very little
obstruction in the discharge of their duty ; a few idle boys
alone having foolishly thrown a few stones in the course of
the day.
The Mayor and Magistrates have issued the following
notice :
" The Riot Act has been read. All persons are required
not to assemble in the streets, as the Magistrates have
given orders to the troops to act against every ono so
offending. They are also strictly enjoined not to be out of
their houses after eight o'clock at night, as the Magistrates
cannot hold themselves responsible for any accidents that
may occur to parties neglecting this notice.
" By crder of the Mayor and Magistrates,
W. H. G EM,
ARTHUR RYLAND,
WILLIAM BARLOW, Clerk."
The authorities arc at this moment (five o'clock) making
every preparation for the contingencies of the night. Se-
veral strangers have been observed to come into the town
during last night and this morning, but their movements
are well watched. The wounded in the hospital are dOing
as well as can be expected.