The Sun.
London, England, 1858-03-15 00:00:00

ARRIVAL OF

AFFRAY WITH TRINITY COLLEGE
STUDENTS.
On Friday, on the arrival of Lord Eglinton, the
new Lord Lieutenant, in Dublin, a nurnbsr of
Trinity College students, who had assembled in the
circular space outside the college portal, and within
the railings, began pelting the police and others
with crackers, eggs, and other missiles. This was
for some time borne with good humour, but at
length brought on a serious affray. After some
skirmishing and the " capture" of a policeman by
the students, on whose side the sympathies of the
populace seem to have been decidedly enlisted.
The Freeman's Journal says that two or three
sallies were made by some of the milder and more
adventurous youths ; but they were glad to get
back within the rails. Academic caps were snatched
off by the police in one or two scuffles, and repri-
sals were made in the capture of several policemen's
hats. The constables who owned the hats had the
determination to watch for a partial opening of the
gate, and there were three or four of them rushed
in to recover their castors. The unlucky intruders
were surrounded and jostled, but not hurt. During
this time the noise and confusion were so great,
that it seemed as if dire deeds were being perpe-
trated. Col. Browne rode up, and in vain essayed
to be heard. It is said that at this moment the
colonel was struck with a missile in the face ; and
it was then unhappily that the outer iron gates of
the railing were forced open and the horse police
ordered to charge. It is admitted by all who were
spectators of this unlooked for and unexpected pro-
ceeding that the conduct of the 'terse police was in-
excuably violent. They drew their swords as they
dashed into the enclosure, and, rushing in with
flashing sabres, striking at all before and around
them, striking and ridings, down many who were
mere spectators, and had had no conception that
such a Balakava movement was in preparation.
The effect of this charge was most alarming. An
instant rush was made within the enclosure. Some
made for the inner gate, and others crouched in
the narrow angles at either end. Many of the
citizens and more grown students, who saw retreat
impossible, faced round and met the foot police,
who followed close on the heels of the cavalry, and
some severe blows were exchanged. The wicket only
of the inner gate being open the students found the
greatest difficulty and delay in ge ling in. The police-
men charged with such impetuosity, and used their
swords with such vigour, that the wooden gate has
several marks of their sabres, large pieces being cut off
in some places. When the charge was made by the
horsemen, the foot police, who were in reserve
behind the others, as we have observed, followed
up the charge, laying round them lustily with their
batons. In the melee inside, some of the more
grown of the college men resisted the assaults of the
police, and several slight wounds were the result,
but no serious injury that we could ascertain has
been suffered by any of the force. With regret we
have add that sevt ral of the young students have
not escaped so fortunately. Amongst the most
seriously injured are Mr. Leeson, a young gentle-
men—nephew, it is said, to the Earl of Milltown.
He was knocked down by a blow from a baton,
and it is asserted that whilst lying senseless on the
ground he was struck again and again, as were also
those who ran to lift him. Up to an advanced hour
last night little hopes are entertained of his surviv-
ing. Other students also, mere lads, have been bru-
tally beaten or wounded, including Mr. Brownrigg,
Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Lyndsay, and others, who are
under surgical treatment—some, it is said, in a very
precarious condition. During the evening the neigh-
bourhood of College-green and the streets adjoining
the college were occupied by groups of student*
discussing the events of the day, also by crowds of
idlers who had come from all parts of the city to
witness any new demonstration that might be made.
The police, who were on duty in the earlier part of
the day, were in readiness for immediate service if
called upon, but nothing material requiring their
interposition occurred up to the hour of 9 o'clock,
when large bodies of the students assembled in
Grafton-street. Shortly before 11 o'clock about 250
of the students issued from a house in Grafton-
street, and were joined by at least as many more,
when they proceeded in the direct on of College-
green, the apparent leaders of the assemblage cry-
ing out—" To the statue." A large body of police
who had been on duty in Grafton-street accom-
panied the students on their march, but did not in-
terrupt them in the least until they arrived at the
corner of College-green. The police then broke into
sections and marched directly across the line of the
students' procession, thus breaking upend dispersing
them. The students in this iusbance were all grown
young men, and were armed with sticks. No re-
sistance was offered to the police, and the students
finally marched into college. A policeman of the di-
viaion received serious injury by the blow of a etene,
which knocked him down.
'Saunders gives the following list of students in-
jured in the affair—" Mr. Leeson, badly wounded
ou the bead, with symptoms of concussion; Mr. Ful-
ler, wounded on the head and otherwise injured; Mr.
Allen, do. ; Mr. Poliock, do. ; Mr. Carroll, do. ;
Mr. Leathern, do. ; Mr. Field do. ; Mr. C.
Kennedy, a sabre cut on the head, and several
blows from batons ; Mr. Bolter), beaten about the
body ; Mr. Fitzgibbon, do. ; Mr. Gregg, do. A
son of Dr. Gray, of the Freeman's Journal, was
also injured. All the head wounds are such as
may lead to most serious results."