The Sun.
London, England, 1867-06-20 00:00:00

THE RIOTING AT BIRMINGHAM.

BIRMINGHAM, Wednesday Evening.

The town has looked quieter to-day. During the
whole of last evening, and until a late hour at night,
all the streets leading to those in which the recent
riots and conflicts have taken place were crowded
with people. Many of them were mere spectators,
no doubt peaceably enough disposed; but that there
was another class lurking about ready for mischief,
if the opportunity was given to them to go to work
by the withdrawal or weakening of the protecting
force, was palpable enough. It was a sad and even
portentous sight to witness at this time of day such
a force arrayed to protect the town from a desperate
mob, and in such a cause. The crossings of the
streets were guarded by the infantry, the Hussars
were picketed in the Bull Ring and elsewhere, and
the prison van was escorted by cavalry to the
Borough Gaol. There were rumours that distant
parts of the town were to be attacked, and although
everybody felt assured that the magistrates were
doing their duty in providing as far as possible for
any emergency, yet after the events of Sunday and
Monday no one could feel that there was security.
Fortunately
thenight went over without any
renewaldisturbance. Soon after midnight a
oof
the
detachment of more than 100 men---54th Infantry
—arrived from Manchester. They were marched
to the Town-hall, and this morning the police has
been augmented by the arrival of detachments from
the towns in the locality.

Such are some of theprecautionary measures taken
after so much mischief has been done. What pro-
vision was made for its prevention must be the sub-
ject of inquiry hereafter. The matter has been
already discussed at a meeting of the Watch
Committee of the Town Council, and but for a fact
or two there disclosed it would be absolutely in-
credible that, considering the danger (to some
extent indicated by the
the use of the Town-hall
should have been done to provide against accident.
Murphy's first service was fixed for Sunday, at 3
o'clock, yet, according to a " report" from the
Chief of Police, laid before the Watch Commit-
tee,l Mayor's refusal to grant
Murphy), so little
or'
" six men only were on duty in the locality of
the Tabernacle from 3 to 6 o'clock,"—the reason
assigned for this being not to create more excite-
ment than was possible.

Allusion was made in our report of yesterday to
the damage done in Park-street; the utter wreck
in that locality is indescribable : in some instances
the window frames have been wrenched out whole-
sale—not a pane of glass remains, and the mob
carried away every movable article. This street
was inhabited almost exclusively by the poorer class
of Irish. The poor creatures had to leave their
dwellings destitute in every
way. The spectacle
presented in that respect was truly shocking. It is
said that the Irish were the great culprits on Sun-
day and Monday. Even if that were so, the retri-
bution is fearful. A local report says :
Having sacked the houses, the ' party of order '
marched up and down the street, armed with frag-
ments of window shutters, wainscoating, chairs and
tables,
and singing the ' Glory Hal-
lelujah,' bedsteads,Bcc"
Brown's chorus.'"
In other streets partial but considerable damage
was done; attempts to renew the disturbances last
evening were quickly
'John
put down.

BTA.TE OF TRADE.

-

BELFAST, June 18.--Flux—The supplies in the
various markets during the past week were about
equal to that of the preceding week. Fine flax was
in active request, and in some instances higher figures
were realised. Yarns—An improvement in demand
has become manifest, although the business done
cannot be said to be large. English, Scotch, and
continental orders have not been extensive. Prices
continue to rule firm.
Handfoom—Linens brown,
light linens for bleaching, linen handkerchiefs and
cambric handkerchiefs are in good demand, at full
rates ; heavy linens continue as last reported ; all
other descriptions have been comparatively neglected.
Powerloom.—Roughs
and light linens for bleaching
continue as last reported. Some improvement has
been reported for heavy linens, and cloth for dyeing
and hollands. Bleached and finished linens.—The
dulness in demand for the home trade, as last re-
ported, has become more marked and decided.
Continental demand continues steady. American
demand as last reported.

-- •
MADAME TUSSADD'S. Notwithstanding the
numerous places of amusement which were open during
the Whitsun week, we were pleased to find that Madame
Tussaud's exhibition was exceedingly well patronised by
the holiday seekers, and received its full share of sapport.
The truly gorgeous court dresses were deservedly much
admired ; as also wore the models of our English Kings
and Queens, from the Conqueror to Queen Victoria. The
Napoleon relics are unquestionably well worth seeing, and
will, we feel assured, afford the visitor an opportunity 0
contemplating the many curious objects once the property
of the great ELllperQr,