The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-05-26

.. BosToN, May p, 1872
Ro~s IN Boaoa-1he Oxford Cdp-Strcd Fights,
Trouble anticipated.
JAS. G. BENNETT, EDITOR HERALD
SIR;
AS you will doubtless receive many conflicting
reports OF the rotous that this usually quiet
city has presented within the last few DAYS being
but vislter here and quiet look er-on, will endea-
vor TO give you an impartial history of the whole
affair; and II you think my letter worthy of the space
1t will occupy, insered in your valuable paper it is
at your service
BE 1t known, in the first place, that there is re-
guation OF Cambridge College of Massachusetts, as
oithe Oxford College, in the old country, requiring
the Seddentst 10 wear certain style of cap, denom-
mated here the Oxford cap, from its being worn,
preseume, by the Students of Oxford College in
England This cap is so aristocratic; as many think
ridiculous IN Its appearance that the Plebians have
never since It's adoption allowed an opportunity TO
pass unlmprovcd, either personally to insult the
wearer or rdcule his square oed cap" as is call
ed. Nearly every drayman in town is wearing a
base imitation" about four times the size of the
legitimate, with large tassel of paper or twine
according TO the taste of the wearer dangling over
the SIDE And on the occasion of Miss Lees benefit
on Friday evening last, at the fremont (Which by
the way was indeed bumpeD there were a half a
dozen carcatures OF all sizes and coors, on the
heads OF so many boys IN the pit, who were accom-
panied by party sufficiently strong, as it would
seem, to protect them in of an attack from the
Students. Thus far all was peaceable but the Stu
dentsvey nJudiclously attacked poor negro in the
street, who was sporting paper cap, and gave him
severe beating, which has so enraged the town that
should not be surprised if something very serious
were to grow out of it. Indeed am informed by a
person in whom place the utmost reliance, that a
posse Of drsymep, over hundred strong, marched
over to the College last evening for the purpose of
having fight, and should they succeed in accom-
pllshlng this object have great fears for the result
as the Students are all armed with pistols and
dirks.
Yesterday serious fight was anticipated in front
of the fremont House, when there was collection
ofover five hundred people. The Common rabble"
(Quere, is the term N your vocabulary y amused
themselves with throwing sand from the newly paw
ed street upon the students aud their friends, who
were standing upon the steps Of the fremont House
The students drew their knives and dirks and rush
ed INTO the ranks OF the enemy, IN nancr that
threw Placide's Bombases quite into the shade !:
but there was no blood shed. The quietus having
been put upon the crowd by the arrest of a young
man, caught n the act OF throwing missiles the
Students the latter formed procession, and march
ed the streets for the balance of the afternoon, pre-
ceded, followed, and completely surrounded by boys,
who seemed TO be very merry al the expense OF
the poor students. And thus stands the affair for
the present, but if my apprehensions are well
grounded, something serious will yet occur from
this highly ridiculous tracas.
Now, the question naturally arises, which party
Is to blame. answer, both. The students most,
for they were the aggressors; they were the first
show fight. And have not conversed with single
person bnt has expressed himself in precisely the
same terms. If the students had passed unnotced
the carcatures worn by the draymen and Others the
latter would soon have got tired of wearing them :;
Tor it's hard 10 tease man that won't be leased.
Lestyou SHOULD give the students credit for more
valor than they are really the possessors of, viii
state that they have yet encountered any thin
but boys How heywill act when attack led by men,
lsiear we will know the rising of tomorrow &
sun
Should you deem it worth while, | will keep you
advised of the progress of this affair.
| Yours. w.