The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1843-01-25
FEARFUL RIOTS IN PHILADEL-
PHIA.
Corrsspondence of The N. Y. Tribune.

Corr-spondence of The N. Y, Tribune.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. l2.-As | stated IN
n postscript Yesterday, the most fearful riots
s,aye orcured in Kensington among the wea-
yers. The scene changed from Moyamen.
sing TO The above place, and last night all
was tumult and confusion. In The after
noon, Nathan Luckens, constable, 10 al
tempting TO arrest one of The rioters, was al
lacked and severely beaten. The fellow,
however. was eventually secured, and COM
.mi;ted TO prison, but not without great dIih-
Gully. by Aid. Potts, who, in return, was
threatened with the destruction OF his HE
Matters having thus assumed fearful as
,pect, the Sheriff appeared upon the ground,
mingled with the rioters, but all has efforts
were of no avail About 8 o'clock in the
evening, the Sheriff and his Depuies again
appeared with about 200 armed men, who
no sooner arrived than several guns were
discharged. followed by tremendous vol
ley ofbrickbats, and dreadful rush upon
the Sheriff and his posse. by near 500 infu-
rated wretches, when fearful conflict en-
sued, among those who stood their ground
like men. The fight was terrible The
weavers had taken complete possession of
Kensington Market house in Master street;
had torn up the brick pavement and taken
the shameless. with which they were armed /;
the great majority Of the Sheriff. force were
soon put 10 flight, many of whom were Sc
verely wounded
The Sheriff. however, stood his ground,
until he became weak from injuries he had
received, and was conveyed about half past
10 o'clock 10 his residence in very preca.
rious situation. Medical attendance was
Immediately called, when it was ascertained
that his wounds we're principally about his
head and breast, and Of a serious nature.
The rioters triumphed, when the air was
rent with demonioc wells and volley Of fire.
arms
At midnight three military companies
were ordered out, bun they did not muster.
Complete mastery was maintained of The en-.
tire district by the mob, the civil arm of the
law having thus signally failed 10 restore or
der.
This morning. visited again the scene
of last nights outragcs, and witnessed an
other repetition of like acts of violence =
The citizens had once more assembled to
demonstrate with the mob. but were attack
ed and beat off. The Sherif's posse, mum
bering IT persons, then appeared, armed
with bail and cartridge. A charge, with
fixed bayonets, was made upon the rioters,
about ii J O'Clock, who quickly retreated-
two only of their number, exceeding 1000
desperate characters, were arrested. After
remaining a short time upon the ground
the posse proceeded 10 the Northern Militia
ry Hall, in Third street near Green, deem
ing il unsafe. in The present excited state Of
the mob. 10 remain in tl.cir midst, without
further rtinforccmcn:s
Eight arrests in all have been made.
Two o'clock P. M.-The posse of the
Sheriff still remains at The Military Hail.
The military are turning out. at least. por
lion ofthe German LaneerS! They, lon.
are quarlered at the Hall, with the under
st1ndlng, | believe. that they do not march
into kensirgton unless the preparation of
other ac;s of violence occur. By many it
is feared terrible work will be attempted to-
night: ard tire fact of calling out the Ger.
mans to put down the Irtsh tends greatly TO
confirm those fears. trust. however, no
thing will be attempted.
The stale OF the public mind during last
Light and this morning was dreadful indeed.
saw one poor fellow enter butchers
shop, and imploringly beg for something TO
rat piece of raw beef was given to
him. fchich he instantly commenced devour'
ing )! lie said, that himself and family
were starving-thst the weavers would not
let him work--ihat he would turn out and
fight with them if he died."