The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-05-05
Important from Canada.

Important from Canada.
SERIOUS RIorsl--PARLIAMENT
BUILDINGS BURNED--ARREsT FOR
HIGH TREASON.
/ The Philadelphia North American Of
the 9Th ult. has the following more de
tailed account Of the great riot at Mon.
treal:
ta .ae MONTREAL, April 96.
| The Governor came down TO the
Legislative Chamber yesterday, and
gave the royal assent to the bill for in
demniiy'ng losses sustained during the
rebellion. On leaving the Parliament
House he was pe'ted by mob--Inostly
OrangemenA-ahd forced 10 retire 10 his
residenEe In the country. X
Last night while the Assembly was
engaged on the judiciary bill, loud
shouts gave evidence that riot was
fomentIng outside, and before momien,
elapsed number Of stones were thrown
through The windows: The members
rushed behind the Speakers chair
while stones continued 10 be thrown
necessarily. 3"a -
Tie benches we're promptly desert-
ed, as well as the strangers galleries,
and members were seen flying up stairs
to the library. The OILY member visi.
Bile was Mr.. Stevenson, who had placed
himself on one Of the benches between
the windows, and eyed the havoc with
the spirit Of one determined not to
finch. The stones for some time were
thrown only from the 'front.' part Of the
building, but in few minutes they
were thrown from the rear, and in
abou, five minutes there was not left
an unbroken light in the whole range.
A slight cessation occurring, several
members entered The house from the
Lobby; but the rioters re.comhenced
the attack from all sides, and the house
was again cIeared-not one solitary
member Ieft--missies still continuing
to enter through the shattered windows.
AT last cry was raised from the Ii.
brary end Of the building, "they come"
Those who had taken refuge there then
rushed along the centre of the hall, and
disappeared behind the speakers chair
the lobby at that end being crowded
with members and clerks. Immediate.
Iy alter abou, dozen persons entered
the Assembly Hall, armed with sticks.
One walked up to Mr.. Stevens, and
seated himself in the Speakers chair.
Another looked around the hall, and
muttered something about dissolving
Parliament. Others commenced de.
stroying all before them, including chan
deliers suspended from the ceiling, glass
globes and other lights. One Of them
visited the front row Of fmembers' bench.
es on both sides Of the House, striking
all papers to the floor with sticks.
Alter him. another, more determined
on destruction, tore the benches up,
thro wing some into the centre of The
floor and jumping upon or breaking
them. The splendid mace Of the As.
semby caught The eve Of ote, who
speedily marched off wi h j; over his
shoulder.
The Sergeani:at.A rms, J.. F. Magis:
try, witnessed this daring act from the
doorway leading into The library, and
as the fellow passed out caught hold of
the crown and nearly succeeded in res
cuing it. Two or three Of the party
ra,ne to the rescus and struck at the
Sergeant with clubs and forced him to
reinquish his hold, and the mace was
carried IF.
Having destroyed as much rs thew
could, they lett the Assembly Hall. A
lew soon returned. but some of the
members having entered from the rear
"t the Speakers chair, the rioters con.
tented tn mselves with overturning the
benches; and but for the exertions OF
Guam and Robinson, ,ihe turner Of whom
elected fellow in blanket coat. about
,o de,nolish the Clerks table. they would
not have lett single piece Of furniture.
One fellow had arrived with the rod
Of Office Of the Sergeant.at.Arms, and
went striking at every article in the
rear of the Speaker. He was obliged
to seek escape, as the house had been
hred at the McGiil street end, and the
building was in flames. A cry was got
up to save the library.
Sir Allen McNab used every exer.
ton to effect this, bu; all seemed bent
on making their escape from the fire.
Sir Allen McNab and Mr.. BadgeIy
went to the library and attempted to
save few volumes, but were unable to
get them out. and, TO save their lives,
were compelled to descend by means OF
a ladder. tF.y r5,.rot .-p
The Parliament house and others are
totally destroyed. Ii
Many arrests have been made this
morning. SIR George Moffat has been