Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-04-15
A FOIL RIOT

| A FOUL BLOT.
One locality exists in this city, where not
untrequenty enacted, rvang almost In grossness and
unbrdled RIGHTEOUSNESS the notorious Give
Points, OF New York or the yet more infamous pur
ieus of Alsatia. This annunciaton, we know full
we'll will fall with startling effect upon the of many
virtuous and peaceful citizens All will enquire, "Can
this be possible? Where, in what portion Of our fair
city exists this sink Of corrupton? Come with u.s. good
incredulous reader, and we will point out the locality.
Eighth street, from Gary to the James River Canal
marks the Eastern boundary of low, damp and un-
wholesome district On the of the above named
Streets stands an old dipated building erected proba
bly, by the crude foreathers of the hamet; adjoining
this ancient pile of bricks, mortar and wood num-
Der of story wooden hesfor they do not rise to
the dignity of houses-froning Eighth street, the
East, and on Cary on the Northern boundary, which
are tenantedb by motley crew, embracing all complex
ions from Snowy white to sooty. The whole
square, five except the warehouse of Messrs. Edmond
& Davenport on the South, and Messrs S. s. Myers &
Co.'s tobacco Factory, the West, is filled with mise
rable wooden novels, tenanted, for the most part we
learn by worthless free negroes. Midway this square,
blind alley leads from 9Th street towards the rear in
tersecng with another at right angles about the CEN
ofthe district, which is known by the euphonous
name OF "Snatoh back aley'-this latter alley termi
mates in Gary street. about equal distances between 7h
and 8th streets. The inhabitants of this damp and
filthy square, either sckly and cadaverous hue;
engendered by breathing poison atmosphere, else
carry in their faces mark which declares forci-
bly, than words could thea unwecome intelligence that
the benign rays OF the Sun Temperance has not yet
penetrated this benighted district
Fronting the northern side of the blind alley above
described, with its Eastern end resting sth street,
may be seen a long story wooden building, which
has been divided into three enements The corner te-
nement we take to be the most important one in the
whole district it being, rude sign hung out under
the of the house, with knife and fork drawn there
on imports, ohing less than thehote the neighbour
hood. This house is kept by negro fellow named
Bob Johnson, whose name occasionally appears the
records of the Police office Farther on towards the
canal several small tenements may be seen, of rather
better appearance than those in their rear because
some efforts have atterly been made to improve the
front rooms, with the view doubtless of attracting trade
and commerce to this interesting place, Beyond these
tenemens the pedestrian will observe large gate OPEN
ing into 9th street, which has been nailed pine
board containing the significant words Gross Doc"
traced in large black letters This sign clearly indi-
Gates the owners estimate of the honesty of the neigh
bourhood. Next this gate stands the commodious
brick warehouse of Messrs. Edmond & Davenport, and
beyond it flows the waters Of the James River Canal
The reader enjoys full view OF this noted
square, where ample employment is almost nightly
given the guardians OF the city. Now let us repair to
the Mayors Court, where impartial view can be OBJ
tanned OF the habits of the persons who nhabt this dis
trct. On looking over the records orthe past week or
two, we lind that Capt Jnkns has been compelled to
bestow more than ordinary attention on this portion of
the city. For example:
On Saturday night, the 23d ult., the watchmen were
summoned to this district at II O'clock to que fight
progressing in the blind alley. Two negro fellows he
were captured and conducted to the cage
one proved to be free man named Meekns the other
a slave. An examination into this case before the
Mayor developed some strange illustrating,
among others the perfect equality existing between the
white and coloured in this highly -favoured To-
cality.
On Friday, the 29th March, Margaret Cousins and
Ann Clarke made violent assault upon the house of
Elizabeth Fowler, with BRICKS stones and other mis-.
SHE'S" In the assault windows were smashed, doors
broken, and human life endangered. A half grown
daughter of Elizabeth Fowers took part in the nelee
occupying antagonistical position to the two danes
leading the assault. This engagement took place in
broad daylight, and attracted quite crowd of oilers
who appeared to enjoy the sport hugely. One witness
who testified before the Mayor, declared that he had
never witnessed an encounter in which language mora
outrageous and basphemous had been uttered Another
witness said he had, former OCCASION saved the oirl
Fowler from severe beating by interposing between
her and the two viragees above namedthat thew were
always quarreling and fighting, &c Now, be it re-
memhered all these parties whites, and all reside
in the district above described Margaret Cousins and
Ann Clarke were committed to iail
On Sunday night the 3lst ult, white man named
reef fuilen nonresident, arrested for breaking
INTO the house of Ann Clarke, (who is at present 60
curing at the Valley Inn.) He was committed to iail
During the same night free negress was arrested in the
same neghbourhood, under very suspicious circum-
stances.
On Monday and Tuesday nights following, negroes
picked up In this district nsensiby intoxicated
But why continue the hideous catalogue? More
nan enough has been already stated to convince the
public that this district is foul blot upon the citya
evere tax upon the public treasury-and place where
ubects are reared with which jas to be filled
md our Penitentiary to be replenished.
FIRE.-The alarm of fire yesterday about 3, P. NJ,
vas caused by the firing of straw in untenanted
rick building situated about the centre of 18th street
etween Main and Cary streets, belonging to Mr.. w,
sreaner. No damage DONE Ii