The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-01-29
TEE ERIE RAILROAD WAR.
Our Special Correspondence.
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Pvblfc Hcfft"g, &C, &C.
The Ielsying Of the track was commenced this
morning, and the connection between harbor Creek
and the railroad Depot In this city viii be effected in
two. or three days, at the farihest This morning
about forty workmen were employed in the erection
Of bridges over State aud French streets, and 1t is
thought that they viii be able to run the and
locomotives, which now stand on the broken track,
over 1t, ut IL o'clock tomorrow. Considerably diff
Guilty Is experienced in placing the upright posts or
supports Of one of the bridges In consequence Of the
ice, which is at least q foot thick. When 1t was
known that the workmen were once more en-.
gagged in relaxing the track, under the protection
OF the Marshal, crowd OF about fifty or sixty
persons, principally Germans, assembled at the
bridges, which are about two hundred yards d 'tant
from each other They appeared to be impeled
more by spirit of curiosity however, than any de-
sire to interfere with the Marshal although they
certainly did not appear 10 regard the work with the
most favorable intentions. They exhibited the true
state OF their feelings when young Mr.. Walkers
brother of the person who was egge i-made his ap-
pearance. They assailed him with cries Of g Four
feet ten," Rotton eggs" &C.; but he wisely took
no notice of them. Respect for individual rights APP
pears to be lost in the extreme feeling of animosity
that prevails towards the railroad company, and
all who appear to be either directly or
indirectly connected with them. 1t is impossible to
cay what may be done by the people tonight, after
the Marshal and the men shni have left the road;
but there appears to be very uneasy feeling among
the people, and general appreheDsions entertain
ed that the rails will again be torn up and the bridges
destroyed. Those who have been most inveterate in
their opposition to the company say that if single
train Is permitted to pass over it the battle is lost
and all further efforts on the part of the Erians will
be useless. They all appear determined, no Tever,
that the marshal shall not be interiered with, even
should he remain until be sees the train pass over
the road, 1t is I1mored that the company will keep
the men AZ work ontil the connection is made,
and that can be done by twelve O'Clock to-
night. | do not believe, hoyever, that they
VIII resort to such courss--not that think they
would be doing wrong, for they have perfect right
70 do so if they please, for taey have made no con-
ditioDe with tue Erieaus; bnt think they have not
got q sufficient number OF men, aud those they have
employed wi require rest This rumor, am afraid,
is circulated BY some malicious persons-a and there
are pleaty Of them here Ito excite the people, and
induce them to destroy the property of the road
more. Under such circumstances as these, it is no
wonder that the most serious apprehensions should
be felt with regard to the destruction of the bridges.
A meeting of some of the most Influential men of
this plsce-msn who have headed the movement,
but who, / think, will find it impossible to cen
troll it, or keep down the passions Of the peo-
p'e-was held this afternoon ia Judge Thomp-
suns office, to consult on the best course
to be adopted in this emergency. The meeting was
private, but learn that definite result was ar
rived at Some were in favor of calling public
meeting In the Court House, with the view of ad-
vls1Lg the people to preserve the peace under all
circumstances not to destroy the track. The Mar
shal was present, but be made no conditions, al
though he was understood TO have intmsted that thu
track could not be laid before tomorrow. This was
afterwards given by Judge Thompson, to those who
inquired, as an assurance upon which they might
place the most implicit reliance. The Office was
crowded with persons anxious to know what c0nclu-
zion they had come to- and some few appeared to 20
WIG w Wh AZ no Rat
although the Judge announced that there would be
10 meeting, the bell Of the Court House called
the people to assemble within its walls.
special police, who had determined to present
their resignation and certainly, for all the good
they have done Goce they were appointed, they
might as wei! have Gresigned long ago. How
pie licked to it. Among these were Judge
Thompson who has just returned from Harrisburg,
with Mr. Kelsoe, of that city, and several other gen.
tlemen. About ten minutes elapsed before the meet
ing was called to order, and Judge Thompson was
appointed President. After taking the chair he ex-
pressed his desire to know the objects for which the
meeting was convened; when man arose among the
audience and said that he understood it had been
called for the purpose Of giving the special police an
opportunity Of resigning.
Without waiting for them to do 30, the President
proceeded to counsel them to keep the peace. So
far said he, we have had law upon our slde and If
we now commit any act Of outrage or violence, our
best friends will be turned against u.s. and We will lose
the high and honorable position which we have
heretofore held In the public estimation. have not
been among you, said he, for long time; left this
city on the 9TH Of December last, and since then
have been at Pittsburg, Philadelphia, and Harris
burg. ATTENDING to your interests, and the interests
of the city of Erie. have during my absence con-
yersed with many lawyers, and have the supreme
satisfaction of telling you, that among these there
was not one who said in what we did we acted
illegally. have spoken and conversed with Gov.
Bgler, and ! know that application was made
"a inn hv inf MA for
hut he refused, when he heard and understood the
true state Of affairs to give an order for them He
not only did this, but be went on with me to Wash
ington, where We had an interview with the Presi-
dent Immediately after our arrival. At that meet
ing we informed the President Of the real condition
OF thiDgs-of the aggressions that had been made
upon our rights by these RAILROAD men-and on this
ne also refused to send troops here bat
ien for the Intervention of m armed FORCE yet il
the Marshal was interrupted or interfered with, he
should then be compelled to send United States
troops to Erie. 1t will, he said. be most
painful duty for me to perform; but the govern.
nent must be Obeyed and the laws must be respected
Now. said Mr.. Thompson, in conclusion ! must
say 10 gard to the act repeating the charter of she
Franklin Canal Company, that 1t will pass before
another week. When it is passed the Governor will
give the control of 1t to OF pe0 lie, and
you may depend upon 1t tina: it will terminate at the
the harb0r, snt will have no connection with any
eastern line This is the determination Of the Go
vernon, and know what he says will oesdone. y b
The meeting was afterwards addressed by Mr..
Kelsoe aud Others all of whom counselled peace;
after which the audience dispersed. Some Of the
special police derstaad afterwards rendered their
resignation ~ J. Towner, by whom IL was accepted.
Whatever the Erians may do in this matter, there
appears to be no doubt entertained of the intention
ofthe people Of Harbor Creek 70 arrest the Marshal
when he goes there to relay the track am ia no es
that they will not be guilty Of such an outrage but
~ the Marshal however, Intends to procure ball. this
will net interfere with the prosecution OF the work.
They viii barely use violence towards him. J. N.
TELEGRAPHIC.
ALI QUIET UNIIlD STATES MARSHAL REL AyIHG
THE TRACK, ETC.
ERIE Jan. 20, 1854
AL quiet here to-day The Uniss3 States Marshal has
gone TO aArbor Creek relay the track and rebuild tue
bridge
Gov Bgler has teleeraphsd he EfiAns that the State
has taken possession Of the Wesxrn road.
MEETING II PHILADELPHIA--THE hIoraRS UPHELD.
purt.p Ia