The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-07-09

DESTRUCTION OF FRoPBRTY-ATTACK UPON THE
CATHOLIC CHURCH.
From the Manchester American and Messenger July 81
On the night Of the Sd inst. q very serious riot
we understand to be in substance these Some
lrishmen built fire on the west side Of Elm street.
near what is called the Phoenix boarding house,
and having collected around it in considerable num-
bers annoyed and insulted passers by-sometimes
throwing stones. After time they came up to the
building known az Marshau's building, "a part of
which IS owned by brother Of John Marshall, who
killed Callan,) and broke some OF the windows by
throwing stones. About this time David Cross
Esq. was crossing the street opposite Marshall's
building, when he was hit on the head by stone
which was probably thrown at the building. At the
same time stones and brickbats began to fly
near the fire, and some men were bruised
young man named Charles Lee was hit
on the head and badly gashed, and it was
immediately reported that an Irishman had
killed an American. On this the turbulence of the
crowd increased, and the tenements inhabited by
the Irish were attacked. All those on Elm street,
between Central and Park streets, were mutilated-
the doors and windows being stove in. The police
were promptly on the ground, and the City Marshal
succeeded In quelling the disturbance. party of
the rioters then drew on and ran towards the Ca
tholc church. They drew up on the north side with
clubs, stones and bTickbafs, and commenced a
furious assault upon it. Much Of the glass (Which
much damage done to the south side. One man
climbed over the fence, and with large club stove
in both the glass and sash of some of the basement
windows. This occurred between three and four
O'Clock in the morning. John H. Maynard. Esq,
whose residence is near the church, went ont and
urged the crowd to desist; and soon Mr.. HILL the
Marshal, arrived and dispersed them.
The next evening 1.-THE 4th) mob again col!
lected near the scene of the first outbreak at the
lower end of Elm street. Some of the ringleaders
were arrested, and further operations prevented
then. Several Of them, headed by Q man with
monkey wrench in bis hand, (the instrument with
wh woo cd hotn <hovr
Church street another Irish region at the north part
Of the city. As they were crossing Lowell street the
leader was arrested. Another man was soon after
arrested in the act Of raising a black flag. Soon
ascertained that another attack was to be made
upon the Catholic church but it was prevented BY
the efforts of Mr.. Maynard an corps Of night po
lice. Still later at about ten o'clock, another crowd
gathered around o wooden building occupied by
Irish, between Park and Central streets, determined
to raze it to the ground.
The msyor appeared in the midst OF the crowd
composed at that time Of about 400 persons, and
commanded silence. The crowd recognizing him,
shouted Hear Mayor Smyth,' and at once became
quiet. The mayor then warned them Of the conse-
que noes OF their roous conduct and stated to them
that though there might have been provocation at
the outset, yet, the course they were pursuing was
only injurng innocent parties and subjecting them
to the severe penalties Of the law. He assured the
that every step would be taken to bring to justice
those who first provoked this excitement, but that
F"phc oiocr wuuio DC pfcselVe1 u, al naZar Is Ine
mayor then made proclamation to the crowd to dis.
perse, which, after three enthusiastic cheers for
Mayor Smyth, was done quietly. This, VIC believe,
s the beginning and end of the riotous proceedings
We have but remark 10 make upon this occur.
renee. That the affair was unfortunate no one win
deny. The Irish, it is true, gave the first provoca-
ticD but this cannot justify the wanton destruction
OF property and reckessness of life that followed.
The sufferers now are- Irish, and the church, par
TALLY destroyed, Is Catholic; but mob law, after
exercise, becomes undscriminating, and may next
delnolish any of our public edifcce. Then, where
Is the safety to property or life? What community
can be prosperous whom public order deserts it?
The persons engaged in this riot may have had
provocstiop, but this does not justify an ndscri-
must be preserved, and we urge those persons,
who, in moment Of excitement, have lent their In
uence to the disturbance Of public peace to reflect
before they proceed further upon the consequences
to themselves and the community.