The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-07-30
Terrible Riot between Fire COmpanics-A
Number or Men Wounded,

From the Philadelphia North American, July 20
Our noble and humane" fremen again exerted
their begerent propensities, to the disgrace Of
city, on Thursday night. Respectable citizens were
aroused from their peaceful slumbers, and their
lives and property threatened with destruction,
while one Of principal streets was turned into
scene of battle and bloodshed.
About halfpast ii O'clock on the night mention
ed, there was an alarm of fire. caused by the burn
and Rachel streets. The flames were extinguished
before much damage was done to surrounding
property. Apprehending disturbance among some
Of the up town fire companies, the greater part of
the police force Of the Northern Liberties to the
scene Of confagration, leaving the rest Of the dis
trict ungusrded. Lieut.. Mutt, seeing the Paramount
Engine Company going down Fourth street. and ex-
company and the Moyamensing Hose Company,
str0ye to collect some men, but was unable to find
any. He followed the Paramount alone.
In the vicinity of Fourth and Csllowhill streets,
the Paramount approached the Moyamensing, which
was ahead and the were seen to leave the rope.
moment afterwards, there was q rapid succession
of pistol shots-a regular broadside. The fire was
returned and for few minutes the streets present
ed the appearance of o battle field Lieut.. Mutt,
officers Snyder, Yoder, and Tallman. and Waterman
Barnes exerted themselves to make arrests but they
were resisted, and were only partially successful
was unable to move. Finally the battle ended, the
Moyamensing retiring down Fourth street with their
carriage.
But two arrests were made John Bsen, an ads.
rested by officer Snyder, Of Spring Garden. He
was taken before Alderman Butler, and held in
II 900 to answer the charge of riot.
Elisha Reed, member Of the Paramount Engine
Company, was arrested by Waterman Barnes, hay
ing discharged pistol In his hand. He was taken
before Ex-Mayor Howell. and held in 81 900 to an
swer the charge Of riot.
1t is reported that member Of the Paramount En-
CINE Company has since died Of wounds received in
the fight, but the truth Of the statement we have
| been unable TO ascertain.
John Kane, aged 10 years, an adherent Of the
Moyamensing HSsc Company, was shot through the
back, the ball passing out at his right breast He
was taken to the Pennsylvania Hospital, where he
lies in. o precarious condition.
John Raftree. aged "a, also an adherent of the
Moyamensing Hose Company, was badly woun led
In the aim. He was taken to the Pennsylvania Hos
pital.
A German gentleman, who was passing Fourth
shot through the feshy part Of the thigh. He was
conveyed to his residence.
A gentleman who was passing at the same time,
had q portion Of his hat shot away, and the ball
grazed ms forehead. he made very narrow es.
cape.
A number of the contestants are known TO have
received wounds more or less dangerous; but we
suppose tney VIII remain concealed until they re.
| shed.
It's understood that the bellgerent fire comps.
niles will be reported to court. But that will only
give us temporary relief These and other COM
panies have been reported. An attempt has been
made to destroy them both, but it has failed They
exist but to repeat their lawessness and render our
highways dangerous both day and night. We are
reputed to have scandslously abused these voun.
teer fircnen. The experience of every day con.
vinces ms that we have not spoken with half the
energy which should be directed against this
enormous evil. The volunteer fire department is
Enthusiastically the source of rowdyism In this and
other cities and, far from decreasing in its baneful
influence, it is rather becoming more outrageous
Ia -~rAl 1~A~
no longer brighten the rotous spirit for the rioters
themselves employ the deadly weapons, and ss they
are more numerous than the police, the latter are
treated with contempt. There Ia but one remedy
the destruction Of the volunteer department. We
would not argue about paid fire department. II
the expense ten times that of the present de-
parment, it would be infinitely preferable, If the
proper training of our young men and the safety and
welfare of this community be things atal worthy Of
consideration.