New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-06-14

THE PORTLAND RIOT.

Ifanything were wanting to satisfy the public
that Mayor Dow acted with moderation and
prudence during the progress of the late riot in
Portland, the communication Of that gentleman
to the Board Of Aldermen of that city, which
we transfer to our columns this morning, would,
it appears to us, be quite sufficient. The mob
was of a far more formidable character than has
generally been supposed. 1t had been talked
about for weeks; for weeks the enemies of Pro-
bibition had been organizing for a disturbance.
There was a settled determination that the new
Liquor Law should not be executed. Some of
the leading ard most influential men in the city
to their shame be it sad-were unceasing in
their efforts to render it unpOpular-to turn the
tide of public sentiment against it. The worst
passions of the human mind were appealed to,
and as the sequel shows. not without effect.
A mob was at length assembled. On what
account What was the occasion' Had there
been any infamous act perpetIatedi Nothing of
the kind is pretended. The law contemplated
the establishment of an Agency iu Portland for
the sale Of alcoholic drinks for medicinal and
mechanical purposes. At regular meeting of
the Mayor and Aldermen of the city the subject
was considered, when it was decided to establish
such agency, the place where it should be kept
was agreed upon, and the Mayor and two alder
men were coDstituteda Committee to purchase
the liquors. This duty was performed, and the
liquors we're deposited in the rooms designated
by the city authorities.
About this time rumor was started that the
Mayor bad purchased these spirits on his own
account-purchased them with the view of dis
posing of them to the City, and making profit
by the operation. They had not been accepted
by the City, at least-so it was said-nor had
there been an agent appointed to receive them.
Here was an opportunity to make war upon
Mr.. Dow and his fayorite law, which of course
must be improved. The Mayor had certainly
made mistake, and he must atone for it, The
matter was talked about by his opponents on the
corners of the streets, in all the public places,
in fact the advocates of rum were everywhere
in high state of excitement. Finally warrant
was sworn out directing the City Marshal to
seize the liquors; that duty was discharged, and
the liquors taken into custody.
This accomplished, one would suppose the
populace might have been satisfied. If the
Mayor had violated any law, the fact would now
be determined. If guilty Of the offense charged
the liquors would be destroyed. But the men
who bad raised all the hue and cry had no dispo-
sition TO see the matter end here. Though they
had invoked the aid of the law, they had no in
tenticn Of abiding by its operations.
The City Hall, in which the liquors were
stored was beseged. Whyi Were not the
spirits safe theref Was there any apprehension
felt that the Marshal would run away with
them' This is not pretended. What then
called the crowd .ogetherl What was the
object of the seyersi hundred men who were
assembled on that occasion, armed with paving |
stones, brick-bats and other missilesi II the |
liquor was to be destroyed, it was to be done
in lawful manner, and not by mob. If Mayor |
Dow had violated law, that fact would not JUS
tify his opponents in doing it.
But different impression appears to have
prevailed among the rumocracy Of Portland.
The City Hall was stoned, its windows smashed,
and its doors broken in. The Police interfered, !
but they were stoned. The crowd seemed likely |
TO overpower them Begging the crowd to dis |
perse WIS Of no use. Reading the Riot Act |