Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-06-29
The Portland Riot.

that Mayor Dow acted with modera-
ton and prudence during the progress
of the late riot in Pc, tland. the com
munication OF that gentleman, 10 the
Board of Aldermen Of that city, would
1t appears to US, be quit sufficient.
The mob was Of far more formable
character than has generlly been sup
posed. 1t had been talked about for
weeks that the enemies Of Prohibition
had been organizing for distul bance.
There was a settled determination that
the new Liquor Law should not be ex-
ecuted. Some Of the leading and most
influential men in the city-to their
shame be it said-were unceasing in
their efforts to render it unpopular-to
turn the tide Of public sentiment aginst
il. The worst passions Of the human
mind were appealed to. and as the Sc
quel shows, not without effect.
A mob was at length assembled.
On what account? What was the oc-
cassion? Had there been any infa-
nous act perpetrated? Nothing Of the
kind is pretended. The law contem-
plated the establishment of an Agen-
cy in Portlandifor 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
Aldermen were constituted Cmmit-
tee to purchase the. liquors. This duty
was performed. and the liquors were
deposited in the rooms designated by
the city authorities.
Aboutthis time a rumor was started
that the Mayor had purchased these
spirits on his own account-purchased
them with the view Of disposing Of
them to the City, and making a profit
by the operation. They had not been
accepted by the City. at least-so it
was said-nor had there been an ag-
ent appointed to receive them.
Here was an opportunity to make
war upon Mr.. Dow and his favorite
law, which Of corse must be improved.
The Mayor had certainly made mis-
take, and he must atone for it. The
matter was talked about by his oppo-
nents on the corners of the streets. in
all the public places, in fact the advo.
Gates ofrnm were everywhere were
everywhere in high state of excite
ment. Finally warrant was sworn
out, directing the City Marshal to seize
the liquors taken into custody.
This accomplished, one would sup
pose the populace might have been sat
isfcd. If the Mayor had violated any
law. the fact would now de determined.
II guilty Of the offence charged, the
liquors would be destroyed. But the
mon who had raised all the hue and
cry, had no disposition to see the mat
ter end here. Having invoked the aid
of the law, they had no intention Of
abiding by its operations.
The City Hall, in which the liquors
we're stored. was besieged. Why?
Were not the spirits safe there? Was
there any apprehension felt that the
Marshal would run away with them?
This is not pretended. What then
called the crowd together? What was
the object ofseveral hundred men who
were assembled on that occasion, arm.
ed with brick bats and other missiles?
If the liquor was to be destroyed, it
was to be done in lawful manner. and
not by mob. II Mayor Dow had
violated the law, that fact would not
Justify his opponents in doing it
But different impression seems to
have prevailed among the rumocracy
Of Portland. The City Hall was ston-
ed. its windows smashed, and its doors
broken in. The police inteifered, but
they were stoned. The crowd seemed
likly to overpower them. Begging the
crowd to dispense was Of no use.
Readins the Riot Act availed nothing.
The mob was bound 10 enter the bull
ding and take passion Of the property.
Finding how things were going, Ma
yor Dow determined to put down the
mob. The City Hall was the proper.
ty Of the city, and he resolved to de-
fend it. He did precisely what Ma
yor ought to do under such circum-
STAGES. He summoned the military 10
his aid when he found the police force
apparently unequal to the task before
them. Whether he employed more
force than was necessary we know not
and care not lie acted according to
his best judgment. Upon him rested
the responsibility Of saving the public
property-of restoring order where
disorder prevailed. 1t was for him to
determine what am unit of force was
required to secure that end.
Why should NEAL Dow be- censur-
and covered with opprobrium as he has
been? He acted entirely on the de-
fensive. His opponets-the rum men
in Portland-wcro the aggressors;
they are responsible for all the injury
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