New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-09-26
ALMOSTA RIOT ON THE SIXTHAVENUE
RAILROAD.

UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT TO EJECT DOWNING
FROM THE CARs-sYMPATHY. OF HIS FELLOW
PASSENGERS.
Our venerable friend, Thomas Downing, who for
more than thirty years has sold the best oysters in the
City at Nos 3 and Brosd.st, and whose establish
meDt has long been recognized of our municipal
institutions last evening experienced an ndigny at
the hands of come of the conductors of the Sixthav.
Railroad, from which his venerable years, if nothing
else, should have protected him.
To those abroad who do not know Mr.. Downing,
every one knows him here, it may be proper to say
that lie is one of the most respectable and aged colored
men in this City. His private character il without
reproach; he has made large fortune as the keeper
of refectory, which is frequented daily by throngs
of the principal bankers and merchants of Wall and
Broadsts ard their vicinity he has brought up several
sons to the business 10 whom he has given good
elementary education, good habits and good name
and during his long and uninterrupted success he has
never forgotten the humility and modesy which IL one
of his most noticeable characteristics.
He lives where he has lived and as he has lived ior
nearly half century, he sells his oysters In the very
same cellar-furnished in the plain way that II
was furnished when he opened 1t, and It would be
difficult 10 detect the slightest change wrought IN the
dress in the character or department OF the old man
since he became what he has been for many years,
man of fortune except in the magnitude oil hls dOna-
tons for the relief of his oppressed race.
Last night the old man had occasion 10 60 uptown
with a colored woman and they took seat together
in the Sixth sv cars They had no. long occupied their
seats before they were requested 10 leave the cars.
MIR Downing refused 60 and his resolute resistance
enlisted the sympathy of the passenger many OF
whom knew him, and were indignant at the attempt 10
exclude him from the public conveyance OF company
enjoying night OF way IN when ever! citheh hss al
equal interest.
What followed the appeal and Mr.. Downing resist
ance as well as what preceded, we give IL Mr. Down
ing's own language, as communicated 10 one OF our
reporters, at our requests
MR.. DowSISG's STATEMENT.
Last evening lady came 10 my place OF business,
No. Broadst., with two letters TO be delivered at
No. IS Thirty. Eighth ST. near Sixh-av., aud wished
me to 90 with her. She was from her employers at
Flushing | accompanied her uptown and took car
No q OF the Sixthay Railroad az the corner OF Park
place and Church-st As we got IN the car the con-
ductor made Az objection and threatened 10 put US out
However he went along till he got TO the corner OF
Cbambersst and " est Broadway Here be stopped
the car and attempted 10 put u out his was about
o'clock lie came 10 me. was sitting IN the car,
and putting his hands on my shoulder told US 10 20
out.
told him we had an Grand with letters 70 deliver IN
haste and We should not get ont he had better 20
on Then two or three gentlemen, who sat opposite
rs told Us to sit STILL the conductor had no rlght 10
put us out had az much night 10 rde as they had
The conductor then ordered tAe car 10 90 on ana
Threatening to call an officer to put us out Ihs
sad was the very thing wanted, as the oitcers were
placed for tie purpose Of keeping the peace, and he
wss disturb ipg "Wel," says he, my orders are
n ~ YOU out. My dear Sir, says l. 3" would
moi take business If had to break the Ia" to carry
il cut 80. u . r
Csn.I and Varck. when it made full stop. Here ne
called to bis aid several persons. asked them what
thew had TO do with the matter, as there was oui oae
condnctor and one driver to each car. They sad we
are conductors of the line, and we VIII axe you on;
said: No you wOnt-l don't leave tn, car uLI
move toward me but from the position | occupied
they were afraid to cinch me. held brass key IN
my hand, which suppose they thought was knIe'
az they exclaimed " Don't use your knlie
At his time said: " Gentlemen, if have violated
or committed breach of the law, here Is my card
and you know where 70 find me- The CONDUCTOR TO
fused the card; but number of gentlemen In me car
seeing that had handful, took them Inc car men
started again. From that moment the passeng"s,
when my name became known, began 70 msa,ee. ON az
interest in me by saying: Don't get out one
gentleman came and took seat Of nay side ana ssys
. viii cit with you. / have known you Tor INC 'a''