Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1855-05-03

Attempt to Arrest the Rioters-Chief
of Police severely beaten by the
Mob Large Force of Especial
Police sworn in.
This morning, sailors were on a strike for
a dollar day, and having found that en-
plOvers and vessel owners would not pay the
price, they for ned into procession, which
was constantly augmented as they proceeded
and went along the docks, ordering all hands
who were at work on various vessels, to
knock off," Many were obliged to do so
A message was sent to the Chief Police and
Mayor, informing them of these things, upon
which they proceeded to the Creek, and found
some three or four hundred of them collected
near the schooner Philena Mills, lying along
side Johnson's Elevator. Before the May
or arrived however, they had been on
board the schooner ordered the hands Of,
and cut the billiards of the triangle. The
Captain drew pistol when they first came
OF board, but did not fire it. As the Mayor
and Chief came on the ground, the ringlcaders
were forming procession, and as the officers
appeared, filed up the Greek to Washington
Docks
Those who remained were addressed by
the Mayor recommending them to disperse
and preserve order, and threatening all dis
orderly persons with instant arrest. The
mob then commenced following up the
Creek, and the Mayor and Chief on theil
way to another scene. The procession had
stopped at Washington Docks, near which
the two sehooners were lying, and had order
ss.shs nsssausts-qpit sssris, -siTs-ssc5Hd
body arrived. The Mayor Immediately al
JroosoJ nro.r-d ,Jx than, orr,sr, 4,
disperse, &C. No notice was taken of thi;
however, the rioters defying him and the po-
lice, with much disorderly language threats
and deeds. The CLief s3ized one of the
ringleaders, and assisted by David Cooper
endeavored to make the arrest. He resste.l
stubbornly, fought and struck, and finally
callel to the crowd for rescue. The crowd
threw themselves upon the "Chief," rescued
their man, pushed the "Chief" down and
kicked him. The Chief, however, was de-
termined, and although there were no other
officers near, seized his man again, but the
crowd prevented him from making the arrest
The Mayor again spoke to them, and they
gave three cheers for Mayor Cook The
ringleaders slipped away and were joined by
squads, and finally formed in possession
started up the Creek again. We did ,iot stay
any longer
The deficiency in officers was too great to
accomplish anything. Ten good police off.
GERS with slaves would have dispersed the
crowd without disturbance. As it was, thC
Mayor was helpless, and could only use words
to insist upon the observance Of the peace
the rioters laughing at his threats. We hopc
we shall have no more of this, as somethns
more serious will undoubtedly follow repi
tition
P. S.-A large force is to be specially dep
utised this afternoon, by the Mayor, to proceed
to the ground and make arrests. A number o
letters have been received at the Office of thc
Chief of Police, from captains of other vessels
asking for aid The "Chief" declares he vii
make the arrests this afternoon, in spite o
everything. We understand, Also that tn,
mob is composed chiefly of wharf-loungers
wharf-rats, and the lower classes-that they
are not sailors. The sailors are peaceable, anC
wish to go to work. We hope these hangers
on who are melting the disturbance will b.
supplied with county lodgings, and not ruiz
the reputation of the sailors in this outrageou
manner.