Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1855-04-17
From the Cincinnati Commercial, April4.
RIOT IN CINCINNATl-ONE MAN KILLED
FIVE WOUNDED:

FIVE Wounded
A difficulty between tho Germans and X. N.'s
occurred yesterday, regarding cannon. We en-
deavorcd to learn the facts in the case, but cam
not be positive that We have succeeded, rs the
terrible excitement which prevailed throughout tho
CITY, and the countless rumors flying, rendered it
extremely hard to obtain accurate information.
As near as we can learn, the facts arc these:
The Germans borrowed brass cannon of the
American Military Companies, with the purpose
of firing it on election day, in honor of the birth
day of Jefferson. The cannon was taken from
them while they were using it on Jacsson's Hill,
by q body of excited Americans, during the trou-
bic at the Eleventh Ward and after being para
ded through the streets, and once fired when load
ed with bOulders, in the Thirteenth Ward, was
deposited in the armory where it belonged.
The Germans, it is said, took this cannon or
some other one, from the armory, and placed it
in shed near Vine street, some four squares
from the canal. There is q disputed cannon, but
what one it is we do not know, and perhaps it is
not important. Gen. Sargent was highly indig
nant at the proceedings of the Germans in regard
to this disputed property, and demanded that it
be returned. To this the Germans would not ac-
cede, and the of the difficulty spread through
the city like fame in dry stubble. What claim
the Germans had on the gun, or what was Gen.
stand. 1t may be sufficient to say that there was
dispute about piece of artillery, and an inn
mense accumulation of feeling, in the city, which
tended to spontaneous combustion.
The rumor that caused most excitement down,
town was that the Germans had loaded the cannon,
and proposed to use it against the Americans. Gen.
Sargent we are told, made an effort to get the
cannon into his possession, but failed, and in the
afternoon great crowds were collected on Vine
street. Between three and four O'Clock the street
was thronged from the canal bridge to the foot of
the hill. There were four crowds each of which
might have been styled an immense mass meeting.
Two of these were of Americans--one on the bridge
and the other couple of squares higher 'up-and
the other two were Germans.
The sidewalks were throngcd, and thousands of
women and children looked on from the windows.
The aspect of affairs decidedly warlike. The
Americans were in state of excessive excitement,
and seemed resolved to have the cannon at ali
hazards. We passed through the street, and
heard enough conversation to gather the prevail
ing sentiment correctly. The most current re.
mark was: sLet them give up the cannon, and
we will let them alone but give it up they must %
We saw Mr.. Cox, the Prosecuting Attorney, beg
ing the Americans to return to their own side of
the canal, and settle the affair in some way ether
wise than by force Of arms, but his words seemed
to be wasted.
DR.. Fries was passing along the street and
pausing to make inquiries, was surrounded by
multitude Of Germans, and addressed few words
lish. As this gentleman's name was often used,
and that which he said has been much misrepre-
scented, it may be well to give his exact words
Speaking in English, he said
81 want you all to keep the peacc-for Gods
sake keep the peace-but if your rights are as
sailed, shed the last drop of blood in your veins
sooner than submit. But if possible, for Gods
sake keep the peace"
Passing up the street we saw unmistakabIe
evidences Of preparation for desperate contest.
Pistols were being loaded publicly. Nearly every
German was armed, the handles of pistols pro-
truded from their pockets, and many had swords
by their sides.
We met party Of about dozen sturdy fell
lows, carrying rifles, upon the tubes of which the
were prepared for active service, and to the rifles
were attached sabre bayones- making altogeth-
or terrible weapon, at once a rife and q spear.
The German women kept up constant chatter,
in which the words s'Know Nothing'' and ssDem-
ocrat," were frequently distingushable. s-
The street, viewed from the upper portion, ap-
pearcd black with men as far down rs the eve
could reach, ami through the dust above the
dense throng Of hats, the flash of steel was at in
t,rvals perceptiblc. Meeting German acquain-
tancc, he informed US that the halls of the Free
man and Turner's were each filled with men arm
G with rifles, who swore to defend the disputed
cannon to the last grasp.
Returning shutdown the street was even
more dcnscly filed. The Sheriff, with view of
removing the cause of difficulty, was enicavoring
to get possession of the gun which was the immc-
date cause of contention, and no resistance was
made by the German Officers, but the multitude
pressed about the shcl where the cannon was sta
toned, so that it was entirely impossible to get
it away, AMI the Sheriff left the ground on re-
ccivng assurances from Captain Moore, and 9TH
er German officers that the gun should not be
IL 4 i.
the proper authorities ut any time.
About this time the Germans detected in their
midst, or thought that they did, one of the per-
sons who destroyed the ballot box in the Eleventh
Ward; a cry Of sKnow Nothing,' was raised,
the individual in question fed, and the bouldcrs
flew about in q manner quite obnoxious to peace
ably disposed persons. The Germans, we then
understood, were expecting a grand attack in
the evening, and making resolute preparations to
repel it. Coming down town, we saw, scattered
profusely about the corners of the streets TRAN
gular bits ofred paper which were supposed by
outsiders like ourselves, to be the distress sign of
the K. N.'s calling for meeting at once. These
scraps of paper, taken in connection with other
matters, seemed indicative of war-sgns that
blood might be expected to flow. But it would
be useless to speculate on the probable signii-
canoe of red papcr-ccrtainly it had a meaning.
Soon after dark there was an immense gather
ing of people in the Fifth street market space
A slight platform was erected and several speech
es made. We did not hear Gen. Sargent's re-
marks. They were pronounced sconci liatory''
by friend who did hear them. He is reported to
have said that the cannon would be taken from
the Germans by proper authority, and not by mob
violence.
Thos. Spooner, Esq.,, addressed the multitude,
ell nestly advising quiet dispersion. The speak
ers were constantly interrupted by the cries of
those who were anxious at once to pitch into the
Dutch" Such expressions as "comc on-go
long-why don't you 60 ?-go if your going"-
we're necessarily and loudly vociferated.
In the meantime the Germans fortified them
selves most formidably, erecting three strong
barbados of wagons, carts, drays, and whatever
rehicle or available material they could manage
10 get hold of. These were erected-onc across
Vine street at the crossing of Fourtcenth-one
across Walnut ut the crossing of Mercer, and
The other at the junction of Mercer and Vine.
They had two pieces of artillery crammcd to
The muzzle with chains and slugs, and planted
,nc in Mercer street, and the other at the corner
IF Fifteenth and Vine, the Halls Of the Freeman
md Turner'S we're crowded with men armed with
rifles, ready to march at signal. The house tops
we're lined with men provided with all descriptions
IF fire arms, and with boulders and bricks
Sentinels were stationed, and the German portion
IF the town thus placed absolutely in a state Of
Siege. CT e1! -%
It was near ten O'Clock when body of reckless
Americans about four hundred strong, with a
lrum, fife, and banner, crossed the Vine street
bridge, and with gay music marched steadily into