The American. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1857, 1857-10-03
street Preaching Riots.

are recclVeu OF tne religious f10tS,
previously reported TO have taken place in Belfast,
Ireland, on the 9th instant, II seems that while
Rev. Hugh Hanna was delivering an address, in
the open air, to a congregation Of some 5000 or
1000 people, first one whistle and then another
in different direction were heard, whereupon the
crowd Immediately divided, each party taken its
own side. The Belfast Mercury, in describing the
scene that ensued says that a volley of stones
came from the party next the dock, accompanied
by a cheer, which was answered, and in less time
than it takes to narrate it the conflicting parties
were fighting. Those next the docks gave way,
pursued by men who, it afterwards appeared,
were principally shpwrights, brandishing wooden
bludgeons used in their trade. The fighting por-
ton Of the mob went up Donegal quay, and In a
short time afterwards about forty young men
and boys ran into the shipyards at the quay, from
which they speedily returned with further sup
ply Of the weapons already noticed. In the mean
time their opponents were reinforced and came
towards the scene Of action, driving the stragglers
before them in no very tender mode, wien a con-
Hict ensued, which ended in their retreat in all d.
rcctions. The treatment some men then received
was dreadful. When the Catholic mob sought safety
in fight they were knocked down In all directions
and brutaly treated. One man especially received
such abuse that II he survives it may be said a
mans skullc can resist any thing The belligercnts
again went up the quay, but were stopped about
Gamble street by the constabulary. The two par.
ties were then separated, and woe 10 the unhappy
man, whether Protestant or Catholic, whose bus.
ness or pleasure left him within the power OF
either mob Many Innocent persons OF both sides,
who knew nothing of the disturbances, have been
the sufferers, aud il will be well il loss of life does
not result from the brutality Of these miscreants
During the night the riots we're renewed and the
constabulary being obliged in sefdefence 10 fire
on the mob, one young man was killed and .seYa-
raj others badly wounded An .was quiet on Mon
day moning. A large number Of rioters we're ar.
rested and promptly prnshed I" :. - = = 80
The London Times, says !: Tie local bench Of
magistrates thought il would be as well to discon-
tnue the practice as being likely to lead (of which
there is no doubt to breaches of the peace. The
Lord Bishop Of Down and Common recommends
the Episcopal clergy to refrain from exercising
their unquestionabe rights, as regards The qres-
tom and. many of the Presby terrain clergy have
recommended a similar course. Meanwhile, at a
meeting of ministers and lay members of the
united church of England and ireland, resident in
Belfast and its neghborhood, held for the purpose
Of taking into consideration the circumstances
which have taken place In connexion with the re-
cent open-ar preaching in that town, Mr.. II Nc.
Cairns, IN the chair, the following resolution Was
unanimously agreed to ;---nJI5ai yaIIab ia sgfsy
"lThat this meeting desire to express their full
satisfaction with the CONDUCT Of those cergymen
who undertook the 'open-air services and whose
abors they are satisfied, were attended with much
profit TO many They desire. also. to assert the
constitutional right of all ministers Of the Gospel
TO avail themselves ofplko opportunities to pro-
mote the welfare of souls, and their claims on the
magistracy TO sustain them with the protection of
the law. They trust also, chat when these and
other faithful men desire to resume their abors,
they will not fail TO find due support from all who
vaIuo The az civil and roI;o,,a tstA,t,,