The American. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1857, 1857-11-11

b . + , +.
The EvIL-WHAT is TO BE DoNE2--Since
the disbandment Of the organization known
as the Estates Hose" which organization,
whether deservedly or undeseryedly, was cred
tied with all, or nearly all, the outrages which
had, up to that period, been committed in our
midst, the people of Washington have been,
nightly, subjected to attacks in various quar-
ters Of the city---they have been knocked
down, beaten and robbed houses have been
entered, public and private-the inmates NAL
treated and beaten, the furniture broken up,
money stolen, and every conceivable indignity
inflicted upon persons and property These
outrages are Of nightly occurrence. The city
appears to be districted among class Of ind-
viduals whose business it is to outrage hu-
manity, set at defiance law, order decency,
propriety, disregard every and all ties that
link man to man, and exhibit only the brute
passions, which, when not under the restraint
of reason, or law, make man tiger in fero-
city, loving the smell of blood, eager to shed
it, and only satisfied when he is driving his
knife into the heart Of his victim, or cooly
taking deliberate aim with the deadly rifle at
the unprotected and defenceless.
There is an organization in the city of Wash
ington, which though nameless is not headless.
Organizations for good or evil, always have a
head and this organization has leader or
leaders, who are none the less efficient, on ac-
count Of the secrecy which wells them from
public ken, while their orders arc promptly
executed by the .desperadees in their pay 1t
is believed by many citizens, and we confess
that circumstances warrant the belief, that the
membership of this organization numbers
some six hundred persons, many of whom are
citizens of Washington, and rank among the
respectable and order-loying portion of the
community upper-tendom has its representa-
tives among them, and it is shrewdly sus-
pected nay, it is asserted, that its headship is
to be found among the city fathers, and one
step higher.
However this may be, certain it is that the
citizens of Washington are given up to the
tender mercies of lawless crew, who are al
lowed unmolested, TO work their will among
them; who are permitted to single out their
victims and pursue them to the bitter end
without redress, or even the shadow of an at
tempt to arrest and bring them to justice
Justice! there's no such thing in Washington
Murder is unrebuked, Or, if the mockery of
a trial is allowed, the blood stained murderer
is honorably acquitted, and let loose upon So
ciety to commit more honorable murders
In the midst Of these desperate circum-
stances, an act is passed by the Councils, max
ing it penal offence for citizens to carry "dan-
gerous weapons" thereby depriving them of
their only defence against assassination and
brutal violence thus making them an easy prey
to The yindictive cruelty of their oppressors-
for, it cannot be supposed, nor was it expected,
that these violent men would be influenced by
this, or any other act of restraint.
What, then, is to be done? Must we take
lessons from the history of feudal times, and
meet force by force. Must we band ourselves
together for the purpose Of protection, and,
with arms in our hands, openly meet and repel
oppression? There seems to be no other mode
of putting an end - The evil which has so
boldly reared its hy lead among us.
Self defence is Il It law Of nature, and
the man who would ,a,uely submit to lawless
violence, will meet with little sympathy.
OK SUNDAY NIGHT, party of rowdies, five
in number, went to the eating house Of Miss
Greenfield, on X st., opposite West market,
and demanded supper. She is quite an old
lady, earning an honest living by cooking for
the market people, and lives quite alone, saw.
ing the presence Of an invalid brother, who
is unable TO help himsclf-being entirely de-
pendent upon his sister for support. She was
unable to comply with the demand, having no
vctuals cooked. She told them it was Sun
day, and not dreaming Of call for eatables
on that night, she had no cooked victuals, in
tile house. They, with oaths and abusive Ian
guage, insisted upon having supper cooked for
them, and began to kick up muss and noise
The old lady, frightened, at last set about cook
ing something for them; and whilst so en-
gagged, they stole her spectacles and boys
cap, and threatened to burn her broom. With
much difficulty after enduring abuse too foul
to name, she got rid Of them, pushing them
out Of the door, They were accompanied by
TWO DOyH VIII, sne suppOScs, Bulueu theih W
her house. She knows both these boys, and
has obtained warrant for them, which will
be served in due time. officer Dewdney will,
we doubt not, do his DUTY effectually. =
Oh SUNDAY, at and near the Park Tavern,
(here being three drinking house in close prox-
imity,) there was every indication Of serious
disturbance of the peace. Some fifty or sixty
individuals assembled at Rupple's Lager Beer
House, where the disturbance was commenced,
several persons being knocked down. Thence
they adjourned to the Park Tavern. which
Immediately closed up, ere they could obtain
admttancc
That there was no serious disturbance was
owing to the presence Of officers Hammond,
King and Plowman.
We arc informed by eye witnesses ofthe scene,
that the Iniegencer's account Of the disturb
ance Of funeral procession, when in the neigh
borhood Of Massachusetts avenue and Eleventh
street, on Sunday last, is grossly incorrect They