New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-05-21
now STRANGERS LIKE OUR GENTLE
MANNERS.

To the EAito, of Ire N y Iribune
SIR: Believing that when events occur in the com
muny that be justly characterized by the terms
used in the caption OF this communication, they will
always find a ready place for exposure and con-
demnation, as well suitable c,mmen' in the
columns of TIE TRIBUNE, | desire to state, for
the benefit or warning OF whom 1t may con-
ceIn, that while walking directly from Broadway to
my lodgings i'll Clinton place, at " o'clock on Friday
ever ing last was assa llted and knocked down by q
blow in the face from a ptison who was standing a.
the corner OF Mercer street. Notwithstanding the
verify OF the blow and the injuries received, imms
dstey to my feet, but not IN time 10 capture the
rufan who at took to hs heels and succeeded IN
makn g biz escape, though pursued by me down Mer-
Ger nearly TO Blocker street when LOST sight Of him.
Through all the distance passed over no policeman
was ysible and among the number Of persons passed
in the chase interest was shown, and no sign war
given that an, thing unusual had occurred. The OBJ
Jet Of the assault doubtless plumber but the
saan seeing he had not sufficiently stunned his
tim, and that he was a tall, athletic man, thought il
not best to risk the consequences ola further attempt
ard sought escape by fight.
Such an outrage, committed at such al hour, in one
OF the mott resreetable quarters of the city within
few rods Of Broadway, the great thoroughiae OF New
York and under the glare of gas-light and starlight
s suggestive of reflections not credtable either to the
ut or eople OF your city. The disclosures Of
your daily press exhibit tie startling and mortfy ing
fact that in no city of the world robberes violence
and murder committed to the same extent, and with
the same IMMUNITY, in this great metropolis, whose
government is supported at ell annual expense to is
citizens OF from s. 900 to so O0O 900. Better for
all the actual purposes Of safety and protection that
you have pretorian guards and Roman uictor., the
armed police of L5ndon, OF the farmeS of Paris
than he exposed 20 the tender mercies of shorboys
Plug. giles, ard shoulder htters, while political dem
sgOgues amuse you with lsudstlons the glorles
and beauties Of practical Democracy.
The writer s stranger sojournlrg only for time
in your city. and communicates his experience mainly
for the benefit OF strangers ike himself who may hsve
occ aston to visit New-York. Let strangers either
avoid NewYoik altogether, or, II they come, be
prepared for self protection and -edefrnse, and rely
not upon inefficient and halfsubpled police Let
them shoot down the human wild beasts who may a.
sail them in the public streets, with little compurc.
ton as they would mad dogs, and justify themse!ye 20
under that great first law OF slf-protecton
TIE world and society would be- better TO be nd of
them. One drop of honest bl0oi is of more value
than the hvee OF the entire army Of New York rob
bers ard asssssns. II robbers and as-assins would
select their victims from among New-YOrkers espe-
cialy the more r.spect ,ble and Influential who are
mcst espons ibe for bad and inefficient City Govern.
mtnt, we would find fault. If they will let
strangers alone we will not complain in future But
az they seem 10 show preference for such, we warn
strangers Of their danger and advise them TO give the
rsscalr when occasion requires, suitable rec p.ion
Strangers too often have not tue time, the mesus or
the influence necessary TO expose 6etec. proesc ute
the scouI dr.ls So crime, then they are the victims
generally goes Ut pubhsh.d ard unpunished.
STRANGER