Weekly American. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1858-1858, 1858-02-20
For the American. I
Are the Citizens of Washington Capable
\ gs. ~ Of Self Government. ~ 3

midst who answer this question in the mega
tive. Nay, morc-who assume that sristing
facts give their position the dignity, almost Of
demonstration and they gravely ask the free
men of Washington to surrender what few
political rights and privileges they have,iby
asking q repeal of the City Charter They
would have us 60 with uncovered heads and on
Blended knees, petition the General Govern
ment to do what? why, to relieve us Of the
trouble Of choosing our own rulers, and man
aging our own affairs in other words, to con-
vert the Metropolis of q Republican nation into
an absolute Monarchy, in which the people
shall not 50 far as their government is con-
cerned, have one word to say. That is the
proposition. We think it decidedly cool q
One of the arguments Of these wiseacres for
the repeal of the Charter, is, that thelp Of
the city is disturbed by band of murderous
rufaans who roam through the city unwhipped
of Justice. Let us examine this argument -
It is presented in the local columns of"The
States" Of the 9Th Instant ~ gjyst aao (
q Repeal Of the City Charter. 2'saa
t"Evcry night furnishes additional argu-
ments for a repeal of the charter Of our city.
On Saturday night, about halfpast seven, q
gentleman employed at the Globe Office was
returning homeward with his weeks wages,
and, when on or near Four-and-a half street
bridge, he was assaulted, knocked down, and
robbed Later two others were passing the
same spot, when one was treated in the same
manner; but it was supposed that his comrade
escaped unhurt The first two were severely
cut on their heads. oarrests. a2tHc5 Il
At twelve o'clock on the same night, riot
&C .urred at the northwest corner of 9th street
and Pennsylvania avenue. Some heads were
broken, and two arrests were made. Last
| night some young men, one the son Of MEM
Der of Congress, were assai'ed by shower Of
stones in the neighborhood of Four-and-a-half
street bridge. No arrestsl % Fyo. 30
We also hear of negro mans having been
knocked down on Saturday night, in the same
place. No arrest y" ID asir d3gs
/ This account of the assaults" "knock-
downs" "cuts," "showers of stones" and
robberics of single night, is fair sample
of the whole, and instead of exceeding the re-
atty, actually falls far short Of it-many of the
outrages committed upon our people never
find their way into the papers; but surely,
enough are recorded to arouse an insulted and
justly indignant community. Now, who are
these disturbers of the peace this gang of rob-
bers and murderersf Whence came they, and
why are they not brought to condign punish
ment, and their well known haunts broken up 7
Why are they not either taught decent manners
or driven from the cityf IA, 10 yr.sq g6t
These are pertinent inquiries. And it be-
hooyes the law-apd- order loving people of Wash
ington to ponder them well, and see if the an
swers win not suggest the remedy. sgii,ai
This state of affairs has continued till it has
reached point which is past endurance, and
it is high time that the people Of this city, and
of the whole country, should know the truth.
We have, Witnessed this evil from its begin
ming; we have watched its progress, and have
kept silence, hoping that some means might be
devised to rid our city Of this gang Of outlaws,
who are both its terror and disgrace.
pounded above, and in doing 50, to use great
plainness Of, speech" The people have right
to know the truth: ~ ,si,.st
It's in the memory of the citizens OF Wash
ington that these frequent outrages and acts Of
violence had their beginning in our midst af-
ter the arrival here Of numerous company Of
disorderly persons, chiefly young men, some
time during the past summer, who came here
from Baltimore. It was reported at that time,
and, we think, generally believed, that the two
following facts, Jointly operated, to induce them
toleave Baltimore and take mp their residence
in Washington ;--the former city wasruled by
Americans, the latter by Democrats Added
to these facts was smother, which was believed
10 lead them, 10 suppose they would meet with
favor from the municipal authorities Of Wash
,ington. A demonstration had ia Z been made,
at the June election, by the Mayor of Wash
ington, backed by the Presidents against the
Americans, as Il was believed, on which occn-
sion q large number Of persons were killed and
wounded by the firing of a colnla y Of Ma
rines.id ii 70 esysJ y94ia oa-lsggfgqa
Facts which transpired not long after the
arrival of these Baltimore rowdies 60 TO show,
that the reliance which they placed in the good
win of the Mayor Of Washington and his po-
litical friends in the City Council, was well
founded Leading members Of both Boards,
repeatedly and boldly denied crimes charged
against these persons, who at that time were
cs1lod fha uStatao Hoao Corr,s,ar,v y and uhcp