The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1861-05-16
The st. Louis Riot.
ST. LOUIS May IL.

GERS Delng uDerdteu Oh the parole OF
honor, while the men took oath not to
bear arms against the United States
Government during the present war.
A report having gained credence
that federal troops had gone to Jeffer-
son City to take Governor Jackson
prisoner, and dispense the Legislature,
George r. Taylor, President of the
road, authoritatively contradicts the ru-
NOR, and says troops at the Pacific de-
pot are simply stationed there to see
that no troops or munitions of war are
transferred to or from the city. The
officers disclaim any interference with
the management of the road, and trains
will run regularly. The Governor,
however, has caused one span of the
Usage bridge to be destroyed, which
will necessitate a change Of cars.
Two'regiments of Home Guards are
patrolling the streets to preserve order,
and about 100 men are stationed at the
Democrat office. Several shooting af.
trays have occurred during the day,
but the city is quiet tonight, and heavy
rain is now falling. A large body of
troops came down on the Alton and
Chicago road on Saturday afternoon,
and passed on to Belleville, Illinois,
about twelve miles from here.
ST. LOUIS, Sunday, May IL.
The city has seen another terrible af-
fair. Last night, about 6 o'clock, a
large body Of Home Guards entered
the city through Fifth street from
the arsenal, where they had been en-
listed during the day, and furnished
with arms. On reaching w alnut street
the troops turned Westward, a large
crowd lining the pavements to witness
their progress. At the corner of Fifth
street parties among the spectators be-
gan hooting, Kissing, and otherwise
abusing the companies as they passed,
and boy about fourteen years of age
discharged pistol in the ranks. Part
of the rear company Immediately
turned and fired upon the crowd, and
the whole column was Immediately in
confusion, breaking their ranks, dis
charging muskets down their own line,
and among the people on the sidewalks.
The shower of balls for a few minutes
was terrible, the bullets flying in every
direction, entering doors, windows, pri-
vate residences, breaking shutters, lev
cling railing, and even smashing brick
in third stories. The utmost confusion
and CONSERVATION prevailed, spectators
fleeing in all directions, and but for the
random firing of the troops, scores of
people must have been killed, as most
of the firing was directed down their
own ranks. The troops suffered most
severely, four of their number being
instantly killed and several wounded.
Jerry Switzlan, river engineer, John
Gavin, William Cady, all citizens were
killed. Charles H. Woodward, wound
ed in the shoulder; his entire arm will
have to be amputed. Jeremiah God
frey, working the garden of Mr.. Cog.
I gins received three minnie balls in his
body. Michael Davy had his ankle
shattered. James F. Welsh, badly
shot in the foot. Several others are
less severely wounded. The house Of
Mr.. Mathews received three bullets
and one of his daughters was struck
with spent ball. Only one of the
soldiers, John Dick, German, has
been recognized. Immense crowds Of
people filled the streets. After the oc
currence most intense indignation wa.
expressed against the Germans. Mayor
Taylor addressed the excited crowG
: and induced them to dispense, under
promise that no further violence should
be done. The city was comparatively
quiet during the evening and night,
heavy rain prevented the assembling
of large crowds.
The State troops released from thu
, arsenal last evening, came to the cit,
on steamers, fearing to trust themselve
among the Germans of the lower w ard
even under escort. All complain bit
terly of bad treatment during their con
fnement in the arsenal. Gen. Eros
and his officers gave their parole unde
protest, and his men were allowed tt
do the same when taking the oath no
to bear arms against the United States
Heavy rains have followed every day
notwithstanding which the streets hav,
been thronged by excited people,
large proportion of whom loudly cen
sure those in authority, for putin,
f loaded arms into the hands of inexperi
/: enced volunteers, to shoot down inof
fensive citizens for insufficient causes
All good citizens deprecate the actor
of lawless parties, and justly blame tn,
troops for indiscriminate firing int,
Y crowds, and cry out against the nnnec
essary marching of armed soldier
, through the city.
, In order to allay excitement and re
store confidence to the people, Gen
Harvey issued proclamation to tn,
people of st. Louis and the State o
Missouri, which has been posted
throughout the city, expressing deep re
greet at the state of things existing here
t pledging himself to do all in his powe
3 to preserve the peace, and calling OF
t the people and the public authorities t.
j. aid him in the discharge of his duties
He says the military forces under hi
:. command will only be used in the las
1 extremity, and hopes he will not b.
r compelled to resort to martial law, blu
$ emphatically states that the public
peace must be preserved, and the live
and property of the people protected