The Norfolk post. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1865-1866, 1865-06-23
Fearlul RiOt at Flushin6.

From the New httk News 1T Wednesday
One of the most fearful riots that have
taken place in this vicinity for many
years, occurred on yesterday at Flushing
l.. l. For some time past the tiremen OF
Astoria, Jamaica, College Point and
Flushing have been much excited on
the subject Of a trial of fire apparatus
there being two parties in the field, one
in favor of the Smith engine and the
other, making itself the champion of the
LETTERS machine. The enthusiasm among
the firemen in the matter was very
great, and after due deliberation and a
number of meetings, it was decided to
have a trial of the respective machines
at Flushing on yesterday. Extensive
arrangements We're perfected to make
the occasion an exceedingly pleasant one
to all concerned.
Among the iiremen it was 10 be a spe-
cial holiday, While the people of Flush
ing anticipated a rich treat in the dis
play promised them by the ''laddeso
Engine Companies Nos. | and of Will
lianlsburg, 3 of Brooklyn, and ii of this
city Were invited to be present and wit
ness the trial OF the apparatus Prepare
tons among the villagers were made to
give the firemcn cordial reception, aud
make their trip to the place as pleasant
as possible.
At an early hour in the forenoon a
large number of tiremen and their
friends assembled in the village, and ex-
pectations of u fine day ssp0rt ran high.
For long time the two parties discus
sed the respective merits OF the Smith
and Jeffers engines, the conversation
on the subject being characterized Inv
much warmth, no breach of the peacc
occurring to mar the pleasure or the
purpose of the occasion. Owing to some
delay the arrangements for commence
inc the trial Were not completed until
about two p. NJ, at which hour the
working of the machines was begun
! amid the widest excitement, and in the
presence OF an immense cOncOurSe of
people Forsome moments the "laddies'
went on with their work without any
interruption.
Suddenly, however, a tumult arose on
Main street, near Woolley's Hotel, in
the immediate vicinity Of the place
where the trial was going on. The fire
men at the machines endeavored to cen
tinue working the engines, thinking
that the disturbance was of no couse-
ouence, and that it would subside in a
few moments. In this, however, they
were mistaken. The disturbances ,,oon
became general, and n fearful and
bloody riot ensued, and the further trial
of the machines was abandoned.
From what we have been able to learn
relative to the matter it appears that an
engineer from the Eastern District Will
liamsburg) offered bet of $40 to menu
Der of the Astoria Company, relative to
the termination of the trial. Thesemen
had been discussing for some time the
merits of the Smith and Jefiers engines
during which the betting took place. A
quarrel ensued in regard to the terms OF
the bet, during which, it is alleged, the
fireman from Astoria struck the Will
liamsburg man, who promptly returned
the blow
The partisans of the men then rushed
in and took m the quarrel. This added
fire to the ~ -, and the fight ut once
became most terrific, the Smith men and
Jeffers men, It is said, all taking a part
in the ritt. Pistols We're discharged.
and stones and knives were freely used
by the combatantA. Probably no street
riot ever occurred that was conducted
: with such ferocity and so little disregard
for human life.
As soon as the report of firearms was
heard along the streets, scene of gen
eral confusion took place. Men closed
their places of business ,and fled in dis