The Cleveland leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1865-1865, 1865-06-30
MOB LAW In NORFOLK, va.
Riots Between whites and FegFOes---
Lees Army still ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
1ul Scenes AT the Polls.


A correspondent Of the Philadelphia In.
qairer, writing from Norfolk under date of
the 25th inst, furnishes accounts of various
disturbances occurring there within the
previous three days, between negroes and
white men, some in rebel and some in fed
eral uniform. Military rule was no sooner
relaxed in Norfolk than the troubles COM
menced. The first riot occurred on the
evening of the 22d, and arose cut of a trid-
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we're used freely, and even knives and pis.
tolls came into requisitien. The latter were
mostly in the hands Of the soldiers. The
negroes employed cayenne pepper and mac
csboy snuff throwing pungent dust into
the eyes of their sdverssries, This riot Wss
ended bys guard of United States soldiers,
who quickly restored order. The next
evening 8 more serious riot occurred The
combafents were white men, wearing Uni
ted States uniforms-their caps displayed
neither corps badges nor regimental num-
bers-and negroes. The fight was short
sharp and decisive. The negroes were
badly beaten, and fed in wild disorder.
They we're chased by the soldiers, and men
in citizens clothing Joined in the unequal
pursuit. Twenty-Five white men rur-
ming after one negro was the order The
air resounded with cries of chang him, kill
him" a. the Niger" When the negroes
were overtAken they were knocked down
sn1 mercilessly kicked and trsmpled upon.
Some attempted TO enter stores for refuge.
The propfietors generally closed the doors
in their faces, fearing that the pursuers
would enter their warerooms. In some
instances negroes were struck down in
friendly doorways and beaten. 1t Is I'M
possible TO learn if any of the negroes were
fatally injured. After their pursuers had
beaten them 20 their hearts content, the
bleeding victims would crawl away to
their novels, no white person daring to
tender them assistance. Later in the night
the rioters Quilted and destroyed awell-
known and respectable restaurant. The
mirrors, deesnters, glasses and crockery-
ware were smashed; the counters and Ia
bles were broken TO pieces, and thrown
into. the street; in short, everything of
value was ruthlessly destroyed. Not a
rioter was arrested no active Interference
was sttemptedj not an armed soldier was to
be seen. Acting Mayor Belstes' police
stood two squares Off ~springing their rsttles.
They could do nothing else, being too wesk
in numbers 10 quell the riot, or aver to
make the attempt. The total demolition Of
the restaurant sppeased the fury Of Che
mob, and.thsy soon after dispersed. The
next day f24th) the election oeurred, and
was one broad burlesque. Scores of men
voted who wore the rebel uniform, brass
buttons and all. They took the Alexan-
dris oath, though they were in arms
against the Government ss late IS last
April. Gentlemen who have lived in
Norfolk for two years in the Union army,
were compelled to take the Alexandria
oath by the Sacnssioniata a. Ao Polls,
Every vile epithet in the language was be-
slowed upon the Union men. The old,
intolerent and defiant spirit of slavery was
rampant. The negro was the great stalk
ing horse Of the "amnesties." AlNorth-
ern residents snd Union men are stigma
tized as "Nigger worshippers," The elec.
ton resulted in the success of the secession
ticket. The Union men say they we're de-
feated by Lees army. The. second name
on the successful ticket is that of Walter
b. Taylor, late AdJutant General on Lees
staff. w. II. Taylor Is elected to the
Office of City Register, the second Office of
trust and Importance ia the municipality
Of Norfolk. John J. Lee, elected as
Councilman on the same ticket, is an ex-
rebel military officer. sgg5le s.v