Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1870-10-19
The Democratic Riots in Philadelphia.

cratic riots and frauds in our large cities
For years past both Philadelphia and New
York have been disgraced by them. On
Tuesday last, during the progress OF the
polling in one of the precincts Of the Fourth
ward, Philadelphia, the Billy Nj Muiln
roughs carried matters TO such fearlul
extent as to stop the voting, and made such
| display of belligeIent intention as to com
| pel the peaceful citizens to appeal to Marshal
Gregory for protection; and that ofncer'
/ thus appealed to, exercised the power gwen
| him by act of Congress, and called upon
/ the commandant of the Navy Yard for
| military force to ovcrawe the rioters and
protect the citizens in the free and unob-
! structed exercise of the right Of suffrage
| The marines ordered on this duty, III COM
pliance with the MAJ shaPs request, were
| not marched to the polls, but quartcred near
enough TO act promptly in case OF extreme
eme.g gency The Marshal simply performed
his duty in this case, as he was sworn to do;
and yet, the Democratic press OF the city
and country have joined in general burst
| Of well feigned Indignation against the act,
as an infringement of the rights OF the cltl-
zcns, violation of the laws, and an outrage
upon the freedom of elections. This, OF
course, is only an attempt to create political
capital, for the very presses that are most
virulent in their abuse of the Marshal are
consious that ne adopted the only measure
which could have queled the riot and kept
the polls open.
If anything additional to the riotous
Tuesday were needed to confirm us in the
opinion that Marshal Gregory acted wisely
as well as firmly in calling out the marines
to compel order, We find abundance in the
subsequent outrageous conduct OF the same
class Of Democratic rufans at the meeting
OF the return judges of Philadelphia. There
Democratic rowdyism and disregard of law,
and even life itself, were displayed in their
most violent and dangerous forms. The
same deyilish spirit that moved the ruflians
to outrage at the polls, melted their brother
rufTians 10 violence when Mr.. Mann was ad
mitted into the Supreme Court room, where
the return judges met. 1t had been pre-
viously determind by the judges TO admit
Mr.. Mann, on the Republ lean, and Mr..
Cassiday, on the Democratic side, for the
purpose of consulting them on law points
connected with the return; and Mr.. Cassday
not being present VIXEN the judges met, the
Democratic bullies who had gathered III
considerable number around the door, took
it upon themselves to prevent the entrance
of Mr.. Mann. He slipped in, however,
along with the judges. in spite of Johnny
Ahern's exclamation, Nobody bat judge
goes in here" And then the evil passions
Of the crowd broke forth. Ahern made
violent attempts to force himself in, but was
forced back, with some injury to his counte-
nance, anu the door closed aud locked. But
this afforded only temporary defense to
those within the room. The door was soon
broken into fragments with blackjacks, and
and the roughs rushed in pell- nell. Then
ensued scene of confusion and wild disor
der. Johnny Ahern. Shay Nolan, Bill,
NJ Mulin, Sam. Josephs, Bob Listet Smith
and other leaders, accompanied by their
band ofrulRans, took possession chairs and
spittoons were flung about promiscuously,
and some Of the roughs attempted to seize
the returns. Curses both loud and
deep were uttered, and confusion worse
contounled," reigned as erst it did in he'll.
About this time Nolan hurled spittoon at
the head of Crawford, one Of the return
judges, aud he in turn drew pistol and
shot Nolan dangerously in the neck. The
blood flowed freely from the wound, the
sight OF ahich caused pause in the melee,
and Constable Curly entering about this
time, succeeded in restoring order and clear
ing the room Of intruders. Shortly after
ward, botE Mr. Mann and Mr.. Cassiday
being present, the board resumed business
\ difficulty occurred on account of the judge
from the Twenty-sizth ward having no Off
cial returns. He presented the election
figures on loose slips of paper without the
! signatures Of the judges. The President Of
the Board refused to receive this, and on
the advice of Messrs. Mann and Cassiday,
the case was taken before Judge Allison.
We have not room to notice the proceed
ings before him furlh her than to say he gave
the judges advice in regard to the proper
manner of proceeding under the circum-
stances, and We presume they acted in accord
ance with it,
How disgracefui is this rufianly conduct
Of the Democracy What stain it leaves
upon the city of Philadelphia-and especial
ly upon the Mayor and police, who either
| we're not able, or did not desire to preserve
order and the good name OF the city Who
will say, after reading the full accounts of
these rufianly outrages Of the Democracy,
that the conduct of Marshal Gregory in call
ing out the marines is not fully justifable? :?
HE .NDIANs.-The report received from
the Special Commissioners, who met the
Indians Of several tribes, including the
Iheyennes, Ogallallas and Miunecojous, to
the number Of several thousand, near Fort
Laramie, lately, are favorable to the preser-