The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1871-07-20
The New York Riot.

ing, more or less severely OF SO others, took
place in New York on yesterday week, the
anniversary of the Boyne. which occurred in
1890 between the armies of William III.
and James H., ending in the total defeat Of
the latter. Out of that contest grew re-
ligous feud of intense bitterness, which has
been carried on in Ireland by the opposing
factions ever since, and has been transferred
to this country by the descendants of the
men who engaged in mortal combat on the
banks Of the Boyne. Certain Irish societies.
composed of men calling themselves Orange
men, proposed celebrating the anniversary
OF this battle by procession through the
streets of New York, while another class of
Irshmen, known as Ri6b0nmen. declared
that in no event should the proposed parade
take place. Here was an issue. distinctly
made up, to fight over again the battle of
the Boyne on American soil. In order to
prevent threatened riot, the Chisf of Pc
lice, Kelso, issued instructions to the officers
Of hi. force on Monday. forbidding the pa
rade and directing the police to carry out
his order. IF this order, issued, as we have
right to suppose. on full reflection and in
view of the danger to be apprehended. had
been adhered to, it is admitted by the New
York papers that there would have been no
attempt at public display by the Orange
men, and therefore no riot and bloodshsd.
But in an evil hour, on Tuesday at midnight,
kelso reu0ked his order, which can be re-
garded in no other light than as tame sur
render to the avowed purpose of those who
proclaimed that they would prevent the
procession. At this juncture, Governor
Hoffman arrived in the city from Albany,
and promptly issued a proclamation permit
ting the parade peacsably to take place and
declaring that 1t should be protected to the
fullest extent possible by the military and
police authorities. That Governor Hoffman
acted properly, no right minded man for
a moment can doubt. If threats of mob
violence be permitted to overawe public au-
thority and paralyze the strong arm of the
law, then anarchy asserts its riotous sway
and both life and property are absolutely
without protection. That the Orange pro-
cesson, typifying an intense religious quar-
rel, originating in foreign country, ought
not to have taken place, is undoubtedly true,
but we must emphatically deny the right of
any set Of men to decide that question
through the bloody intervention Of riot
Whenever their right to do so is tacitly con-
ceded, society ia resolved into its original
elements, brute: force reigns supreme, and
the restraints of civilized government become
a solemn farce. Riots must be prevented at
all hazards, and if men will rec&lessly en-.
gage in them they must take the conse-
quences of their own acts.
Too much credit cannot be awarded to
Archbishop AcCloskey and the Catholic
priests of New York, for their earnest efforts
at preventing any interference with the
procession by the Irishmen who were op-
posed to it. Against such a course sermons
were preached in all the Catholic churches on
the previous Sunday. Among other good
advice the Archbishop said:
"Let them parade until they are tired. The
public sentiment will condemn them. II is
ready to do so now If YOU do not change it
Public opinion is against them. but il ysu vio-
lently interfere with them, it will bo against
you"
1t must be distinctly understood that no
respectable and intelligent Catholics took
any part in this riot. Ga the contrary. they
did all they could to prevent It. The chief
actors In It, but unfortunately not the only
victims Of it, were mon Of the very lowest
order-the willing but deluded tools of few
demsgogues-who would scorn the counsel
even Of an archangel inst as readily as they
did that of the Archbishop and the Priests.
In connection with this subject, we pub
lish below the Proclamation issued by Gov.
Hoffman:
BY JOHN T. HOFFMAN. GOVERNOR.
A PROCLAMATION.
Having been only this day apprised while at
the capital, of the actual condition of things
with reference to proposed professions to NOR
row, ana having, III the belief that my pres
ence was needed, repaired hither immedia tely
l do make this PROCLAMATION.
! The order heretofore issued by the police
authorities III reference to said professions
/ having been duly revoked, ! hereby give notice
that any and all bodies of men desiring to as-
semble and march N psaceable procession in
this city TO- morrow, the 18th instant, will be
permitted to do SO. They viii be protected to
the fullest extent possible by the military and
| police authorities. A military and police es
cort will be furnished to any body of men de-
| string it, on application to me at my head
quarters (Which will bo at Police Headquarters
in this city, at any time during the day. I
warn all persons to abstain from interference
with any such Essembage or procession except
by authority from me and | give notice that
| all the powers at my command, civil and mill
tary. will be used to preserve the public peace
and to pat down, 1t all hazards, every attempt
at disturbances; and | call upon all citizens, Of
every race and religion, to unite with me and
the local authorities in this determination to
preserve the peace and honor of the city and
State.
Dated at New York this eleventh day of
July, A. ID. 1871. JoHN T. HoFFxAN
BY the Governor;
John D, Van Burcn, Private Secretary.