The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-26
Candidates, Reporters and Politi-
cal Wirepullers Badly Mixed.
Scenes Of the Centre Election Revived
Riot, Confusion and Bloodshed.
THE KILLED AND WOUNDED.
Rufflans Maddened by Whiskey Attempt
to Kill the Contestants.
Government Troops Ordered to Hold the
Polling Places OH Election Day.


QUEBEC, Feb. IS, 1873.
The nomination OF candidates for the representa-
ton Of quebec East In the House Of Assembly Of
the Province of quebec took place in front of
Jacques Cartier's Market Hall at twelve O'Clock
yesterday, followed by riot and ruflianly pro-
ceedings that would disgrace the most barbarous
nation on the lace OF the earth. And, while the
results are deplorabe and the action OF the party
wirepullers censurable in the highest degree, the
fact that government Minister was interested in
the election OF one OF the members is significant
especially when associated with an alleged state
menr from him that his nominee must be elected.
THE VACANCY AND CANDIDATES.
The contested seat was rendered vacant by the
resignation of Mr.. Rheaume. after he had been ap-
pointed to q comfortable position by the govern
ment. Two gentlemen, named respectively Phileas
Huot and p Pelletler, were placed in nomination
for the seat on whose behalf bitter and exciting
canvass has been conducted during the past two
weeks-bitter, perhaps, because Of the 'substan-
tial matters" looming up in the distance for the
successful contestant Mr. Huot is q notary, and
also Postmaster OF st. Rochs Mr.. Pelletier is
lawyer and now represents the county or Hamon-
raska In the House of Commons. Huot is the NOM
inee Of the conservative party, who throws him.
self into the contest as q supporter Of the govern
ment. Peletier on the other hand, declares him.
self free from the trammels OF party that he binds
himself to support neither party: but to speak
truthfully he has been brought forward and
coached through by the Partie Rationale.
POLITICAL INCENDIARIEs AT WORK.
The louder the mounting and the more frequent
the declarations Of principle the part Of the
didates, the more intense became the excitement
In the Division. Meetings and caucuscs have been
frau INN nj OH Toll fhn fnrt loo
plugs in the city having any political influence
have been called into service. Even the sacredness
of the Sabbath was not observed, for after mass
last Sunday the people were gathered together by
party whips and anything but moral addresses
made to them by the distinguished speakers, who,
of course, argued pro and CON- but everything gave
evidence of a fierce combat and coming trouble
Else why this Sunday haranguing and stump "high-
falutin" immortality
THE FIRST BATTLES.
As early as nine O'Clock yesterday morning the
crowds began to assemble in the square in front OF
the Cartier Hall. Hostilities commenced imme-
diately, two adults opening the fight by battering
each other in most unscientifc manner about the
face and head. Lawlessness only requires TO be
started, but he would be wise man who could
control it or forete the results unda. such circum
stances. This gentle amusement was therefore ap-
-
pugilistic contests occupied their attention and
kept them quiet until about eleven O'Clock. Then
o few minor skirmishes took place among the full
grown plug uglies, who hammered each other with
the best humor possible, believing, OF course, 1t
was all In the interest Of civilization.
wBIsKEY FIRES THE POT POLITICIANS.
For awhile after the cessation Of these prelimin-
aries 1t seemed as though the crowd would reform
and incline towards good behavior and sober
earnestness. But In short time mob pleasantries
were again in vogue, from gliding and hustng the
surging thrOng became more hostile, jokes were
treated as beng monotonous words were
answered by blows ending in some instances in
desperate qaarrels, which finally led to adjust
ment outside of the ring. Altogether it was bad
tempered mob. These little uncivized propen.
was cheap; indeed, it was noticeable that many Of
the more prominent politicians were incapacitated
long before their services were required.
vIiLGfNous GANG ASSEMBLED -
This part of the city of Quebec can lay claim to
crowd OF the vest roughs in the country, who are
sandwched in between the more respectable cit
zens. The population may be thus summarized -
Ship carpenters and bushrangers, tanners and
river thieves. There is an industrious French
colony but among these also are 60 be found some
OF the most worthless vagabonds that ever dis
graced city, All these rowdies were out in force
and the more noted election DULLES moved about
among them with great audacity having what they
termed little exercise before the real fun OF the
day commenced, by way OF keeping their hands In
They rushed about hither and tnither, carrying
trundles and axe handles, melting the assembled
roughs and Affecting the greatest possible enjoy.
ment from the rapidly increasing Generalization
OF the great unwashed.
sHREwD sHoPKERPERs SMELL DANGER.
From eleven O'Clock the noise became louder and
the fighting brisker. Up to this time no weapons
were used, though pistols were furtively dis.
played-weapons which had done service In the
quebec Centre election. About this time the snop.
keepers In the neighborhood deemed It. advisable
10 put up their shutters and close their DOORS for
the great rum-besoaked were becoming unpleas-
antly demonstrative. Excitement increased till
nearly noon, when threatening demonstrations
were made upon shanty known as the "IIustings
Booth" This temporary structure was crammed.
and the trouble around 1t became alarming
PULLING THE HUsTINGs DOWN.
A few pistols were fred In the air, and the play
full IN the crowd amused themselves by throwing
Jumps OF hard snow at the patient politicians and
the observant members Of the press. Presently
the hastings fell and great was the CONSERVATION
Of the candidates, their supporters and the re-.
porters, who became mixed mass after the most
approved democratic fashion before the ruse of the
roughs had been discovered.
-. BUSINESS OPENED.
At noon sheriff Alleyn, as returning Officer read
the royal writ. Mr.. Huot notary, and the Post