The Morning herald., 1875-10-04
A RELIGIOUS RIOT IN CANApA


A RELIGIOUS RIOT IN CANADA.
A Catholic Procession MObbed-
Prompt and Effective Action of the
Police. b,t:. r.. n .a
TORONTO, Ont, Oct. 3.-The fears en-
tcrtained in regard to the Roman Catholic
pilgrimage, to-day, have proved well ground
ed, as the proceedings in connection with it
were very riotous and disgracefui, resulting
in considerable bloodshed. Theprogramme
was to march to St. Mary's Church, Ba-
thrust street, in the west end of the city,
from st. Michael's Cathedral. The process.
sion was collector at st. Michael about 2!3O
p. m. A surging and excited crowd, num-
bering over 10000, had collected outside,
guarded by the police force, the military,
about 800 strong, and with detachment Of
cavalry from Mackham. The Lieutenant
Governors body guards were stationed near
Balhurset street, but did not come east un-
til the return of the procession. After mass
was said in the church, the Catholics form
ed in procession, headed by Father Shea and
Bishop Lynch. The way was cleared and
they moved to Church street, but when at
the corner of Queens street, stones were
thrown at the procession, and several shots
were fired from reyolvers. The pro-
cessionists returned the shots, and
the shower of stones, and the
advance staff of police charged on the crowd
and dispersed them temporarily. All then
went quietly with the exception of some
slight disturbances on account of stone
throwing from the crowd directed at the
police, until at the corner of Queen and Bay
streets the mob gathered and sent another
volley of stones. Several shots were fired
but the police succeeded in again dispensing
the rioters. Several of the rioters moved
in advance of the police within throwing
distance, and pelted the police with stones
The latter stood the fire like men. The
mob meanwhile gaining in numbers again
charged on the procession in front and were
again repulsed. Revolvers were freely used
on both sides at Port Sand. About fifty
shots were fired:
At Brock street, where the greatest distur-
bance was feared, the crowd had increased to
about 10000 in number. No attack was
made, however, as the really most active
rioters were not numerous and were very
cowardly. They were composed mostly of
young men who, after charging, turned and
at Hurst street the procession numbering
about 5000 persons halted. They did not
enter their church but had prayers outside
and were then ordered by the priest to dis
perse. The line of march was then taken
up down Bathwest St and along Front street |
we're no attack could be more from the South |
If the procession. The disturbcrs were
guarded from the north by the military, who
accompanied the procession on the next
treet. When the procession was about to
move the crowd at North Street
harged on the Police. P. G. Riggel was
aiken to his house badly wounded, and he
viii probably die. The pilgrims proceeded
uietly down Front to Power, dispensing at
oints on the way and disbanding at the
arish church. The crowd had broken into
ections and collected at points along King,
Queens and Front streets, but gradually
isbanded. Mayor Metcalfe and Hon. j.
I. Cameron accompanied the military and
ssured VicarGeneral Rooney, who feared
disturbance at Bathurst street, that the
catholics would be protected if there was
over enough in the city to do SO. '