The Portland daily press., 1877-07-28
AT SAN FRANCISCO.
The Hoodlums and fine Chi nese-NI ore
than 5000 Men Uunder Arms.

SAN FRANCISCO, July 27.-The veteran SOL
ders of the late war, both Federal and Con-
federate, met at Horticultural Hall yesterday,
and elected Col. Wilmington commander
They organized four companies of 30 men each
which were supplied with rifles, adjourned to
Dashaway Hall, where they remain awaiting
orders. The committee of safety met at Hor-
ticultural Hall Immediately after, and were
told off in companies of 30 each and reported to
the chief of police az City Hall, by whom they
were despatched to all parts of the city on pa
troll duty. Several entire companies are armed
with regulation rifles, others have few rifles,
the remainder being supplied with clubs and
their private fire arms A large number Of cav
airy revolvers have been served out with abun-
dant supplies OF ammunition.
The vicinity of City Hall presented an ap-
pearance calculated to convince the dangerous
classes that any outbreak would be attended
with dangerous consequences. All the court
rooms in the building, the outer police Office,
crowded with well armed and determined men,
representing every class Of society. Merchant
street, between Montgome ry and Kearney, was
lined on one side with large express wagons,
capable of carrying about twenty men each,
ready to transport endorsements rapidly IN
any direction. The other side of Merchant
and Kearney streets, in front of City Hall,
was filled with the ranks of the committee Of
safety and large bodies of the same force were
marching and drilling in the same vicinity.
Companies of fifty men were despatched to
every quarter in town, and in some localities
where danger was more imminent their num-
Der was increased The best spirit animates the
force and there ia a wish to teach the mob such
lesson as would answer once for all.
The authorities are somewhat reticent as to
the number of the force on duty, but at least
5000 of the safety committee are under arms
besides police, specials, veteran guards, militia
and the marines and sailors of the Pensacola
and Lackawanna, all ready for action at a
moments warning A heavy force is held at
city hall to answer special calls.
No disturbance occurred during the evening
and not single alarm of fire. The principal
streets, notwithstanding the proclamation of
the mayor and committee, were thronged with
people drawn by curiosity to witness the
preparations for defence, but everything was
quiet and orderly.
from Folsom and 18th lstreets The alarm was
occasioned by the burning of a China house
and chicken rancho near by. There is rumor
that Chinaman was burned in the building.
The committee men in the vicinity captured
the supposed incendiary. A bottle of benzne
was found in his pocket A few hoodlums
were attracted by the fire, but were chased
away without difficulty.
In the southern portion of the city ,sroughs
may be seen loafing around, and in two or
three instances Chinese houses have been bat
tered while the guard was not in the immediate
vicinity, but nothing has been attempted in the
way of a demonstration in force. An attempt
was made to fire the wash-house 1T the corner
of Pacific and Leavenworth streets. but it
failed, and the incendiaay was arrested.
Threatening notices have been received BY
parties to whom, for various reasons, the mob
is hostile. W. T. Coleman, president of the
safety committee, received notification that
his city residence and his establishment at San
Rafael would be burned. A few suspicious
characters collected in his neighborhood during
the 6Vanln0. Init made aptIva
strations, and the veterans kept guard. The
residences of Charles Cocker and W. S. O'Brien
are also threatened but nothing has been done,
Notices have been served on the Swan brewery,
and two or three manufacturing establishments,
that the torch will be applied. One of the lat
ter was informed that he would be let off on
the payment of $150, to which he acceded to
save trouble.
Karbel Brothers, propretors of the Smith
Park saw mills, also largely engaged in the
manufacture of cigars, today discharged their
Chinese employees and advertised for two hun
dred white boys and girls to fill their places
Steamer Belgic sails tomorrow f0t Hong
Kong with an unusually large Chinese passen-
ger list. 1t seems to be the impression that
the hoodlums took rest last night for fresh
outbreak.
All Quiet Yesterday.
About 10000 thus far have been subscribed to
fund of the committee of safety, and more is
coming in. Enlistments continue actively
Committee is now throughly organized. A
number of rioters were convicted In the Police
Court today and sentenced to the full extent of
the law. Notices were posted all over town Of
fering reward of $1,000 for the arrest and con-
vlctlon OF any person setting fire to property,
and $4,000 for cutting the hose of the fire de-
partment. A number of threatening notices
have been received by manufacturers here and
IN Oakland City. 1t has been very quiet all
day.