The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1883-12-24
THE NICKEL MUST GO
Antipathy to the Cheap Money
Raises an Outbreak in Mexico
Exciting scenes in the Greaser Capt.
tall Reports OF Trouble from
other Points But No
Revolution!

CITY OF MEXICO, Dec. 24.-For some time
there has been growing antipathy here
against the deprecated nickel currency,
especially among the lower and poorer
classes. This feeling took shape in an out
break among the employees of cigarette fac
tory, who were paid off in the cheap coin.
This served to hasten the elimination of tho
revolt, and the outbreak commenced in the
different market places. Some o the market
men refused to receive the nickels, and the
enraged populace overturned tho stands Of
the nickel-changers and rushed into the plaza,
where the riot and tumult continued.
A few shots were fired about 10 o'clock.
The business houses took the alarm and trade
was Immediately suspended and the shutters
put up for fear of an attack from the infuri-
ated mob.
At noon President Gonzales himself was
assalled in the plaza as he was driving
through on MS way to the palace. A great
crowd followed him, stoned his carriage,
and threw specimens of the odious coin at his
head. A few shots were fired and two of
the rioters were killed.
President Gonzales got out of his carriage
and bravely defied the mob. will you,n he
said, "kin me-"
"No," was the reply.
Away with the nickel' death to the
governor" shouted the crowd Several
cadets from Chapultepec academy rallied
round to protect the president, but the little
party was pushed to the corner of the
cathedral garden by the infuriate1crowi, the
air meanwhile being filled with stones and
other missiles which came easy TO hand.
Soon the military came, and the president
retired to the palace.
The soldiers fired in the air, and tife crowd
disperel Two policemen were killed wbilt
carrying off prisoners. Several rioters wert
killed in other quarters of the city as well as
in the suburbs
The city is'now quiet, but the military arc
patroleing the streets There ere 5000 troop.
on hand, and army officers off duty are
ordered to report to their commands. MANY
OF the rioters are under arrest, and the Pas
COS are heavily guarded. An unsuccessful
attack was made on the cathedral with the
design Of ringing the bells to alarm the poou
lace.
Further disturbances are threatened, but il
is believed the worst is already over.
No danger to foreigners is apprehended, a.
tiiCy ilCt COIiitttcl WIN Tue lliChcl qtieS
ton. There is intense feeling against Fer
nandez, the governor of the federal district
A sensation was caused by & faIse report Of
military mutineers.
There were reports of revo!ts at Pueblo
Queretaro, Toluca and Leon. 1t is believe
that tie movement was preconcarted by The
Ieactionists.
Gen. Diaz walked to the palace in the efter
| noon. He was hailed enthusiastically by The
| citizens on the route and court lsly returned
their constant sa,utes. President GonZaie:
drove on the Pasco Nuevo as usual, in al
| open carriage, unattended The city counse
posted a proclamation ct the street cor
ners that it will bay all the necessarie5 of life
in large quantities for silver. and SCI to the
! poorer classes for nickel currency
at lower prices. This was greeted
with the greatest satisfaction. ana it i.
| believed that it viii allay the great popular
| discomfort with the nicieL There is no ey!
| denca of a commercial panic.
| The general feeling is that there will no
/ be a revolution, and that the great railwa,
! enterprises of the country viii not be dis
! turljcd