The Portland daily press., 1884-11-22
RIoTING MExICANs.
Excitement and Bloodshed in the
City of Mexico.
CAUSED BY DISCUSSING THE BILL
ON CONVERSION Of TRE
ENGLISH DEBT.

CITY OF MEXICO, Nov. 21.-since Saturday
night the city has been in the greatest commotion
on account of discussion by Congress of the bill
on the conversion of the English debt. This bill
contains clause authorizing the issue of new
bonds in the sum Of SIS, ,000,0 900 for the payment
OF commissions to those who manipulated the
rangement in addition to the payment of the bond
holders. The people en- masse, and large minori-
ty in Congress protested theoretically against this
clause. On Saturday last and every day this week
the sessions of Congress have been of the stormiest
Orators friendly to the government were bissed by
those of the opposition and boisterously appauded
by their own friends. The members Of the opposi-
tion strongly protested against the Congress being
surrounded by federal troops, and the troops were
withdrawn a short distance
Every night this week, large mobs, headed by stu
dents, have passed through the streets, crying
"Death to President Gonzalez" and Down with
the English Debt" Last night they visited the
house of Gen. DiaZ and one of their orators made
fierce speech, urging Diaz to disavow any approval
OF the obnoxious clause. The speech was lost how
ever, as DiaZ was not at home.
Yesterday morning some striking factory hands
at Alpham the city started into the city, and
when squadron Of the Sth cavalry was sent to de-
tain them, pronounced against the government.
This news filled the city with alarm, and all the
stores on the principal streets were closed at IL
O'Clock. Meantime, the widest and most improba-
BILE rumors circulated.
Yesterday afternoon the galleries cf Congress
were crowded to oyerhowing. Immediately after
resolution suspending tn discussion Tor few days.
He was Kissed by the galleries, whereupon ex Sec
retary OF the Treasury Jesus Fuentez Munoz offer
ed another resolution suspendiDg the discussion of
the debt question until after the installation Of Gen
Diaz This motion was hailed with tremendous APP
plause and passed the House by reclamation, and
Congress adjourned Immediately thereafter.
An immense crowd waiting in front of the
building in which Congress meets to greet Gen.
Diaz who was in attendance. Mirye Vines Fran
cisco Romero and other opposition orators, backed
BY the mounted police and squad of cavalry, COM
manded by Lieut. Manuel Gonzales, a son of the
President, ordered this crowd to disperse, where
upon the people threw themselves on the policemen
and soldiers and for the space of ten minutes ter
ribie struggle was Kept up, during which young
Gonzales broke bis sword a citizen, when he
was dragged from his horse by the enraged people,
and his life only saved by a charge made bv
company Of mounted rural guards, who rescued
him and soon dispersed the mob.
During this encounter the swords of the soldiers
could be seen cleaning in the rays Of The setting
sun, and then descending with telling effect the
heads of the crowd. Often the side OF the blade
was used but in many instances the edge
brought into play. 1t is not known that anybody
was killed in the encounter, but many were wound-
cd on both sides.
Last evening angry crowds rushed through.the
streets, breaking lamps and stoning policemen, but
it is generally tt ought that everything will quiet
down today. The people have perfect confidence in
Gen. Disz, and viii gladly see the debt question
mass TO his handa.