The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-01-09
BREAD RIOT In ST. JOHNS.
4 Rowling hob Batter Down ths Doors
Of tho Legislative Halls.
II ALSO RAIDS PROVISION STORES.
Finally q Large Body of Police Succeeded
in Dispsrsiug the Hungry Men
without Bloodshed.

ST. JOHNS, n. Fi, Jan. S.-Dsorder
prevailed here all day. and 1t is nothing
short OF miracle that serious bloodshed
early this morning and marched to the
man OF war Tourmaline, whose captain
yesterday had promised that he would
use his influence with the authorities in
prevailing. His efforts were fruitless, 1t
seems. for when the crowd of unfoTtu-
mates appeared he referred them to- the
Governor. Disappointed and exaspera-
ted at the rebuff, almost mad with hun
ger. the men formed their ranks and
marched to the Government house where
a deputation waited upon the Legislature.
The latter informed them that the Gov
ernment was considering measures of re-
lief. and advised them, pending action on
the bills, TO call upon the city representa-
tives for their immediate wants.
The mob. for such IL had now become,
then went to the legislative buildings.
but were refused admission. Enpaged
at this, they burst open the doors, and
surged into the corridors. The ponce
on guard attempted TO drive them out.
but they were overwhelmed by the IN
furiated men and forced TO retire. leav-
ing the building at the mercy of the in
vaders. The Assembly not being in
session. few members were III The build
ing at the time but those who were lost
no time in fleeing from the place. The
police reserves were summoned, and atter
a desperate struggle, managed to eject
the intruders
on TO THE ASSEMBLY HALLS.
In the afternoon the crowd reassem-
bled and returned to the Government
House, where IL complained TO the Gov
ernor of its treatment during the morning
and reiterated its demand for relief The
Governor repeated his advice OF the fore
noon, and said ne was powerless to act
without the cooperation of the Ministry.
Then the crowd once more made its way
to the legislative buildings. The hour for
the convening of the session was near
at hand. and, knowing the determination
of the mob, those inside, on being IN
formed of its appearance, immediately
began preparations TO prevent ltS entry'
The doors were barricaded, and the whole
available police force were stationed
around the building. The crowd sweilsd
momentarily, and soon the whole OF the
grounds in front OF the structure was
a solid mass of humanity. in the midst of
which hoated a large flag bearing con-
spicuously the words, work or bread,
while calculations of similar import were
made by the crowd. Finally the moo,
seeing that no attention was being PAID
to it's demands by those inside the build
ing made a rush for the doors. The
police were powerless 10 stem the tide OF
the infurid.ed mass, and many officers
were injured
one sergeant was thrown over the steps
leading to the main door and seriously
hurt, while another officer had his cheek
cut open with a stone.
THE PREMIEB's PROMISES.
While the disorder was at It's height
Premier Greene appeared on the balcony
and in a speech, expressed regret at the
condition of the cDlony and the destitu-
ton prevailing among the people He
promised that employment would be given
within three days, and begged the crowd
to have patience and confidence In the
Government. He promised to resign II
work was not provided within the time
specified. This did not satisfy the crowd
who told him plainly that they would
break into the stores and get food. This
threat the mob Immediately put into e-f
feet
Marching down into the city. the riot
ters made an attack upon the premises
occupied by Edwin Duder, who was re-
Gently compelled 10 resign. The crowd
found the place empty, and met with sim
liar results In other stores. Johnson's
store near by then received the mob's
attention In this establishment a large
quantity of provisions were found. Just
as they We're being carried out large
force of police appeared on the scene,
and drove off the mob after a severe
struggle, during which the police were
forcad IN draw their swords In Self-de-
fence.