The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1896-03-10
Another Anti America Riot the
Police Were Almost Power
less to Suppress.
The Consulate at BilbOa Guard
ed by Gendarmes With Car
bines and Swords.
Several of the Rioters Brrested,
but Were With Difficulty
Taken to Jail.

BILBAO, Spain, March 1O.-There was
another anti American riot here during
the day, and it was of greater impor-
tance than the previous so-called pat
riotic disturbances caused by the action
of the congress of the United States in
regard to Cuba. About $4,000 people
took part in the popular demonstration.
The excitement was started by group
Of young men at the street corner who
began cheering every soldier who
passed by. Their conduct was imi-
tated by other groups of people, until
every soldier seen was cheered by the
crowds. and some musicians who re-
fused to repeat the national anthem
were hustled, beaten aud otherwise
maltreated. The excitement increased
the riotous groups formed in the main
streets cheering for Spain and denounc-
ing the United States.
The Auth ,rities Were Powerless.
The authorities did everything possible
to maintain order Almost the entire
police force was turned out as soon as
the populace assumed threating as
pect, and the rioters were dispersed
aga II and again. Eventually, how
ever, the mob became SO numerous and
excited that the police were almost
helpless. After the first demonstration
of sympathy with the army, the crowds
had armed themselves with sticks and
cudgels, and their numbers were so
great that the police were swept aside
and an immense crowd gathered on the
thoroughfare and marched towards the
residence of the American consul
shouting, Long live Spain" Down
with the Yankees"
shatte red the ConsuI's Windows.
On their way to the consul's resi-
dence they hurled stones through the
windows of stores and private resi-
dences, overturned number of vehicles,
pulled several mounted police off their
horses and conducted themselves in q
most threatening manner. Stores hand
ling American goods received most at
tention and the windows of the con-
suls house were badly shattered, al
though the police defended the build.
ing. The mob then proceeded in the
direction of the United States consul
late, evidently intended to stone that
building as well, but the authorities
had taken the precaution to send a
strong force of police to guard that
building, and another detachment OF
police was stationed across the streets
leading to the consulate. Therefore
when the mob neared the United States
consulate. it was confronted by the po.
halted and then
Began PeitinG The Ioiice
most vigorously with stones and pieces
of brick The policemen, however,
held their ground and a squad OF the
officers charged the rioters. The lat
ter began firing pistols at the police.
men, two of whom wer1 wounded.
This caused the police to charge in IA
body, and using their swords with
good effect, the rioters were dispersed,
yelling and hooting at the authorities
and shouting Down with the Van.
KEGS, and Long live Spain"
The police, who made q number OF
arrests, experienced considerable diff.
Guilty in eccorting their prisoners to the
depot. During the whole of the after
noon there was more or less distur
bance. 1t was decided to keep both the
poice proper and and the gendarmes
confined to barracks until further or
ders, as there seemed to be danger OF
another outbreak.
The United States consulate is now
guarded by strong attachment o.
gendarmes armed with carbines, re
volvers and swords and they have in
structions to protect the consulate a
any cost