The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-06-28
Plots OF OTHER DAYS.

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Plots OF OTHER DAYS.
n ,s something new in the experience
Of Richmond to have scenes OF violence
and disorder. such as we have recenty
had.
Such others as are chronicled IN our
c,tv annals. and are worthy to be dignl-
fed by that term. were born OF the
tumult and recklessness of war, or lWhae
amounted to nearly the same thing), re-
construction.
Wills 1.-THE Confederate war was at It's
height, there occurred what was calleo
the .bread riot" This brief foment was
started by number OF women, VINO
incensed at the high price OF provisions,
made demonstration In front OF some
of the stores on Main and lower Frank
lin Streets. Tho occasion was seized ny
rowdies to do some pilaging. The Armory
Guard was called out to suppress the
rioters, but did not have to use It's
weapons. Speeches that were made by the
Governor and Mayor. and. perhaps by the
President, shamed the disturbers Of the
peace and sufflced to restore order.
ION the night Of the evacuation OF the
city by, the Confederates there was
fearful amount Of rioting and pillaging
Hundreds of stores were looted. Not until
the Federal troops arrived was order re-
stored.
With tho best intentions in the world.
the City Council had ordered all the
whiskey in tho city to be seized and
poured into the cutters. Seized 1t was.
but not all OF 1t was poured Into the
cutters. Some of it was poured down the
threats OF men, naturally reckless, who
became yet moro evil minded under the
influence OF the liquor they drank. IN.
At that time Richmond was crowded
with people from all parts Of the Con-
federacy. Some OF them men OF des-
perate characters. To add to the horrors
OF the situation, the convicts in the pent-
Tertiary released themselves, but We
doubt If they had time to do much pill
leging. They were too anxious to get
away. AS for the prisoners in the Libby
prison. they had been sent to their friends
by flag Of truce boat.
Once more Richmond was the scene of
alarming riot and confusion. In 1859 there
was a dual city government for awhile
ono set of officers claiming authority I'M
der military appointment: the other claim
Ing under appointments made by Gov
ernor Walker. who acted by authority OF
the Virginia Legislature. There were two
Mayors-Ellyson and Chahoon-and two
police forces. and collisions" occurred at
the City Hall and at several other places.
Finally 1t was agreed to have a truce
and to refer the disputes to the Supreme
Court Of Appeals.
style of the suit as 1t was docketed, but
1t was popularity known as the 'Ellyson-
Chahoon case.'' and the decision OF the
court was In favor of Mr. Ellyson. There
upon the Democrats remained In Office
and the Republicans retired.
The Supreme Court had met to deliver
It's opinion in this very case on April q,
1870, when "the Capitol disaster" occurr-
ed, killing sixty-hvc men and wounding
two hundred others.
Yet another riot We recall. while the
Federal military was still In occupation
of the city. A Wilmington Del, fire en-
CINE company was on visit here. There
was a firemen's parade and test of APP
paratus on the canal bank at the foot
OF Eighth Street. Theer was, of course
a large crowd In attendance. including
many negroes. The latter were exas.
| perated by the streams of water thrown
upon them. accidentally or otherwise. and
| hoped to "get even" Later when the pa.
rade was on Broad Street, near Fifth. the
| darkies made violent demonstration
The Federal military was called out and
a company charged the awbreakers witt
| dubbed muskets, and soon brought about
| peace and order,
| But enough Excepting In the midst Of
| the war, or as part OF Its aftermath
never was Richmond until now the scene
of resistance to authority for so much as
day
1t Is to be deplored that our admirable
| record has been broken, and 1t is to be
hoped that unceasing efforts will be pu
forth to restore respect for. and obedienc,
to constituted authority and to haster
the day when every man and woman ma,
feel safe to walk or ride anywhere ir
Richmond, or Henrico. at any hour da.
or night.
Observation-Disclosures