The Sun. — 1839-04-04 (London, England)

DISGRACEFUL TORY RIOT IN  DEVIZE S.  (FROM ANOTHER CORRESPONDENT.) On Monday last the adjourned Chartist Meeting was held in Devizes„ The rain poured in torrents all day, which prevented thousands of the Chartists attending from a distance. The greatest precaution was taken by the authorities to preserve the peace. A troop of the 12th Lancers were under arms about 20 yards from the place of meeting—the county yeomanry were ordered out, and hundreds of special constables sworn in. The shops of the town were closed. Bills had been issued all round the country by the Tories, stating that the Chartists wished to establish the new Poorlaw, &c. At three o'clocka procession of about 3,000 people escorted Messrs. Vincent, Roberts, and Carrier into the town. On passing through the streets to the Market-place, the strictest order was preserved. On arriving at the hustings, Messrs. Vincent and Roberts mounted. A stone struck Mr. Vincent on the back of the head, and caused him to fall from the waggon. Horns were then blown in all directions, and an indiscriminate attack immediately commenced byupw upwards of 2,000 drunken bludgeon men, led on b tradesmen, and other Tories. " Death toyfarmers,Vincent, Roberts, and Carrier," resounded from the desperadoes. " kill the Reformers—kick their brains out ;" the scene ryas truly awful—the Chartists appeared to do all in their power to prevent a conflict, but they were compelled to fight in self-defence. Mr. Vincent and Roberts, and Carrier had several narrow escapes fcr their lives. The confusion rendering a meeting in the market impossible, Mr. Vincent and Roberts retired with a large body of the respectable inhabitants of Devizes and other friends, and addressed them from the window of the Carriers' Arms. Mr. Roberts spoke about 20 minutes, briefly explaining the principles of the People's Charter ; and Mr. Vincent's speech did not last ten minutes, in consequence of blowing of horns in the distance. They then advised their friends to leave the town, as the dusk of the evening was approaching, lest a dreadful riet and bloodshed occur. When the Chartists retired the drunken mob of Tories surrounded the Carriers' Arms, and threatened to murder its inmates. The High Sheriff arrived and ordered the mob to disperse, but in vain. Several gentlemen, in the company of the High Sheriff and other authorities, gave Messrs. Vincent and Roberts safe escort from the town —they were much injured by the mob. The Reformers of Devizes state that it was the determination of the Tories to murder Vincent, Roberts, and Carrier, if possible. The Chartists behaved with the greatest forbearance, and had anything like a retaliatory spirit been evinced, a frightful toss of life and property would have occurred. Messrs. Vincent and Roberts did all they could to preserve the peace. Are these Tory ruffians to go unmarked, when the Press rings with violent threats of the Chartists? The Chartists have but talked. The ruffian Burdett party of Devizes and its vicinity have made a diabolical attempt openly to destroy the lives of Reformers. "No Reform" is their cry, " Corn-laws for ever" their motto ; but let them, beware! If the people once imitate the violence inflicted on them in Devizes, woe, woe, to the aristocracy. We hear that great excitement prevailed in the surrounding districts, and had anything happened to Mr. Vincent or Mr. Roberts, a scene of violent commotion would have occurred for miles around. Well may the Chartists talk of "providing arms for self defence!"  The Countess of Minto purposes giving several grand balls at the Admiralty the latter end of this and early in the next month. Earl and Countess Cadogan and the Ladies Augusta and Honoria Cadogan, who have been passing the winter in Italy, do not intend returning to this country before the first week in the ensuing month. The Earl and Countess and their accomplished daughters, were to leave Rome, last wee k, for the South of France.