The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette. — 1859-07-19 (Dorchester, Dorset, England)

ORANGE AFFRAY AT PANNIY.-011 Tuesday this town and neighbourhood were the scene of much excitement, on account of the proceedings of the Orange Lodge here, and the fatal and serious results which followed. For some reason or another the authorities in Itenfrewshire did not issue proclamations prohibiting Orange demonstrations, although this was done both in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire, and this circumstance appeared to operate materially in making the Orangemen of this town bold and confident. As early as 6in the morning the lodge mustered in the High-street to the number of 4410 or 500, among whom were a considerable number of women, and, headed by • band of music, they proceeded to parade the town. Ultimately they directed their steps to Johnstone, and on reaching Millenston, which is close to the Parliamentary boundary of Paisley, they were attacked by a body of miners. Sonic, of their musical instruments were damaged, and severe wounds on the head and other parts of tho body were given and received by both parties. One of the miners assailing the Orangemen bad his hand severely cut with • sword. Ultimately the miners drew off, andthe Orangemen proceeded to Johnstone. Here in the square, they waited some time, and had 1101110 refreshment, and again stetted their route. Shortly after 12 o'clock they left Johnstone and proceeded to Linwood by the Deaf Hillock Toll, reaching the latter place shortly before 1 o'clock. Here the Linwood Lodge broke off from the procession, and the Paisley and Johnstone Lodges proceeded on the road to Paisley, with the intention of separating at the West Toll. On reaching the bridge over the Black Cart at the south end of the village, they found their further progress opposed by 200 or 300 miners, who as soon as they made their appearance attacked them with stones and bludgeons. The precession was driven back into the village in disorder, but after a short delay they induced four or five of the county police to accompany them again to the bridge, which they again essayed to cross. A desperate encounter then ensued, in which fire-arms and knives were freely used in addition to less dangerous weapons, such as bludgeons palings, &c. continued succession of shots were fired, but apparently the greater number of them were discharged at too great a distance to do much harm. As the struggle continued the combatants drew closer to each other, and a fearful hand-to-hand fight followed, the weapons used being chiefly clasp-knives and bludgeons. d e are assured by a spectator that the , scene was most fearful, the combatants apparently being animated against each other with • most savage Ind deadly hatred. Ultimately, after the struggle bad lasted for about three quarters of an hour, the Catholic party gave way and flea' along the road leading to hikermann. Two or three who dropped behind were very severely handled by the infuriated Orangemen, and, indeed, in one case in particular but for the energetic interference of the polite it is questionable if the unfortunate man would not have been murdered. He was pointed out as one who had taken a most prominent part in the milee. After he was in custody two pistol shots were fired at him. After the affray WM over the combatants presented a horrid spectacle. On the middle of the road, where the fight had been hottest, lay extended the dead body of a strong muscular man apparently about 40 years of age. His skull had been severely fractured, and he wu stabbed apparently with a clasp-knife in the left breast. The body was conveyed to the village, whither also the more seriously wounded were taken. The procession then reformed, and accompanied by all who could walk, proceeded to Paisley, which place it reached without molestation. The GIRD killed has not been identified, but it is supposed that he belonged to the Catholic party. The enrolled pensioners resident in Paisley were called out in the afternoon and lodged ill the Paisley barracks for the night, there being nonmilitary at the present time in the district.