GRAVE SITUATION.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1833, 20 August 1913, Page 7

GRAVE SITUATION.

THE DERRY RIOTS. PITCHED BATTLE AVERTED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright ("Times"—Sydney' "Sun" Special Cables.) (Kec. August 19, 7.5 p.m.) London, August 19. During the recent riots in Londonderry, the, situation was of the very gravest description, and if 'the military had boen absent a pitched battle would instantly have commenced. The Nationalist and Unionist crowds faced each other, occasionally throwing stones, but the troops prevented a collision between the factions. Tho rowdier element in these disturbances depends on bottles and sticks. It is anticipated that there has been a large increase in the number of citizens carrying arms in the city. The Municipal Council has passed a resolution calling for an inquiry into the conduct of the police. If necessary, strong clerical influence will be brought to bear on thel Roman - Catholics to restrain, themselves from violence. Later advices state that the town is quieter. SERIOUS CHARGES. (Eec. August 19, 11.5 p.m.) ' London, August 19.

The Londonderry Council has passed a resolution asking the Government to make an inquiry into the action of the Boyal Irish Constabulary during the riots.

The council charges the police with failing' to protect the Unionist procession; that they deliberately broke windows in the Unionist quarter with their bato&s and rifles; further, they allege, that it was a shot from one of their rifles that ■killed Armstrong.