COLLISION AND MASSACRE AT BERLIN.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 315, 5 August 1848, Page 3

COLLISION AND MASSACRE AT BERLIN.

The Cologne Gazette contains the following particulars of the disturbances at Berlin : — March 17. — In spite of the influence of the committees of safety, some misfortunes happened last evening. It is stated that the students of Halle, Breslau, and Leipsic have arrived here. March 18. Seven p. m. — Tranquillity has been somewhat re-established during the last half-hour. — Nine p.m. — The disorders are not yet over. A violent fire has just broken out in the Quartier Louise. The city is so encumbered with soldiers that the couriers cannot leave. We receive no journals. I have just learnt that the garrison of Berlin are about to withdraw. The Laudwehr is called out to do the duty. A terrific collision took place, under circumstances which seem to have been accidental, on the following account : — The liberty of the press, granted by the King, and the Convocation of the Diet for the 2nd of April, have caused general joy. It was wished to illuminate this evening. The people crowded to the Palacesquare, to testify their gratitude to the King. Before two o'clock the King appeared on the balcony, snd was received with great enthusiasm. The persons who were not aware of the ordinance which forbids the intervention of the military, cried out, " Withdraw the military." At half-past one, the dragoons appeared on the Place dv Chateau, and their Colonel, M. ds Priesthwitz, having been driven back, they made a charge, but were re-

pulsed, They then fell on the people and used their sabres right and left. It is said that some posta of infantry also fired. A cry "To arras " Was then heard. The citizens dispersed in all directions. A massacre between the citizens and soldiers then commenced. Two soldiers fired opposite the Bank and were immediately killed. An officer soon afterwards shared the same fate. More than 100 have been killed. If the soldiers do uot quit the city this evening there will he a regular massacre. Firing is still heard. The evening journals of the 18th were despatched, and the courier, with letters and papers, could not get out of that city. It was said that ten discharges of cannon took place.