THE LATE RIOTS IN AMERICA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5185, 3 November 1877, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE LATE RIOTS IN AMERICA.

In reference to the late riots in Aiurica, a private letter from Chicago says : —" We have had a most excitiDg time, there being the greatest riots all over the country. In Chicago we have had a full share. I suppose the country has witnessed the biggest strike ever yet Bean, ending in every instance in riots. The rioters here were variously estimated at from 10,000 to 35,000. I should think 20,000 about the correct number. They were'fortunately confined by the police and Volunteer Forces to the south side of the city, which is divided by the Chicago River from the north and west. By guarding the bridges the rioters were prevented crossing, and were thus confined to their own quarter, which they naturally hesitated to burn or injure in any way. They were foreigners, including Bohemians, Poles, Irish, and others, who live on that side of the river. They fought off and on for four days to get across the river, but were beaten back every time. They were armed with revolvers, clubs, aud bricks, and numbers were killed and wounded. Opposed to them were about 500 police, 7000 special constables, and two regiments of militia each about 300 strong. The militia are splendid men and first-class soldiers. People abroad ha ve no idea what fine soldiers the American militia are. They are thoroughly disciplined, and wear a convenient uniform. In Illinois there are fourteen regiments. The Ist and 2nd are raised in Chicago. The police kept the rioters at bay for two days. At first the authorities wore afraid to call out the militia, as at Pittsburg, the day before, two regiments sent from Philadelphia had been overpowered by the rioters and the Pittsburg Militia, who fraternised with them. A number of the Philadelphia men were killed, and they were driven out of the city. After two days they were obliged, however, to call out the militia in Chicago, and raise three companies of cavaly among the old war cavalry men. The 2nd Regiment was the only one actually, engaged. A couple of volleys were fired, and the men then charged, scattering the rioters like sheep. Tho rioters carried off all their own dead and wounded. A hundred of the ringleaders are in gaol for trial, and they are all Communists, of whom there are said to be hundreds of thousands in this country. On the fourth day between 800 and 900 U.S. regulars, including 300 cavalry, arrived, and since then there has been no trouble. I do not believe, however, that it is ended, and am afraid as soon as the U.S. troops are gone there will be a movement for reveDge. The rioters are believed to be arming and drilling secretly still. Each ward in the city had to provide for its own protection, and the citizens to patrol for this puripose. Strange to s»y no one was killed on

the side of law and order, although many of the police were wounded. Everything is now quiet in the country, except in one or two places, where they are usiDg the regulars to put down the rioters, who will not face them, as it is well understood now that the regulars shoot to kill. The other forces under the control of the elected Mayors have orders to fire over the heads of the crowd to frighten ■ -them. They cannot afford to shoot them and spoil votes. The regulars are not troubled by any such considerations, and are only employed as a last resort. They had guards at all the large store, and were prepared for all contingencies. It is a marvel how little mischief was done considering the magnitude of the affair."