THE DUKE OF EDINGBURGH IN MELBOURNE.

West Coast Times, Issue 696, 17 December 1867, Page 3

THE DUKE OF EDINGBURGH IN MELBOURNE.

MURDEROUS OUTRAGE IN STEPHEN

STREET.

(PEOM THE AUSTBALASIAN.)

One of those barbarous outrages which are engendered by religious rancour and intolerance, and which leave a stain of ignominy attached to the community among which they are fostered, occurred in Stephen street on Wednesday. The following are the most trustworthy details which could be collected from among innumerable and conflicting rumors of the origin of the occurrence. During the recent illuminations, the members of the metropolitan Orange lodges displayed a large transparency of King William 111. in front of the Protestant-hall. On one side of the centre piece Britannia was represented, and on the other Victoria, with the motto, " This will we maintain." The exhibition appears to have caused considerable annoyance to an opposite set of factionists, and threats were openly expressed on Wednesday, that if the obnoxious decoration was not quietly removed it would be forcibly torn down in the evening. About half-past nine o clock m the evening a crowd of young men and boys assembed at the

corner of the Eastern market, immediately fronting the Protestant-hall. Threats were repeated respecting the decoration, which remained untouched in its original position. After a while ihe crowd commenced singing " The Wearing of the Green," and other Irish party songs, in full chorus. The excitement of the occasion evidently mastered the commonsense and forbearance of a portion of those assembled, for before the conclusion of the song already referred to, a volley of stones was directed against the hall, without causing other damage than a rattling on the roof. One of the front windows of the building, that next to Little Collins street, was almost instantly raised, and a volley from firearms discharged amongst the crowd. The surprise and horror manifested by the occurence of this unlooked-for event was broken by groans and cries of distress. A proposal was made by an individual in the crowd to set fire to the hall, but the increased wailings of anguish from those who had suffered by the discharge of firearms, seemed to have subdued all notions of retaliation for the time. Foremost amongst the sufferers was a boy about nine years of age, who had re- I ceived a frightful wound in the mouth. The poor child lay bleeding and insensible on the flags. A young man, named John Kane, aged twenty-seven years, residing in Little Bourke street, received a discharge of slugs in the right side of the head; he was also insensible, but not bleeding so copiously as the little boy. A third person, named John Youlden, a respectable looking young man of about sixteen years, residing in Royal terrace, Nicholson street, received a severe wound in the right knee, and flesh wounds in the stomach, where the slugs or shot had grazed it. The sufferers were quickly placed in a cab, and removed to the hospital. By this time the police had arrived, and the crowd increased to about two thousand persons. Efforts were made by the constables to force the front door of the Protestant Hall, but without success. This circumstance may be accounted for by ihe fact that the building was erected at a period when party feeling and religidus intolerance were by no means unusual in the colony, and its construction was rendered almost bomb-proof Constable Hilford, of the Richmond police, was proceeding along Little Collins street to reconnitre for the possibility of effecting a back entrance, when he observed a man in the act of scaling the wall which runs along that side of the hall. The man jumped into the street, and at once bolted into the Blue Bell Hotel, where the constable followed and arrested him. He gave the name of Joseph Hines, and said he worked in a coal yard. He conducted himself in a wild and ferocious manner, and shouted for "King Billy," During his passage to the lock-up he had to be completely surrounded by constable?, in order to shield him from the fury of the vast multitude, which was being constantly augmented. Every effort was resorted to by the police to restrain the crowd from some dreadful act of violence. Only one prevailing sentiment seemed to exist, and that was to storni and fire the building. Eventually the door was forced, but the ruffians who had been the chief actors in the above scene had managed to escape. In a room of the hall were found two loaded rifles, uncapped, which appeared to have recently been discharged ; also a horse-pistol and a pocket-pistol. Previously to entering the building, the police were compelled to exercise some seventy in self-defence. The excited and disappointed feelings of the crowd were rapidly diverted into another channel, and an indiscriminate rush for the city watchhouse at once commenced. In the course of half an hour the police succeeded in arresting the following persons : — Timothy ■ Enwright, seventeen years, labourer, Roman Catholic, charged with obstructing and assaulting the police in the execution of their duty ; William Stackwell, nineteen years, tailor, Roman Catholic ; and W. Frencliam, an aged man. Each of these persons loudly protestedtheir innocence. Enwright kept stamping about the watchhouse floor, lustily bellowing, " Oh, murder, what'll my mother say when she sees my name in the papers ?" Frencham remained reserved and sullen.

There were no firearms or missiles of any kind found upon the men. A young man who accompanied Kean to the hospital, said he saw a bootmaker named Clarke, of Little Collins s'reet, with a gun in his hand. A second rumor connected with this sad occurrence represents that a green flag which had been exhibited at St. Patricks-hall on Monday evening, had been torn by a section of the Orange party, and that the threats which had been repeated in the market were prompted by motives of retaliation. However true this may be it cannot be entertained as an extenuating plea on cithor side. The lamentable fact that a spirit of brutal ignorance, based on intolerance and fanaticism, is silently natured within the city has been laid bare, and it is to be hoped that the adoption of stringent measures will speedily press it out.

SPECIAL MEETING OP THE VICTORIA RACING CLUB IN HONOR OP H.R.H. THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH. Stewards — Captain Standish, George Watson, Esq. ; Robert Power, Esq. ; A. W.Robertson, Esq.; C.B. Fisher, Esq. Judge — Captain Scott. Starter — George Watson, Esq. Clerk of the Course — Mr R.Tattersall. Weigher — Mr Isaac Hinds. (Continued in page 4.J

Duke of Edinbubgh. — Continuedfrom page 3. Handieappers — W. C. Yuille, Esq. ; E. C. Moore, Esq. ; N. R. D. Bond, Esq. Last Saturday was a red-letter day in the calendar of Victorian racing. The handsome manner in which the V.R.C. came forward to do honor to the illustrious stranger now amongst us, met with that entire success which so worthy a cause merited. Not only did the owners of horses flock from all the colonies to take part in the tourney, swelling the entries for the several events in the programme, thereby ensuring large fields at the post; but the public, duly appreciating the occasion, patronised all parts of the ground in thousands. The weather was delightful, a gentle breeze from the south tempering the rays of the sun, rendered the atmosphere most agreeable ; in fact, it was a regular Queen's day. The company began to arrive about eleven o'clock, and before the bell sounded for weighing the jockeys for the first race the grand stand and lawn presented one of the most enchanting scenes in the universe. One mass of beautiful women, decked out in flowing robes of all colours of the rainbow, and at the same time in elegant taste, their eyes sparkling with beams of delight as the youthful. Prince on his arrival raised his white hat to the fair assemblage before him. At twelve o'clock precisely, all eyes were turned up the course, where, in true Ascot fashion, the Royal cartage was seen coming down the straight run. First there were half-a-dozen mounted police, followed by four outriders, and then an open barouche, drawn by four horses ridden by postilions, containing the Duke of Edinburgh, the Governor, Lord Newry, and the Hon. Mr Yorke ; then came two other carriages with the Governor's family and suite. Deafening cheers rent the air as the Prince and his friends were escorted to the private box in the grand stand which had been most tastefully fitted up for their reception, surrounded by a fragrant display of exotics, brought in large flower-pots from the garden of Mr Hugh Glass. The Prince's appearance in front of the stand was the signal for another burst of loyal demonstration, after which the people, both great and small, settled themselves down to enjoy the pleasures of the race-course. The hill was crowded to excess, and by the time the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes was run for, it presented one mass of human beings. On the lower grounds, towards the end of the straight run in, for nearly half a mile, were rows of carriages and cabs, the fences being lined with crowds of people. After the first race, the Duke descended from the grand stand, and being escorted by his two friends, the Governor and Captain Standish, walked through the saddling-paddock, and throughout the remainder of the day, His Royal _ Highness took a most lively interest in all that was going on, preferring to view the several races from the stewards' private stand, from which he could both see and be seen to greater \ advantnge than from any other part of the encloses, and from whence he could overlook the weighing-in of the several horses, remarking on the good points of many of them, showing that he was not the oaly sailor who was an admirer of the beauties of horseflesh. We were glad to see the multitude' refrain from following the Prince about and giving vent to their feelings. Between the acts he was allowed to walk the paddocks without molestation, and scrutinise the several horses, and make his investments, which he deigned to do with several of the bookmakers, whose eagerness to pencil His Royal Highness's name was in several instances done at considerable cost. During the arrival of the Royal cavalcade the fourteen candidates for the first event of the day were on their way to the post to start for the half-mile. There were originally eighteen entries, but Count, Oakleigh, Palladium, and No Surrender were scratched on the ground. There was little betting in the paddock ; what there was was engrossed hy the late importation from Sydney, Kildare, and Grace Egerton. Mr Watson was extremely fortunate in getting so many away in such excellent order, especially ! in so short a race, where any advantage ' at the start would have been of so much consequence. Falcon, Protection, and Warrior were first into their stride, and maintained a front position to the distance, when Henry Walsh took a most judicious pull at Satellite, and half-way up the rails he brought him out, a la Chifney, and drew first blood for Maribyrnong by a length. This was looked upon as a good omen for the stable, Satellite doing the schoolmaster business for the youngsters. The Hurdle Race which followed was the medium of a good deal of speculation, and numbers crowded the paddock to get a glimpse of the different candidates. As we entered, Mr Power was close to the gate busy with his horse Laurel, who showed unmistakable signs of a short preparation, and was a long way off the mark. Sir Walter was walking about already saddled, in a profuse sweat, as if he had too much galloping lately, and appeared rather finely drawn for the jumping business. Pyrrhus was wonderfully improved in form since he last showed up under similar circumstances, but his hollow back and scabby ner-k did not prepossess us in his favor. Little King looked overdone, and his coat stared like a cat's in a fright. The Baron was big and hardy, and much improved in condition. Lady Clare was in her usual excellent fettle, and in good heart. Maid of the Wannon was in no form, although a great strapping-looking animal. Messenger's coat shone like satin, and looked as if a loose box on a station would be more in his way than jumping hurdles. Old Yorkshireman was sober and sedate, his fore-pins looking none the better of the deal of battering he has had in his lifetime. The others we did not see before the bell rang for the horses to proceed to business. Sir Walter was the favourite, but the stable had a reserve in Lady Clare, who carried a few hundreds in case of accidents. Fourteen faced Mr Watson's flag out of the nineteen entries, Prince Arthur and Woodman being scratched on Thursday morning, and Chrono, Jack Tar, and Mannion on the course. The race was shorn of a deal of interest by Satellite refusing the hurdles at the river side, bungling over them on to his back, bringinj4 Little King to grief on the top of him, and Messenger and Laurel doing likewise, sending their riders to mother earth, Harding, the rider of Messenger, getting his collar bone fractured. The Count, when running well forward, bolted about half a mile from home, and Sir Walter, who never does like being too hotly pressed at his hurdles, went down a cropper ; so many contretemps spoiling what otherwise must have been a most interesting race. Lady Clare and Pyrrhus made an exciting finish, closely followed by old Surprise ; her ladyship again doing the trick, but not without } i ing asked to gallop her very best. No

Surrender was scratched for the Saplings, which left six togo to thepost. Fenella was warmly backed at even money against the lot, and as Morrison led her about the paddock' she looked well worthy the support awarded her, all wire, with an elasticity of motion very taking. Melancholy Jaques was as near perfection as could be. in fine sappy condition, and Dan was proud of his charge. Zouave was as hard as nails, and Monsieur Le Beau was no beau in appearance, whilst we thought Little Briton rather over-trained for a youngster. My Dream was kept closely confined to her box until the bell rung, but when she did make her appearance, mounted, and led by a groom, wg thought her a fine sample of the Maribyrnong youngsters, wellgrownand blood-looking, a very raking filly, and avery different animal to her flat-ribbed sister, Kerosene. The race was an exciting one, and the weights produced a close result, as the 51b. off Jaques enabled him to turn the tables on his former conqueror in the Ascot Vale. My Dream, who did not belie her family's failings in misconducting herself at the post, got badly off accordingly, but made up her lost ground with ,a grand display of galloping powers. The running of Zouave showed that Mr Keighran.was not far out in his calculations, and as he ages he will grow into a good colt. One hour was now allowed to refresh the inward man, and even Princes must eat and drink like other mortals, and Mr Scott, of Scott's Hotel, was entrusted as the "lion's provider," and he certainly did every justice to the occasion by lading out as elegant and chaste a dejeuner a la fourchette in the private tentof the stewards as even Royalty could wish for. MrMallam had also extra accommodation, at the rear of the stand, to dispense sandwiches and bottled beer to those who could not either find time or money to partake of the more substantial luncheon in the re-freshment-rooms. At three o'clock precisely fifteen horses, all in the best of fettle, went out to take their preliminary, previous to the start for the race of the day — the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes. Warwick was scratched last Monday, and Lady Manners-Sutton and Lath only declined previous to the race. We saw no difference in Tim Whiffler. Exile looked improved and varmint-looking. Fireworks was a deal stouter than he was at the last meeting. Ballarat Tim was as shiny as ever, but went short in his canter ; Strop was all legs and wings ; and little Barwon and Toryboy were as fit as man could make them. Sylvia was nice-looking ; and the Swell cut anything but a swell in appearance. Queen of Hearts was perfection ; aud the others were all more or less in good condition. As a matter of course, when it was known that .Sydney Tim was intended ho became a g r eat favorite, and nothing more than two to one could fee got in the ring. The race was a cracker from beginning to end ; and shortly after starting the horses got so closely packed together that it was difficult to say which had the best of it, when Barwon shot out, and made the running at a great pace. Queen of Hearts was struck into opposite the stand, and fell 1 ack into the rear lame, from which ].ositiou she never again emerged. At the back of the course the whole lot were so close together, with the exception of Cowra, Strop, and the liors de comhat Queen of Hearts, who were outpaced, that it was difficult to make out the one from the other. It was a splendid sight to see the lot wind into the straight run, and the severe struggle that ensued from that point, especially between Tim Whiffler, Fireworks (both under punishment), Exile and Toryboy. It looked a guinea to a* gooseberry on Exile half-way up the distance as he came through his horses ; but he got twice disappointed, being on the inside of Tim, and had at last to pull out, and was defeated by only half a length. Fireworks and Toryboy were close at their heels, all severely punished, after one of the best and fastest race crer ran in the colonies, the mile and a half and a distance being travelled in 2min. 56sec, showing what a really good horse the Whiffler must be, and how true his running is when compared to that when he ran Yattendon to a head for the Craven Plate, at Ranwick, one mile and a quarter, carrying 9st. 51b., in 2min. 12|sec, both, races being run at the same pace to a second, allowing 2sec. for a flying start in the Sydney race ; Fireworks' time for the Maiden Plate, at Eandwick, also shows the correctness of his running ; and Exile's position proves him to be nothing else than a perfect wonder, and had he at first come up outside ofTim he could not have lost the race. In spite of Mr Watson's imaginary grievance that Banker was crushed for the Steeplechase, the public were not so easily gulled, and they eagerly backed him against the field at sto 2. Faugh-a-bal-lagh was the only one of the baker's dozen entered who did not show up at the post. Before leaving the paddock we had a good look at the nags, and never saw Banker in better trim, and his coat — none of the shiniest — was blooming, and his eye full and clear. Bondo was dreadfully tuckeduplike; andßabbler lookedwellandhearty. The others were in their usual ; and the cripple, Firelail, was as crippled as heretofore. Bondo, Firetail, Baron, and Pondon soon came to grief, the latter breaking M'Minimey's shoulder-blade; and Chifney displayed his agility by the sur prioing manner he worked himself back into his saddle after being thrown on to Western's neck, and taking the next leap at the same time, for which he was well cheered from the stand. Western ran the honest good horse which his former owner, Mr Tozer, always maintained he was, but with all his light weight he was no match for the renowned Banker, who allowed him to lead until opposite the two-mile post, when he ran up to him as if he were standing, took his measure, and bided his time until getting into the straight, when an exciting set-to finished a good steeplechase in favor of Banker by half a length. The next race was the Galatea Stakes, for which nothing would go down but Sydney Tim, certainly without much reason, as ho met Fireworks on worse terms than he did in the big event of tho day, nothing but a miracle could save the fielders, and that miracle was forthcoming. Fireworks, Glcncoe, Cowra, the Fly, and Sylvia were the only ones who had the temerity to try the result. With the exception of Mr Tait's two horses none of the others made any show in the race after Tim ran his nose against one of the posts, which he carried away, near the old stand, being driven thereon by Sylvia— so says the jockey, who lodged a protest, but which was afterwards withdrawn by Mr De Mestvo : whether it was a wilful case or not it matters not now, as Tim was so stunned he could not afterwards hold his own, and was nowhere at the finish. Fireworks won with consummate ease, and neither The Fly nor any of the others could come within cooey of him. Had not the accident happened to the Whiffler we verily believe from the position he was in at the time, lie would have been very near winning.

One of the best and most delightful days' amusement ever enjoyed on the banks of the Saltwater River was brought to a close with the Railway Stakes, of a mile, for which nine started. They made a good race of it; but the Favorite, Melancholy Jaques, ran unkindly under the guidance of his light weight, and went here, there, and everywhere, which gave the race to the next best out of the lot, Rip Van Winkle, who came home like a racehorse; and it is to be regretted that so really a good colt should nave been sp hastily scratched for the New Years-day Derby, where his chance was quite as good as anything now in it. The Royal party remained to the last, seemingly enjoying the whole proceedings with the greatest gusto. On their departure the company rent the air with loud and prolonged cheers, which His Royal Highness in the most affable manner repeatedly acknowledged.