The Rioters Still Victorious.

The great topic of conversation in the city during the day was the riotous proceedings at the Town Hall on the previous night, and the prospect of a still more serious disturbance in the evening. Rumours of a most exaggerated character obtained circulation. That a large body of the rural police were to be called in to assist in maintaining order; that the Roman Catholics had made arrangements to bring a number of Irishmen from Launceston, Oatlands, and Huon; that the Government intended to order out the Artillery and Rifle Regiment; and that a most sanguinary battle would take place, were statements which passed from mouth to mouth, and created a sensation greater than had been realised here for a long time. It is needless to say that great difference of opinion prevailed concerning the entire proceedings in connection with the Chiniquy mission. Even Protestants did not hesitate to declare that the Pastor had no right to intrude into peaceful communities and arouse religious animosities,: and there was strong opinion that, at all events, he should have delivered his lectures in Protestant churches, instead of using the Town Hall. On the other hand, there were few citizens who did not condemn the disturbances of Tuesday and last night; and hold that it was monstrous that a few excited individuals, backed up by a lot of larrikins, should have the power, without scarcely any interposition on the part of the police, to prevent a large and respectable audience from holding a public meeting and hearing a lecture. It was to this point which the whole affair had now converged. It was felt that if law and order could not be maintained, then it is quite time there should be some alteration and improvements in the means that are taken to maintain them. As the account below shows, there was no violent disturbance at night. There was an immense crowd opposite the Town Hall between seven and eight o'clock; and the presence of a compact body of men, with short and dangerous-looking sticks, which they whirled over their heads with great vigour, as they cheered "Ould Ireland" and hooted Chiniquy, was quite sufficient to demonstrate that had they met with much opposition they would not have hesitated at using violence. But fortunately the disturbance was confined to shouting and singing, except when there was a rush into the Hall, and when it was known that the idea of the Pastor lecturing that night had been abandoned, the crowd gradually dispersed. It was, however, realised that as the Pastor's friends were page 11 determined that he should lecture in the Town Hall, the danger of a serious riot had not passed, unless the rioters were convinced of the impropriety of their conduct, or were overawed by a demonstration of law and order.

Deputation to the Mayor.

In connection with the disturbance at the Town Hall on Tuesday night regarding Pastor Chiniquy's lecture, a large and influential deputation waited on the Mayor at noon. The deputation comprised Mr. T. T. Watt (Chairman,) Collector of Customs; Revs. R. Maclaren Webster, J. Scott, B. Butchers, J. Cope, J. Cole; J. Rothwell (deputy sheriff); and Messrs. Hanson, Dobbie, McPherson, Mullen, Proctor, Marshall, and Ferguson. By request of the Mayor, Alderman Watchorn and Addison (members of the Police Committee) were present.

Mr. Watt introduced the deputation, which had been appointed at a meeting held after the disturbance at the Hall on the previous evening. He said they had come to ask His Worship to devise means by which the committee, who had token the Town Hall, could secure a peaceful and quiet hearing of Pastor Chiniquy's lectures in the building. It was the desire of the deputation that everything should be done with the greatest order and peace. At the same time he thought they were bound to see that they were not trampled down by any mob in the Town Hall which had been taken for a special purpose. The deputation came there to put the matter before His Worship as the guardian of the public peace, as the Chief Magistrate of the city, to whom they owed all respect. He now left the matter with the committee to more fully detail the disturbance which had taken place, with the reiterated desire which he expressed on their behalf to act with peace and order as law-abiding citizens.

The Mayor said he would be glad to hear what any other member of the deputation had to say.

Mr. Cope, the Chairman of the meeting referred to, being called upon to speak, said he thought the account furnished to them in the Mercury would apprise His Worship and every one else of the character of the meeting, and of the repeated efforts that the clergy made to obtain something like a peaceable hearing, but which were made altogether in vain. So far as he was able to gather of the feeling of those who desired to hear the Pastor on that occasion, he thought it was this—that they sought to avoid any recourse to measures that might be characterised as violent. (Hear, hear.) He thought, however, that he could say that they were generally very determined upon maintaining their rights as English subjects, but when it was not necessary to have recourse to means of that kind, they did not by any means like to have such recourse. They would not let their privileges go altogether, but in defence of them would, in the first instance, apply to such means as it was possible to use in order to ensure in the ordinary way a peaceful hearing for the Pastor who had come into the midst of them. He, for one, had on the previous evening felt humiliated as a citizen of Hobart Town at the scene displayed. He had never, in his life, witnessed anything more disorderly. Not even in the midst of excitable political gatherings in England, or anywhere else, had he seen anything worse than what he hod witnessed on that occasion. As to attempting to control the rioters in the ordinary way, it was simply out of the question. The police were called upon in the name of the Queen, but they might as well have called upon so many dummies. He did not pretend to be acquainted with the duties of the police, and the laws which applied to the force, but it appeared to him that there was some very strange conduct on the part of the constables present, for they might as well have had no policemen there as the seven or eight who were present. They were just simply no use. (Hear, hear.) No, he did not know whether they were worse than that. (Hear, hear.) He thought, perhaps, that if they had not been there at all, other people would have taken the matter in hand with determination. (Hear, hear.) As the Chief Magistrate in the city, the deputation had a right to look to him in this case for the exercise of any power or authority which he had in the matter, so as to ensure the keeping of order, as they so much desired. (Applause.)

The Rev. J. Scott would like to call the attention of the Mayor and Aldermen present to the fact that Pastor Chiniquy was a distinguished member of a large and important church in Canada. Through failing health he was making a visit to the Australian colonies, and while here, inasmuch as his fame was world-wide, was carrying on what the deputation as Christian Protestants believe to be a great and good work. They thought they were perfectly justified in publicly listening to his instructions and lectures. Well, the first evening, Monday evening, he, Mr. Scott, being present at the lecture, was surprised that three individuals, at the most, should have been allowed, with nearly double the number of policemen present, to have made such an exhibition of disorder as they did. On Tuesday night a much larger number of disturbers assembled, apparently thoroughly organised, but still small comparatively in number. There was a large police force present; he thought considerably more than Mr. Cope had indicated. But no efforts were made by the police to deal with the disturbers. No efforts were made to preserve the slightest order. He might say that he was deputed from the platform to see the Superintendent of Police, who was present, and he appealed to him to use some little exertion to secure order. He (Mr. Scott) believed that the slighteat display of firmness on the part of the Superintendent would have turned everything. (Hear, hear.) But the officer in the coolest manner replied he was doing his duty—they wished to be instructed on that point—and said he would not interfere. (Hear, hear.) And he did not interfere. Scenes of violence were witnessed; sticks were raised, and gentlemen of position, magistrates, and others were violently assulted in the Hall, and blood was even drawn, but the police did not disperse the rioters. It was with great control and patience, and a firm determination not to precipitate a conflict that held back the large body of gentlemen who desired the meeting to go on, from resorting to violence. They now appealed to His Worship to uphold their rights—their right to assemble lawfully in a meeting designed for nothing else but their instruction and edification. They thought they could appeal to their past career in the community as an indication that they did not desire strife; but they desired freedom. Unfortunately, no doubt, religious questions did, under some circumstances, evoke undue warmth of feeling, but they were particularly anxious that nothing should be said, and he thought nothing had been publicly said by the Pastor to wound any one's feelings. The kindest terms had been used by the Pastor in all his addresses. Of course facts were necessarily dealt with, and if the facts were offensive, that was bad for the facts. The statements, if not true, could be disproved; but it was one of the privileges which they enjoyed that they should be dealt with by arguments, and not by sticks. (Hear, hear) He very heartily joined in the request which had been made to secure, if possible, the protection of their rights as Christian citizens. (Applause.)

Mr. Napier described the disturbance which had taken place, and his unavailing efforts to persuade the disturbers to be quiet, also the inactivity of the police. He knew most of the rioters and hoped that they would listen to him, but they would not desist. He spoke to the police, but they said, "We can do nothing, even if there were fifty of us we can do nothing." He complained that there were only five or six police in the Hall, instead of a large number, as on Monday evening. He asked that a message should be sent to the Mayor, concerning the row, believing it would prove more effectual if officially conveyed, but he was refused. The police were quite apathetic, and merely said the blame for the disturbance rested somewhere else, meaning the City Council, as he (Mr. Napier) believed.

Mr. Johnson reminded the Mayor how he had gone to see him during the disturbance. His Worship was engaged at the time, but he was good enough to send a message to the police head-quarters, summoning more assistance, taking for granted that a sufficient force would be sent down to quell the noise. The reinforcement sent, however, had not the slightest effect, for there was just as much disorder after the additional police arrived as previously. It seemed, indeed, as if it would have been better to have had no constables there at all: for the police not being for order, page 13 were against it. The tumult did not arise from any unpleasant expressions from the Pastor's discourse, for the confusion began immediately upon the election of the chairman, showing that it was a planned affair right through.

The Rev. Mr. Webster was of opinion that the police must have acted under orders. It was impossible to come to any other opinion. When he called upon them to exert their authority they refused to do anything. They allowed the disturbers to go on as they pleased.

Mr. Mcpherson said the police never moved when called upon by the chairman in the name of the Queen; they never seemed to take any notice. In fact, some of them were egging on the people to create the disturbance. The ratepayers paid the police, and they were entitled to the protection of the police. But they were useless; he meant to say that they were mere lumber in the way. They ought to have cleared the room of those who caused the disturbance, or have kept order. The Superintendent should have warned the people to keep quiet, or they would be arrested, and have carried out his duty. But as it was, the citizens were quite unprotected, so much so, that they might as well be without a police force as with it. Of course a £5 note would blind a good deal at the time. (Alderman Watchorn: Order, order.) He was saying nothing he could not prove.

Mr. Webster said if only the Mayor would promise to be present that evening, his presence would be a guarantee of order. (Hear, hear.) A collision might be prevented, although the other meeting which was called rested entirely with the authorities. They had nothing to say about that meeting, but they meant, if possible, to avoid coming into collision with it, by entering the hall by the side door instead of the front door. They would go round rather than come into collision with the opposite party, and would carefully exclude anyone who was likely to make a disturbance—those, for instance, who had done so on the previous evening. As far as possible, they would do everything to prevent disorder, and it would be very conducive to order if the Mayor would be present at the meeting, even at its opening.

Mr. Mcpherson was of opinion that a Mayor was bound to be present at every public meeting in the Town Hall during his mayoralty. (No, no.) He might be right or he might be wrong, but he thought it would be an act of courtesy for the Mayor to be present.

Mr. Hanson characterised the presence of the police at the meeting as a burlesque upon protection. It was quite a farce. He hoped the Mayor would guarantee that Protestant police protection would be afforded that night, if any were ganted at all.

Mr. Watt was perfectly satisfied that the whole of the disturbance would have been quieted in five minutes if the Superintendent of the Police had spoken to his men. No doubt of it. (Hear, hear.) But the Superintendent leaned against the wall and looked on carelessly. In fact, the presence of the police incited the mob, for the police were there to watch that the Protestants did not commit an assault upon the mob. That was his belief. (A member: They were the cause of the row.) The Superintendent of the Police was the whole and sole cause of the row. (Hear, hear.) He refused even to speak. He would not advise. He would not speak to check the violence of the mob. Had he spoken to the violent few, they would have been quelled, but he refused to do so. Had he shown a firm disposition with the mob, the civilians would have supported him.

Mr. Hanson said several of the policmen seemed to be enjoying the position as a rich treat. He noticed them doing so, as often as he looked at them. They seemed so happy he was going to ask them to take a chair. (Mr. McPherson: The Superintendent.)

Mr. Butchers said the strength of the appeal of the deputation lay in the fact that they and their friends had refrained from resorting to physical force. From the preponderance of their numbers, and the spirit which was manifested, he was perfectly justified in saying that they could have organised a band of men who could have expelled the rioters, police and all, through the back door, in a short time. But the feeling was page 14 against using physical force, and every means of suasion was tried to obtain a hearing, or the departure of the disturbers. They were still indisposed to use physical force; but they felt they had a right to legal protection as citizens, and they had therefore come as law-abiding subjects to the properly constituted authorities seeking protection. The protection had been manifestly inadequate on Tuesday night; they asked that it should be adequate that (Wednesday) evening. They were informed from various quarters that an attempt was to be made on a very much larger scale to take possession of the Town Hall. They felt fully assured that unless some protection was afforded there might be bloodsheld, for which they were not responsible. They, in asking for protection, desired to be absolved, in the event of bloodshed, from the responsibility.

The Mayor said, having heard the deputation, he wished to say that he had listened with feelings of deep pain and regret to what had been stated to him. He exceedingly regretted that during his term of office such a scene as that described to him by the deputation and the Mercury of that morning should have occurred. Whilst according the very greatest and fullest liberty of conscience and religious opinion to every one, he thought that it was right they should all respect the religious feelings to one another. For his part, he did not beleive in any one creed or another; he quietly stopped away from hearing it promulgated, and he just as sincerely respected those who paid attention to their religious views, though they differed from his own, as if they belonged to his own faith. He only asked that the same freedom of conscience should be extended to him. Such, he presumed, was the position the deputation took up that day. (Hear, hear. "Decidedly.") With reference to the police protection which had been asked for, he would promise them that the request should at once receive consideration, and for that purpose he had asked the members of the Police Committee to be present. The matter would promptly have the fullest and best attention—more on that point he would not say. He could not refrain, however, from referring to one or two points dwelt upon by the deputation, particularly to the references made to the police by Mr. Webster and Mr. Johnson. When Mr. Johnson called upon him on the previous evening, he had, of course, no idea that the disturbance was anything such as had been described that morning in the paper, and by the members of the deputation. As Mr. Johnson had stated, he immediately sent for the officer in charge of the police at the Town Hall, and also sent a peremptory message to the Superintendent to go at once to the hall. [Mr. Johnson: You sent the messenger in a cab to save time. Within a few minutes after the sergeant arrived from the hall, and made the report—for which he would hold him responsible—that everything was then quiet. ("Oh, oh," and various incredulous explanations.) Hearing nothing more of the affair, he (the Mayor) naturally imagined that whatever disturbance had occurred was then over, and, trusting to the Superintendent being in the hall, he thought matters were then going on quietly. He could not but express his deepest regret that such disorder should have taken place; but he was quite sure that, after the explanation he had made, the deputation would hold him perfectly vindicated in connection with the disgraceful affair. (Hear, hear.) He could not say any more, but repeated his assurance that the grave subject of the interview would have the fullest deliberation.

The Rev. Mr Webster: Will the Mayor give us any hope of his presence at the Town Hall this evening?

The Rev. J. Scott: I don't think I would press that.

The Mayor: I don't think it is fair to press it. It is unwise for you to ask it, or to press it.

Mr. Hanson wished to know whether the Major could give a definite answer to the deputation after he had consulted with the Police Committee?

The Mayor: Really, I do not know what answer I can give. If the deputation do not feel inclined to leave it to us—(Yes, yes.)

Mr. Watt asked for protection for the Pastor and for the clergy who page 15 co-operated with him. As for himself, he was able to protect himself. He only asked for protection for the rev. gentlemen.

The Mayor: In the position in which I am, I am bound to do that to very man, irrespective of creed.

On the motion of Mr. Watt, a vote of thanks was accorded to the Mayor for the courteous reception he had given to the deputation, which then withdrew.

Committee Meeting.

The deputation then held a committee meeting. Mr Watt took the chair, and measures of defence in case of again meeting with resistance were discussed. The committee were determined to assert the right of free speech. They were not to be defeated. If the police were not strong enough, they themselves must be strong enough. Several plans were suggested, the most acceptable being a proposal to guard the side door, by which a select audience should enter, and keep the main door closed. The smaller doors would be easier defended, and not offer so much opportunity for a successful rush. No tickets would be sold, and the audience would be passed individually by a committee, who would exclude all suspicious persons. A quiet meeting would thus be secured. Suggestions were made to have special constables sworn in. A rev. gentleman said he had been promised the assistance of 200 young men if necessary. Let a meeting of Protestants be called at 4 o'clock to enrol names in case of the police again proving futile. The committee were met by a regular organisation, let them organise also. If the Council fail to protect them, they must be prepared to protect themselves, and protect the pastor on his return home. A committee, consisting of Rev. B. Butchers and Messrs Napier, Hanson, and M'Pherson were elected to carry out the arrangements for the meeting, so that it might be carried on against any opposition.

City Council.

A special meeting of the City Council was called by the Mayor on Wednesday afternoon, at which he represented to the Aldermen the course that had been taken by the deputation at an earlier hour, and his reply. The Council endorsed the steps he had taken. A meeting of the Police Committee was also held, and instructions were issued for a letter to be written to Mr. Fay, informing him that no meeting would be allowed to take place on the Town Hall steps, as advertised. This letter was accordingly despatched. Instructions were also issued that, in case any attempts were made to create a disturbance at the meeting, the police should do their duty by ejecting the disturbers, without respect of persons, the law advisers of the Council having given it as their opinion that the police had authority to do so.

The Proceeding at Night

Outside The Hall.

Outside the Hall from about six o'clock, when a crowd began to assemble, the scene was one of an extraordinary character. The crowd was very small at first, and stood about in groups, the one absorbing topic occupying all the tongues. The front door of the hall was locked, and the broad steps in front were occupied by a detachment of police under Sub-Inspector M'Connell. The men were fourteen in number, and the Sub-Inspector, having received instructions from the Council to keep the steps clear, they succeeded in effecting this with some difficulty. The door at the Library was only half-open, and was guarded by Messrs. Watt, Napier, and Bateman, who allowed no one who was not beyond suspicion to pass them. The crowd was quiet at this time, being in reality principally composed of sightseers, and not those most concerned in the dispute. Dr. E. Swarbreck Hall—(a long letter from whom had appeared in the Mercury the next morning, commenting adversely on the Pastor, but deprecating the violent action of the roiters)—took up a position near the steps, his object deing, as he said, to take a part in the meeting if the promoters succeeded in holding it—his part being, however, to try to per- page 16 suade the Catholics to disperse quietly, and to adjourn to St. Peter's Hall to discuss the matter among themselves. About seven o'clock a diversion was created by the rush of the evening, which proved irresistible, because it was early and unexpected, and no special means had been taken to prevent it. The police were, indeed, with masterly strategy posted at the closed front door, while the open portal of the library was the weakest point in the armour, and, as it proved, a gift to the enemy. At seven o'clock the party of Catholics who had made themselves so prominent in the hall on the previous evening, marched to the building in a body, marshalled by Mr. Coyle, a baker at Sandy Bay. They were in a compact array, and were received with some cheering by the crowd, to which they responded, and apparently remained quiet for a short time. They were, however, moving silently in a body towards the library door, and on reaching it the door at once flew open, the custodians were flung back, espionage was at an end, and the malcontents of the previous evening, with many others, poured through the little hall, and up the library stairs, in a tumultuous and noisy stream. Constable Scully, who was stationed on the stairs, was nearly meeting with a very severe accident, as he was forced up against the banisters, and nearly fell over, being only saved by Mr. Molloy, who caught him by his coat. The mob outside continued to increase until the roads and pathways were one dense mass of people, and the police having left the Town Hall steps, they were also crowded, and became the centre of attraction. His Worship the Mayor made his way through the crowd, and from the steps begged them in the name of the Queen to desist, and to disperse quietly. Dr. Hall also addressed the crowd, speaking especially to those of his own religion, and telling them that violence was not a proper means to adopt to put down this man who was preaching against them. He said that violence was not a means that the Catholic Church dared adopt. He had sent a letter to the Mercury upon the subject, and to that effect, and it would be published in next morning's paper if there was no disorder, but if there was disorder it would not be allowed to appear. He bad also arranged with the Mayor to receive a deputation of Catholics next day at two o'clock with regard to holding a public meeting on the question, whether the Town Hall should be let for this purpose. The Mayor, speaking again, said that he had seen Mr. Fay, and had told him the meeting of Catholics he had called upon the Town Hall steps at a quarter to seven o'clock was illegal, and accordingly Fay had promised to do all he could to prevent it being held. The crowd heard the speeches quietly and good humouredly, only interrupting them by cheers and counter cheers, and banter of a very forcible, but still good-natured character. The assemblage outside must have numbered from 4,000 to 5,000 people, among whom were many women, though the outskirts of the crowd was chiefly the scene of their presence. About eight o'clock, when the lights in the hall were turned out, the struggling on the steps was intense, as the doors had been opened for a short sime to give egress to the people after the meeting was declared at an end. The doors were closed again, and a considerable section of the crowd took to perambulating the town. Fay, and others of the disaffected had at an earlier part of the evening, after the rush at the library, tried to get into the hall by a back way, but failed to gain admission, and were warned off the premises by the police. The peripatetic parties visited the Mayor's house, honouring him with a good deal of cheering, and, at the Chalmers Church and the houses of the Rev. Messrs. Webster and Butcher, the demonstration took the form of volleys of groans, and calls for Chiniquy" to come out and talk to them. Up till tan o'clock the streets, especially near the Town Hall, were crowded by an excited mob, whose object, however, having subsided, their passions also soothed down.

Inside the Hall.

There was a feeling of fancied security within the hall, which was early lighted up. The main door, stairs, and inner door were carefully and strongly guarded. The hall was rapidly filling with respectable people, page 17 although it was three-quarters of an hour before the time of commencing. Many ladies, chaperoned by male friends, had come, and were mostly seated on the platform. Wild shouts as of baffled rage sounded from below, but soon a heavy crash and quick rush were heard. The persons who led the disturbance on the previous evening had rushed the side doors of the building in the street, ascended the library stairs, and were falling furiously upon the door of the ante-room like a powerful battering-ram. The door soon burst open under the infuriated strokes; the panels had been broken, the lock snapped, and there poured into the hall a savage mob with a wild yell of exultation—lawless violence had triumphed. They broke into the hall fiercely, menacing and flourishing murderous-looking sticks, and formed a solid phalanx in the corner they had occupied on the previous occasion. They came on so suddenly and unexpectedly that the coup de main was complete. It was unresisted; it was startling—so abruptly had it come, that the assailants had fairly gained the hall before a move was made to check them. Then a general rush was made towards the intruders by the gentlemen in the hall, who called on the police to help them, but not a hand was lifted—not a man was touched. The forms were cleared, preparatory to the forcible ejection of the gang, who threatened an active resistance. Peaceful measures were first tried. Mr. Bateman sought to persuade the mob to retire. Next, the Rev. B. Butchers entreated them to go peaceably away. The hall, he said, was private; no charge was made for admission, therefore the promoters had a right to choose their audience. Those who forced an entrance must leave, or take the consequences. A chorus: "We will take the consequences." Mr. Butchers: "The Superintendent of Police has been told that the hall must be cleared. We leave the police to do their duty." A voice: "You won't get us out; you will have to quarter us first." Superintendent Propsting here came forward, and, taking off his hat, kindly, if not tenderly, begged the crowd to disperse. Would they give him a hearing? ("Yes, yes," and cheers far the Superintendent.) The Superintendent said that was a public meeting, and those present could exercise the right of choice whether they would go out or remain in. If they remained there they would have to be quiet; and if they would not be quiet, would they have the kindness to retire? He did not want to do anything unpleasant. He was a peaceable man, and did not like harsh measures. But he had received orders from the Council to keep order, and as a personal favour, would they allow him to do so. He had known them for years; they were old friends of his; he loved them all—(cheers and laughter)—would they be orderly? (A voice: As long as we are not insulted.) The gentlemen on the platform would take care of that. Only let them give fair play. For his sake let them do so. (A voice: "For your sake we will be quiet as long as we can.") Mr. O'Shea, who appeared to be the ringleader of the intruders, said he would keep order as far as he could, since the Superintendent had asked it. Let them go on with the meeting. He called for cheers for the Superintendent, which was heartily responded to by Mr. O'Shea's following. The committee at this stage held an impromptu meeting at the grand staircase, to consider the position. Various opinions were expressed as to whether it would be advisable to produce the Pastor on the platform to deliver his lecture, considering that the malcontents were present in the hall. The general opinion seemed to be that it would not be safe to do so. At the request of the committee, the Superintendent of Police attended before them, and Mr. Webster asked him if he would go to the men again and see if he could induce them to withdraw from the hall. Mr. Propsting replied that he would be glad to do anything the committee desired, but that the men had already promised him to be quiet at the meeting if they were not insulted. Mr Scott asked him if he could not by the influence and display of his authority in a legal way, get them out of the hall, into which they had forced their presence, as the meeting could not be held unless they went away. Mr. Webster said that if they would not go, their names should be taken down as fur as was possible. His friends felt they could not ask the Pastor to go on that night. Mr. Webster and the rest of the page 18 committee, with the Superintendent, then re-entered the hall, and climbed over the forms to the Irish corner. Mr. Webster addressed the malcontents. He would himself place trust in their promise to be quiet, but the other friends did not feel justified in asking the Pastor to appear white they remained. He therefore asked them to retire, and let the meeting be held. He would himself trust in their word, but a large body of the committee thought differently, and so the matter was carried the other way. Mr. Propsting then, in conciliatory tones, asked the men to retire, if only out of the respect they had for him (a burst of applause), and for the long time they had all known each other. It only wanted a few to begin, and to say, "Lads we'll go," and they would all go, and leave the rest of the people in peace. Mr. O'Shea, to whom Mr. Propsting addressed himself as one of the foremost of the body, seemed inclined to give way, and Mr. Propsting drew him aside, and began to argue with him and Mr; Gleeson privately. A voice called out, "We won't go because one man gives way. Get the opinion of the majority of the Catholics." Mr. John Gleeson, addressing Mr. Webster, said they had come to kick up no row unless they were insulted. The dispute then became conversational.

Renewed and patient efforts were made by Mr. Webster and Mr. Scott in the interest of law and order, and these gentlemen, by personal converse, tried to pacify the disturbers. They were listened to civilly, but the mob was implacable. They would not stand by and allow the Pastor to vilify their wives, mothers, and sisters, as they said he had done by word of mouth and in his publications. It was not in flesh and blood to stand it. Why did not the Pastor stop away? They were at peace before be came, but he had set them all fighting. He had "brought the divil on his back." (Laughter.) As for the meeting being private, it had been advertised at sixpence per head admission, which they had offered to pay. As it was not taken they had come in, and they meant to stop there. To refuse admission now was said, in effect, to be a transparent device of the enemy, which could not hoodwink them. The hall ought never to have been let to throw a firebrand into their midst. The hall was the common property of the citizens; they all paid taxes to build and maintain it; and the Catholics were not going to hear their religion attacked in it. Let the Pastor go to a church, if he must speak. Such was the stand taken by the mob, and all efforts to induce them to vacate the hall were met by replies, the same in substance as the above, in one form or another. The Pastor did not appear at all. It was understood that he was waiting somewhere about the building. At last, after an hour and a half had been fruitlessly spent in trying to quell the disorder, actual and prospective, Mr. Butchers said he was very sorry, but the Pastor would not come down to meet them that night. Immediately afterwards a motion was moved by Mr. Scott, and seconded by Mr. Watt, that the meeting be declared dissolved. Numbers did not vote for or against the resolution, and the hands held up appeared to be pretty even on each side; but the motion was declared carried, to the openly-expressed disgust of the "noes," who thought they were in a sufficient majority to make short work of trundling the malcontents out of the hall, and said so very plainly. The passing of the resolution was the signal for victorious cheers from the turbulent Irishmen, given in the name of the Queen. The National Anthem was sung, being started by those on the platform. Three cheers for Ireland followed. Mr. Josiah Watson, from the platform, scorned the action which had been taken, as being an unworthy and degraded one, and damaging to the interests of society. The Rev. W. C. Robinson said the English law would be found sufficient to secure their rights. He would say no more. (Applause.)

The meeting then dispersed. The committee met and decided that Pastor Chiniquy should not lecture to-night, and that due notice should be given of his next lecture.

The disturbers marched out of the hall through the courtyard, forming in procession, and shouting with glee at having put a stop to the meeting.

Rowdyism Triumphant.

The people of Hobart Town thus stood in the humiliating position of having to feel conscious that a small body of riotously disposed persons, disregarding the advice of the more prominent and respectable members of their own body, and defying the authorities, had been able to carry to a successful issue an evidently foregone conclusion to prevent a public meeting being held, the purpose of which was obnoxious to them. The question at issue could not be limited any longer by anyone to the taste shown in letting the Town Hall for the lectures. The large room, though the property of the city, was as much a speculation as was the erection of the theatre. It had, since it was first opened, been a source of revenue, and had been let for the various sorts of purposes to which such a building is usually applied, and Pastor Chiniquy's language acquired no more significance if used there than if used in the humblest building in the city, nor could his remarks, if otherwise offensive, be a whit more so because used in the public hall of the city, where ere now many a religious denomination and political body has been roundly abused. It was felt on all hands that steps must he taken to uphold the law, and the hands of the Chiniquy committee were consequently strengthened by the co-operation and advice of many who would otherwise have held aloof from them. No meeting was announced for the following night.

Preparation for the Struggle.

This was a day of truce as regards the actual struggle, though it was occupied in many schemes for the furtherance of their ends [by both parties. Though the city presented a peaceable appearance, there was a good deal of quiet excitement concerning the Chiniquy disturbances, and public feeling ran very high. The violent proceedings of the mob, both on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, were looked upon as a disgrace to the city, and there was a very general and strong feeling, greatly intensified since Wednesday, that prompt and vigorous measures were absolutely necessary if tranquillity was to be restored, and law and order miantained. No less strong was the feeling that the Superintendent of Police had shown his incapability to fulfil the duties devolving upon him. Had he taken a firm stand on Tuesday night, the tumult then would have been quelled, and the subsequent action of the Catholic mob, discountenanced by the respectable portion of that community, would have been more decorous and peaceable in their future behaviour. We had all through these proceedings carefully guarded ourselves against expressing any opinion in our columns on the theological aspect of the question. But we had no hesitation, despite the misrepresentation, and almost threats, of certain supporters of the violent opposition to Pastor Chiniquy, for this sort of argument began to be used, in urging more moderate conduct on their part, and discountenancing anything that must lead to a determined stand against the mob law which has been triumphant this week. The law must be obeyed; and its infraction must bring down just punishment on the heads of the offenders. The municipal authorities had so far shown themselves incapable of grappling with the difficulty. The Mayor has been placed in an awkward position. The City Council at first trusted probably to the disturbance blowing over, and were unwilling to think that the lives and property of the citizens were imperilled. The committee, however, waited now on the Government, and the response they received was a promise of support, backed up by action that showed they were in earnest. The Council also took steps to prevent a disturbance, and the lovers of law and order saw at last that there was a probability of their wishes being carried out.

Deputation to the Acting Colonial Secretary.

Pastor Chiniquy's committee waited upon the Acting Colonial Secretary (Hon. W. L Crowther) in the morning, Mr. Reibey being absent from town, and presented the following memorial for protection, which had been drawn up on the previous evening:—

Sir,—We have the honour to bring under your notice the following facts:—

We have therefore the honour to ask that you will be good enough to instruct the Inspector of Police to make such arrangements as he may deem necessary for the peaceable carrying on of future meetings.

We have the honour, &c.

(The memoral was signed by Messrs. William Fisher, Thos. T. Watt, G. A. Napier, G. T. Johnson, Chas. Dowdell, Johnson Bros and Co., Alex. McGregor, C. A. Piesse, lkin (3), J. B. Mather, R. A. Mather, J. Rothwell, and the Revs. R. Maclaren Webster, B. Butchers, James Scott, W. C. Robinson, and D. B. Tinning, and also by twenty other persons.)

The meeting was kept private, but, as a result, the following letter was sent by the Acting Colonial Secretary to the Mayor during the day;—

Sir,—I have the honour to forward for your perusal a letter from a number of citizens referring to the late disorderly proceedings at the Town Hall, and requesting that the Inspector of Police may be instructed "to make such arrangements" as he may deem necessary for the peaceful carrying out of future meetings.

As the maintenance of public order within the city bounderies devolves upon the Municipal authorities, in the first instance, I have to request that you will be good enough to inform me whether you deem the powers contained in the 41st section of the 29 Vic., No. 9, afford you the necessary means to ensure the maintenance of the public peace, or whether yon consider it necessary to apply for the aid of the Inspector of Police, as provided for under the 25th section.

I have to request that you will favour me with your reply with as little delay as possible.—I have the honour, &c.,

The Use of the Town Hall.

The citizens' letter to the Acting Colonial Secretary was sent to the Mayor, asking him whether he deemed the powers contained in the Act referred to sufficient to ensure the maintenance of peace. The correspondence was laid by the Mayor before the special meeting of the City Council in the afternoon, and a resolution arrived at, that in the present excited state of public feeling the Pastor's committee should be asked to forego the use of the hall. The Mayor and Aldermen Addison and Harcourt waited upon a meeting of the committee, which was held privately, and preferred the request. The committee, after deliberation, decided that they could not, without serious injury, forego their right to the hall, and they must assert the right of liberty of speech; having tried forbearance, they were now determined to stand upon their civil and legal rights.

City Council.

A special meeting of the City Council was held at half-past three o'clock in the afternoon, at which there were present:—His Worship the Mayor (Mr. W. H. Burgess), and Aldermen Addison, Daly, Espie, Harcourt, Maher, Pike, and Wachorn.

The Mayor stated that the reason he had called that special meeting that afternoon was more particularly to consider a letter which had been received that afternoon from the Government, and also to lay before the Council the views of a deputation which had just waited upon him in his room, and at the reception of which most of the Aldermen were present. It, of course, all arose out of the disorderly proceedings which had taken place during the last few days. The deputation which waited upon him was introduced by Mr. Henry Hunter and Dr. Hall, and was composed of a large number of ratepayers, who attended to respectfully protest against the further letting of the Town Hall to the committee who had already paid for it and secured it for the lectures of Mr. Chiniquy. The matter now rested with the Council, and it was for them to consider whether they had the power, and also whether they would or would not rescind what had been done with regard to the letting of the hall. It was for the consideration of those questions, with a view to some determination being arrived at, that he had called that special meeting. He would suggest that, first of all, the letter from the Government be read and disposed of, and afterwards that the views put forward by the deputation should receive consideration.

The letter from the Government and the petition were then read, and the Council at great length debated their position and their power to maintain the peace of the city. At the conclusion of the discussion,

Alderman Addison moved that a reply be forwarded to the Government to the effect that, with the powers under the Act 29, Vic., No. 9, the Council respectfully submitted that they were prepared to maintain order. He did not think it would be right to transfer the control of the police to the Government.

Alderman Dally seconded the motion.

Alderman Harcourt said, respecting what had been stated by Alderman Watchorn, with regard to the bursting open of the Town Hall doors, he had been told that a greater demonstration could not have been made of the incapacity of the police. (Hear, hear.) He moved, as an amendment that the police be handed over to the Government to deal with this case.

Alderman Watchorn seconded the amendments

The amendment was then put and negatived, when a division was called for and taken, with the following result:—Ayes (3)—Aldermen Harcourt, Watchorn, and Espie. Noes (4)—Aldermen Daly, Maher, Addison, and Pike.

The motion that this Council is prepared to maintain peace and order was then put and carried.

In accordance with this resolution of the Council the following advertisement was inserted in the next morning's papers:—In furtherance of the maintenance of goo d order in the city of Hobart Town, with reference to the late disorderly and unlawful proceedings at the Town Hall, the Mayor of Hobart Town, as Chief Magistrate of the City, calls upon persons desirous of filling the offices of special constables (from the date of appointment, and until such time as their services will be no longer required) to present themselves at the Town Hall this day (Friday), the 27th of June instant, between the hours of 9 am and 2 pm.

Proceedings of the Catholics.

While the law and order party were actively concerting a plan of campaign their opponents were not idle. In the evening a meeting of Catholics took place in St. Joseph's schoolroom, and much indignation prevailed. The failure of the Catholic deputation to the Mayor to obtain a cancellation of the Pastor's engagement of the Town Hall had, together with the embittering effect of the continuance of the struggle, intensified the feelings of most of those present, and they were resolved to uphold the position they had taken up, despite the remonstrances of several leading laymen of their own faith. A monster meeting in the Domain on the following, evening was determined upon, and the burning of the Pastor in effigy was part of the programme for the occasion, while, to make a big and effective demonstration, it was decided to summon friends from the country to aid the cause. The purpose of the meeting was not stated, but it was believed that it was to form a rendezvous before the assault on the Town Hall. Late at night, however, the Bishop, who had been apparently inactive up to this time, forbade the meeting by the following pastoral, inserted in the next morning's paper:—

Seeing that your efforts to prevent the City Council letting the Town Hall for the purposes to which it had been devoted during this week have failed, and being informed that further demonstrations on your part, in that direction, will be resisted by the force of law, leading probably to rioting and bloodshed, I most earnestly request that you will have the good sense to abstain from making any further attempts to vindicate, on the present occasion, your rights its citizens and ratepayers, and to absent yourselves from the precincts of the Town Hall this evening. My only object in thus appealing to you is to prevent injury to persons and property, and to induce you to show your respect for yourselves as Catholics and loyal citizens

Hobarton, June 27, 1879.

Collapse of the Rioting.

Friday broke with matters still undecided. The authorities were determined, and took steps to put down the law-breaking, whilst the action of the Catholics was doubtful. Happily, at the last moment, they listened to reason, and so the dreaded collision, with its bloodshed and possible loss of life, was prevented. This gratifying result is, no doubt, attributable to a large extent to the commendable action taken by the bishop and clergy. The latter, during the day, were busy persuading all members of their flock with whom they came in contact not to go near the Town Hall at night; and the bishop, recognising the terrible results which were certain to follow a collision between his people and the defence force, and knowing the influence which he possessed, went to the meeting of Catholics in the page 23 Domain at six o'clock, and implored those assembled to disperse quietly, and not commit any breach of the peace. Receiving no countenance whatever, therefore, from their spiritual authorities, the men were, but evidently unwillingly, mollified, and acted upon the good advice thus tendered. The excitement, which was very great in the early part of the evening, moderated as soon as the decision of the Catholics became known; and the lecture, the second of the course, took place in the Town Hall without interruption.

Main Line Railway.

Amongst the many rumours flying about were some concerning the Main Line Railway, and the action of the manager, and, for the purpose of obtaining reliable information on the subject, a member of our staff waited upon the manager, Mr. Grant, who, with his usual courtesy, willingly replied to all questions. He stated that Fay and Roper, two Roman Catholics who have taken a very active part in the disturbances, had waited on him on the previous morning, and asked whether he would bring down a large number of Roman Catholics from Launceston and some of the roadside stations, and what he would charge to do so. He replied that he would convey as many as they liked; that if they would guarantee not less than ten persons from each of the stations named, he would order the issue to them of return tickets at single fares, to last till next day; and that if Messrs. Fay and Roper would give him a definite answer before 3 o'clock, he would at once telegraph to the stationmasters to provide for the additional passengers. Nothing further, however, was heard from the two men, up to 4 o'clock at least, so that the contemplated arrangements for bringing reinforcements from the north, and other places along the line, must have been abandoned. In reply to another question, Mr Grant stated that he had not issued an order to the workmen on the line to abstain from taking part in the disturbances; the men, he said, could do as they liked; it was none of his business, for he was perfectly neutral in the matter. He went even further than this, however. He said that if any of the employes had asked him for permission to come to Hobart Town, he should not have enquired what they were coming for, but would have acceded to the request, and, in accordance with his usual custom, give them free passes. Mr. Grant, in fact, seemed to think that if he had assisted to bring several hundred Catholics to join in defying the law, and creating tumult and disorder—perhaps even worse—no responsibility or blame would rest upon him. It was, as he said, the object of the company to make as much money as possible. How a gentleman of Mr. Grant's intelligence and position could hold such extraordinary views at such a critical juncture was simply inexplicable. As the manager of a company largely subsidised by the Government, it was his duty to have shown a firm determination to resist any steps that were taken to use the railway or its employes for the purpose of creating a breach of the peace. Instead of that, he looked upon the matter from a monetary point of view, and was quite prepared to have afforded special facilities for bringing the whole Roman Catholic population from the North, though at the same time knowing that the object of getting them here was to aggravate the disturbances which had taken place.

Swearing in Special Constables.

The call by the Mayor for special constables in the papers was largely responded to. A good deal of interest was excited, and the Town Hall from an early hour presented groups of men eagerly discussing the appeal which had been made, and the circumstances which led to it. The left-hand committee-room of the hall was set apart for receiving applications, and Mr. W. Mason, City Inspector, was placed in charge. Forms of application and the oath to be subscribed were upon the table. In the Mayor's private parlour were Mr. Swan, inspector of Police, and Aldermen Addison, Seabrook, and Watchorn. Here the swearing-in took place. There were plenty of applicants, and they were taken without the slighest scrutiny or selection. Anyone who presented himself was received without question or identification. The specials were mostly of the labouring page 24 class, and some seemed to be of the genus loafer, who would hardly have been given a character by the police. The swearing-in was done by Alderman Addison, who, seeing the motley material before him, suggested that the police should pass the applicants, but this was not done. The enrolling went on from nine o'clock till two. Some noted Roman Catholics came to see how things were going on, but they were very orderly. At two o'clock the "specials" assembled by order at the Artillery Drill Yard. Formed in line they did not seem a very promising defence force, there being among them many striplings, besides a number whose honesty of purpose was openly doubted, and their presence protested against. It was seen that the enrolling had been badly managed, owing to no regard being paid to the resolution of Pastor Chiniquy's committee, that no man should be enrolled who was not recommended by a member of the committee. C. D. C. Quodling inspected the force, and then dismissed them until four o'clock, when they would receive their badges and batons. He did this with a view of weeding out the specials under the supervision of the committee. It was evident that Mr. Quodling was disappointed with the class of men as a whole who had presented themselves, and did not believe that many of them could be depended upon either for strength or fidelity to quell any probable disturbance. Some of the most respectable of the men told the inspector that they could not leave their work to attend at the hour named, and it was arranged they should meet Mr. Quodling at his office on leaving business. Another and more effectual step had, however, been taken by the Mayor and Alderman Addison, under the direction of Inspector Swan, who, throughout the day, was unremitting in his zeal and attention as the adviser of his Worship as to the measures to be taken in the present emergency. The roll of ratepayers was looked over, and 150 citizens selected from it, who were immediately summoned to serve as special constables by a form as follows:—

"We, William Henry Burgess, Mayor of the city of Hobart Town, and John Elliott Addison, one of the Aldermen of the said city, hereby give you notice that, in accordance with the provisions of the 41st section of The Police regulation Act, 1865, we have This Day by precept under our hands appointed you to act as a Special Constable from the date of appointment, and until such time as your services will no longer be required, for the preservation of the Public Peace, and for the protection of the inhabitants, and the Security of Property within the Municipality of Hobart Town. And we hereby require and summon you to attend before us, or one of us, this day at the Town Hall, Hobart Town, at four o'clock in the afternoon, for the purpose of taking the oath required by law in that behalf. Herein Fail Not. Dated this 27th day of June, 1879." (Signed by the Mayor and Alderman J. E. Addison.)

The ratepayers served with the summons attended accordingly, and were duly sworn in by Alderman Harcourt, in his Worship's private room. The form of oath used was the same as that taken by the members of the regular police force, namely:—

"I do swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lady the Queen in the office of special constable for the City of Hobart Town, without favour or affection, malice or ill-will; and that I will to the best of my power cause the peace to be kept and preserved, and prevent all offences against persons and properties of her Majesty's subjects; and that, while I continue to hold the said office, I will, to the best of my ability, skill, and knowledge, discharge all the duties thereof faithfully according to law. So help me God."

At the half-past four o'clock muster in the Drill-shed 250 special constables assembled. The city police and a large contingent of the rural police marched on to the ground. Some delay occurred in getting the lists of enrolments to call the roll of specials, but this was at last done. Badges—a white band round the left arm—and constables' batons were issued to the force, which was compactly marshalled preparatory to the defence of the Town Hall. The proceedings excited a good deal of interest, both at the Drill-yard and at the Town Hall, which throughout the day was the scene of the liveliest activity. The specials, as well as the regu- page 25 lar police, were under the control of Mr. Superintendent Propsting, but Inspector Swan and C. D. C. Quodling took a far more prominent part in making arrangements for the operations of the evening, although all three officers had long private interviews with the Mayor upon this subject. The force was marched in detachments to the Town Hall shortly after six o'clock, where they were told off for service as described elsewhere, and, the lecture concluded, were marched back again in a body to the Drill-yard. Before the special constables dispersed the Mayor thanked them, in the name of the Queen, for their ready response to the call to assist in maintaining law and order, and intimate that those who wish to do so could obtain the money to which they were entitled, on application at the Town Hall next day. Cheering was then given for the Queen, the Mayor, Inspector Swan, and C.D.C. Quodling, after which the men left for their homes.

The Volunteers Called Out.

Having received information leading to the belief that a riot of a most alarming and dangerous character would take place, the Government, early in the afternoon, decided upon obtaining the assistance of the Volunteers, and accordingly steps were at once taken for that purpose. Colonel St. Hill communicated with the captains, and they in turn intimated to as many of the members of the force as possible, that there would be a parade at the Barracks at 5 o'clock. The following "Order by the Commandant" was also issued:—

"His Excellency the Governor having, in pursuance of the powers vested in him under clause 22nd of The Volunteer Act, 1879," been pleased to call out the Southern portion of the Volunteer Force for actual Military Service, the Commandant desires to call the attention of all members thereby affected to the fact of their being under "The Mutiny Act" and Articles of War, until released from such Actual Military Service by Proclamation of the Governor. Lieutenant-Colonel St. Hill therefore desires to impress upon those under his command the necessity which exists for all attending the parade ordered for this evening, and warns them that absence from the same without leave will constitute a crime under "The Mutiny Act," punishable by not less than 28 days' imprisonment. By order,

It was known early in the afternoon that a proclamation calling out the Volunteers for active service was intended, and accordingly a Gazette Extraordinary was published, and was as follows:—

The Volunteer Act, 1878.

By His Excellency Frederick Aloysius Weed, Esquire, Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and St. George, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Colony of Tasmania and its Dependencies.

A Proclamation.

Whereas by "The Volunteer Act, 1878" (42 Victoria No. 12, Section 22), it is declared that the Governor may, at any time, by Proclamation published in the Gazette, call out for actual Military Service any Volunteer Corps, or any part thereof: And whereas it is expedient to call out for actual Military Service the several Batteries of the Southern Tasmanian Volunteer Artillery stationed in Hobart Town, in Tasmania, and the several Companies of the Tasmanian Volunteer Rifle Regiment, also stationed in Hobart Town aforesaid: Now therefore I, Frederick Aloysius Weld, Esquire, Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Governor and Commander-in-Chief as aforesaid, do, in pursuance of the provisions of "The Volunteer Act, 1878," hereby, by this proclamation, call out for actual Military Service the several Batteries of the Southern Tasmanian Volunteer Artillery stationed in Hobart Town aforesaid, and the several Companies of the Volunteer Rifle Regiment stationed in Hobart Town aforesaid.

Given under my hand at Hobart Town, in Tasmania this twenty-seventh day of June, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine.

The Twenty-second Section of "The Volunteer Act, 1878," (42 Victoria, No. 12), is published hereunder for the information of Volunteers and the Public:—

Actual Military Service.

22. The Governor may, at any time, by Proclamation published in the Gazette call out for actual military service any Volunteer Corps, or any part thereof; and every Officer and Volunteer belonging to any Corps so called out shall be bound to assemble at such place as the Governor may direct, and shall remain on actual Military Service until released by the Governor's authority, notified by Proclamation and published in the Gazette.

In accordance with these orders, issued for the first time since their formation, the Volunteer Force turned out for active service, and they did so with admirable promptitude. The Artillery paraded in the drill-yard at 4 p.m., and marched to the Barracks with their band, their strength being about 140. Detachments were told off to convey two 32-pounder and two 12-pounder howitzer guns to the Barracks, and they were served with three rounds of canister shot for each gun. Captain Crowther was in command of the batteries, which were amalgamated, and each man was served with five rounds of ball cartridge. The Rifle Regiment, under the command of Captains O'Boyle, Smith, Davies, and Marsden, with Lieutenants Smith, Freeman. Reed, Addison, and Betts, were also each served with five rounds of ball cartridge. Major Sir James Wilson and Captain Boddam were also present. The Artillery were exercised in field-gun and company drill, and the Rifles in battalion drill, till shortly after 6 p.m. Col. St. Hill then arrived, and took command of the whole force, and after putting them through several evolutions, the Volunteers were formed together and addressed by the Colonel. He stated that it was the first time the Volunteers were called out under the Mutiny Act and Articles of War, and he impressed upon them the necessity of implicitly obeying orders. Any dereliction on their part he would have punished under the Mutiny Act. They were not to load without orders, which would come from him, as he was responsible for all their movements that night. At 6.30 p.m. four detachments of the Artillery, with the 12-pounder guns, under the command of Captain Evans and Lieutenant Stone, were told off to be kept in reserve in the Barracks, with a section of the Rifles and the two bands, and the remainder of the force were marched from the Barracks, along Davey-street, into the yard at the rear of the Government Buildings. On arrival there the gates were locked. The Volunteers were then formed into companies, and orders were given to pile arms. When that was completed, the Colonel gave the word to stand clear, and break off, telling them they were not to leave the square, but to be in readiness to fall in when the bugle sounded. The men were given permission to amuse themselves, which they did in various ways. At 7 o'clock, Col. St Hill took two of the buglers, and stationed them in the precincts of the Town Hall, to give an alarm in case of a disturbance. About half-an-hour afterwards, the men were supplied with provisions. Not being called upon for service, through the happy turn that events eventually took, they were, about half-past 9 o'clock, marched back to the Barracks, where a meal was provided. The bands having played a few tunes, the Colonel Commandant addressed the force, stating that they were to continue liable to the provisions of the Mutiny Act, and might be called out between that time and Monday. If required to muster, two guns would be fired in succession from the Queen's Battery, and they would have to assemble at the Barracks in uniform within an hour. If not called out before that time, there would be a full parade on Monday, at 7.30 p.m. He congratulated them upon the prompt- page 27 ness with which they had come forward, and the manner they had behaved themselves under command. He was glad their services had not been needed, but was sure that if they had been required they would have acted in a manner creditable to themselves. The following was the state of the parade:—Artillery—120 rank and file, 6 officers, 14 non-comissioned officers, and 40 band. Rifles—206 rank and file, 14 officers, 18 non-commissioned officers, 21 band. The total number was 439.

Proceedings of the Catholics.

All the influence of the clergy of the Roman Catholic Church resident in the city was at last used to prevent the meeting in the Domain. The Bishop's pastoral also had great effect, and in addition the Very Rev. Father Dunne, the Rev. P. R. Hennebry, the Rev. W. J. Beechinor, and Father O'Reilly visited members of their Church with untiring zeal and assiduity during the day, to prevail upon them to remain in their homes in the evening, and not even attend the meeting which was convened to be held in the Domain. The influence of the rev. gentlemen had good effect, and large numbers promised to comply with the well-advised and commendable counsel given them. Not satisfied with their painstaking, laborious, and laudable endeavours in this direction, the Bishop, with self-denying sacrifice, and his clergy, resolved to attend the meeting and exhort those present to retire peaceably to their homes, and not go near the Town Hall. Accordingly, before 6 o'clock, the Bishop drove to the Domain in his carriage, accompanied by the Revs. Dunne, Beechinor, O'Reilly, Dr. Hall, and Mr. Hunter, leading laymen. It was a cold, threatening night, but the Revs. Hennebry, of St. Joseph's, and Gilleran, of New Norfolk, had already come to suppress the slightest signs of tnmult. None of the crowd, however, had then arrived, it being not yet 6 o'clock, the advertised time; but soon a large assemblage surrounded the Bishop's carriage, and heartily cheered his Lordship. The throng kept swelling, and in order that what was said might influence all who were likely to come the Bishop kindly consented to wait a while before he commenced his address. In the mean time, printed copies of his Lordship's exhortation were circulated. The crowd passed the time in making joking allusions to the calling out of the volunteers and the army of special constables; also, with peculiar Irish humour, the Pastor was ridiculed with cutting irony, a volatile sense of the ludicrous, for the moment, getting the better of resentment. The Pastor was sarcastically advised to go to the "ould country," and shouts of laughter greeted the allusions to the gentle reception he would get there. At half-past 6 there were over 400 people present. Dr. Hall, standing on the step of the Bishop's carriage, addressed the meeting as follows:—Fellow Catholics,—I am very glad that our Bishop's influence upon you has enabled you to come to a sensible resolution to-night, and you may depend upon it that in acting in a peaceful spirit you will win one of the greatest triumphs over those who initiated this abominable attack upon our religion that could possibly be made. (Cheers.) If you go home and do as they did in Launceston, pray for your enemies, you will achieve a glorious moral victory. Use no violence. You can trust me to meet all that man's assertions by arguments which are invincible, whatever blasphemous nonsense he may utter. Here is our Bishop come down in this inclement weather, and I also, though an old man of seventy-three, for the sake of peace. Can I not see you go home peaceably to-night? ("No, no." and "Yes, yes.") Avoid giving any occasion for offence. (Cries of "We won't go home.") Do so, and you may depend upon it that a reaction will take place among the respectable people of every denomination in the city and elsewhere, to their credit, and in the strongest manner would redound to the disgrace of those who have brought that unfortunate wretched man here. (Cheers.) The Bishop will speak to you; and you, I am sure, will listen to him, as good Catholics, in peace and quietness. (Cheers.)

Bishop Murphy, rising in his carriage to speak, was interrupted for some minutes by hearty cheers. He said—My dear friends, I have come to you here to-night for the purpose of giving you a few words of advice as to the course you ought to follow—(cheers)—under the very great excitement into which you have been thrown during the last few days. I must confess you had reason for this excitement, (Cheers.) I felt it myself page 28 most intensely—(cheers)—and I could not but feel with you for having felt it. (Cheers.) You received extraordinary provocation—(cheers)—yours feelings were outraged. (Cheers.) As Catholics and as men we saw our religion vilified in words that we never before heard in this place. (Cheers.) Is it any wonder, therefore, that you got excited. ("No, no.") The provocation was extraordinary and intense. You have lived for years in Hobart Town in peace and harmony with all denominations. (Cheers.) Why is it that people should throw a firebrand amongst us—("Chiniquy is a devil.")—to create a flame? Yes, you are very right. ("Right, right," and cheers.) Well, my dear friends, I heard it was the object of this meeting to go to the Town Hall to night—("Yes," and "no")—and to offer some violence there. ("Yes, yes, that is the object," and "No, no.") Now, just hear me for a few moments. (Cheers.) You have already vindicated your rights as citizens. ("We have only half vindicated them.") You have vindicated your right to respect for your religious feelings. Even upon your greatest enemies you have made an impression in your favour. But if to-night you attempt any violence at the Town Hall, the effect of the movement which has been made in Hobart Town during the last few days will be completely destroyed. (Cheers. "We won't," and "Yes, we will.") Now, I say to you, you have obtained a victory—do not spoil it by any imprudence of your own. Therefore, I have come here to-night to beg of you not to assemble at or approach the walls of the Town Hall this evening, because I fear that there will be some bloodshed. ("We are prepared for that.") Life will be placed in jeopardy. ("The sooner the better.") The authorities are prepared to use force against you if violence is offered. ("We are prepared also.") Force will be used, as I am told. ("We are prepared to stand before force.") It would be very miserable to hear in the morning that some person had been maimed, or perhaps shot. ("We will die for our religion." Mr. Hunter: "Yes, but do not die for Chiniquy." Laughter.) You would all regret that you had used force. ("We are prepared to die for our religion." "You would be dying for the devil." Laughter.) You have all heard of the famous Irish liberator, Daniel O'Connell. ("Yes, yes," and cheers for Daniel O'Connell.) Perhaps some of you have seen him, and heard his grand eloquence, as I have done. Well, Daniel O'Connell had gone through agitation in Ireland for years, for the political and general amelioration of his country; but he always held that no political or general amelioration of the people was worth the shedding of one drop of blood. And during the whole of his efforts for the improvement of Ireland, not a drop of blood was shed. And he had this to say before he met his God, that no one had lost life or limb, or had even been maimed in any way whatever, because of the efforts he made in promoting the political improvement of his country. And the victory that he won had not been surpassed in the world. (Cheers.) I now beg, I implore you not to go near the Town Hall to-night. I ask you as your pastor, I ask you as your friend, having an interest in you, in your wives and families. I appeal to you, for the sake of your God, not to go near the Town Hall to-night. (Cheers.) I thank you for that cheer. I know that you will go to your homes quietly. (Cheers were given for the Bishop and clergy, and groans for Chiniquy.)

Some demur was made by a few malcontents to 'foregoing altogether a visit to the Town Hall, but it was the disposition of the great majority to yield to his Lordship's request, and go quietly away. Still cries were heard abusing Pastor Chiniquy, and expressing a desire to put him out of the hall.

Mr. Hunter urged the assemblage to disperse. He might tell them, for their comfort, that he had it on the authority of the Police Magistrate, that, whether the hall was let for a longer period or not, Pastor Chiniquy would not be allowed to lecture again in the hall. Let them, therefore, go peaceably home.

A Voice: Will your Lordship allow us to follow your Lordship's carriage?

The Bishop: My advice to you is to disperse quietly.

A Voice: If you will let us go as far as Harrington-street, we will disperse there.

The Bishop consented, and the assemblage forming four deep, marched in procession behind his Lordship's carriage, which passed down into Liver- page 29 pool-street at a walking pace. All along the route cheers were given for the Bishop and clergy, and groans for the Pastor, with much heartiness. Arrived at Harrington-street, renewed demonstrations of applause and derision were given. After a few words from the Bishop, in which he congratulated the people upon the way they were about to fulfil their promise, his Lordship said good-night, and drove off. The crowd dispersed, after giving cheers for the Queen, clergy, and Ireland.

Outside the Town Hall.

The animated scene that had been kept up throughout the day was calmed down to moderation as dusk set in. The crowds of gossipers, many of whom looked as if they had recently arrived from the country districts, and whose tongue was most unmistakeably Hibernian, lounged during the day in twos and threes upon the footpaths opposite the hall, scanning the proceedings in connection with the swearing-in of the special constables, and evidently considerably impressed by the manifest determination on the part of the authorities to put down anything like disorder. As dusk came on, Pastor Chiniquy arrived at the Town Hall, and the Municipal business for the organising of a defence force having come to an end, the large doors were closed, and the Library door, as on the previous evening, remained the only one by which ingress and egress could be gained, and this was jealously watched. The street about 6 o'clock was entirely deserted, save for the presence of a few children on the steps of the hall who played to and fro with a kind of unwonted excitement, but with certainly no signs of more than ordinary care and trouble. Crowds of people in twos, threes, and quartettes, also began to pass at the same hour, all flurrying quickly Domain-wards, the general behaviour being of the same character as when the ordinary spectators of an artillery drill are going to the yard. From that hour a crowd began to collect in front of the hall, the street being perfectly dark. Amongst the first arrivals were a large number of females, who, with a curious disregard for the welfare of their offspring, had brought infants in arms, and tiny children of both sexes, to be crushed in the crowd, and pushed to and fro. At a quarter past 6 the first detachment of special constables arrived from the Drill-yard, under the command of Superintendent Pedder, of Bellerive, and took up a position in line upon the steps of the Town Hall, their white arm badge distinguishing them from the rest of the crowd. Other detachments followed, and took up positions at the back gates, which were closed, at the Library door and at the Court-house door, other officers of the territorial and municipal police marshalling each section. A strong body of the police was posted on the hall steps, and in the yard at the rear of the building. At half-past 6 o'clock, the lamps were lighted in front of the hall, and the front door being also opened, the audience were admitted, a slight crush of enthusiastics, afraid to be crowded out, having to be resisted by the specials and police. The ingress was, as a whole, conducted quietly, and in order, but notwithstanding this, the crowd in the street continued to grow in size, until at least 4.000 people crowded Macquarie-street, extending beyond the Telegraph Office, which appeared to be the favourite station of the more cautious of the curious ones. Order was maintained throughout. No call was made for the interposition of authority, save on the part of those who had to keep the entrance clear. Some amusement was of course sought by the younger members of the crowd, but even this only reached the mild form of larrikinism, in which those concerned amused themselves by mildly ill-treating one another, and generally annoying the quieter portion of those present by rushing madly in and out after each other. The proceedings, indeed, became so tamo that the crowd had diminished to half its size, when, at about half-past 9 o'clock, the people poured out of the hall. Quietly they were allowed to emerge, only a few jocular remarks from irrepressible spirits marking their exit. The specials were then formed into order, marched to the Drill-yard, and dismissed, and the police also retired. No one long remained after this, and the sharp shower of rain that fell about ten minutes afterwards was hardly required to restore the place to its wonted state of quiet.

The Lecture.

The main entrance doors of the Town Hall were opened at half-past 6 o'clock, when a stream of persons gradually flowed into the building, and up the grand staircase, at the foot of which were a number of the Pastor's committee. In the hall there had previously been stationed ten members of the Municipal police force, in charge of Sergeant Loring, who was acting in conjunction with Sub-Inspector Pitman. The constables were distributed over the hall, and the side door, which was broken open on June 25, had been barricaded in such a manner that any attempt to have forced an entrance would be thoroughly ineffectual. There was an unin-interrupted stream of auditors, who were soon seated without the slightest difficulty. Various members of the Pastor's committee were engaged in preventing the possibility of any confusion arising. Soon after 7 o'clock, the hall was densely crowded, there being amongst those occupying seats, both on the platform and in the body of the hall, a large proportion of ladies. Conspicuous on the platform were the ministers of various Protestant denominations—the Church of England excepted—while during the evening there were present the Mayor, the Police Magistrate, the Inspector of Police, the Superintendent of Police, the Chief District Constable, and other functionaries. At a quarter-past 7 o'clock, and before the building was full. Pastor Chiniquy, accompanied by several members of the committee, appeared on the platform, and was welcomed with prolonged cheering. On the motion of the Rev. Mr. Tinning, of Richmond, seconded by the Rev, Mr. Webster, the Rev. James Scott was voted to the chair. The meeting having been opened with praise and prayer,

The Chairman, in formally introducing the Pastor, said he was already well known as one who had come a long way in pursuit of health, but he was also ready to spend and be spent in the service of his Master. He (Mr. Scott) deprecated any undue demonstrations of applause, as being opposed to the spirit in which that meeting was to be conducted, the desire being that the meeting should be of a peaceable and religious character. He then called upon the Pastor to proceed with his lecture on "Liberty of Conscience."

Pastor Chiniquy, on rising, was greeted with great applause, and the lecture, which lasted about an hour and a half, was listened to with the utmost attention, devotional exercises concluding the meeting, alter which the audience quietly dispersed.

The Effect of the Disturbances.

After a storm, a calm. When the excitement in the city had subsided in to peace, a general feeling of relief had pervaded the entire community. Additional facts which had become known proved conclusively that any collision between the Catholics and the defence force provided by the authorities would have led to the most fearful results. Many of the would-be rioters had become possessed of fire-arms, and some of them did not hesitate to declare afterwards what they were prepared to have done had they carried out their intention of forcing their way into the Town Hall. It was principally the knowledge that numbers had been busy purchasing fire-arms and ammunition which impressed upon the Government the necessity of calling out the Volunteers, and the wisdom of this step is now generally acknowledged, even by those who at first were disposed to look upon it as an extreme measure not needed. Whether the more hot-blooded of the disaffected would have done all that they threatened is just a little doubtful. More than one gentleman who took an active part in organising defensive measures received anonymous letters threatening their lives and property, but these were probably more to intimidate the recipients than anything else. Besides the special constables and the Volunteers, there was in the hall on the previous evening an organised band of between 70 and 80 Orangemen, prepared to act in defence of Pastor Chiniquy, and no doubt the knowledge that these bitter opponents of Roman Catholicism were acting in concert intensified the hostile feeling on the other side. Remembering all these circumstances, we cannot be too thankful that no page 31 disturbance did take place, and that energy and determination on one side, and prudence on the other, were exercised with such a satisfactory result. The vicinity of the Town Hall during the morning looked busy, for nearly two hundred of the special constables of the previous night visited the Corporation officials, and received their pay, a sum of six shillings each; the services of these men, therefore, cost about £60. The Chiniquy committee decided not to use the Town Hall again, although fully entitled, and having permission to do so, besides being guaranteed by the Mayor and the Government every assistance in maintaining order and liberty of speech. The action of the committee commended itself to the public as very judicious.

The Chiniquy Committee.

In response to a request made at the close of the lecture in the Town Hall on June 27, the committee mustered in great force at ten o'clock next morning. The Chairman brought under the notice of the committee a statement made in the Domain by Mr. Henry Hunter, "that he had it on the authority of the Police Magistrate, that Pastor Chiniquy would not be allowed to lecture again in the Town Hall." A deputation from the committee waited upon the Mayor to ascertain whether such a statement had been made with his sanction.

The committee received the following reply:—

Sir.—In reply to your enquiry, I beg to acquaint you that the statement of the Police Magistrate, as reported by Mr. Hunter at the Domain meeting last evening, was not a correct one, and was unauthorised by me; and, moreover, that the authorities are prepared to uphold order in the event of another meeting taking place, as exemplified yesterday. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

T. T. Watt, Esq., Chairman of Deputation.

To this the Secretary was directed to send the following reply:—

To His Worship the Mayor,

Sir,—I have the honour, in reply to your letter, to forward the following resolution of the committee:—"That this meeting receives the official reply now read, and tenders its thanks to his Worship the Mayor for the promptness and courtesy with which he had acceded to the wishes of the committee. I have the honour to be, sir, your obedient servant.

The Rev. Mr. Butchers introduced the subject of holding a farewell meeting to Pastor Chiniquy, which was very fully discussed in its various phases, and ultimately the following resolution was arrived at:—"That having had, through the energetic and effective co-operation of the Government and the Civic authorities, the right secured to us of meeting in the Town Hall, and having the assurance of the Mayor that adequate protection against interruption shall be afforded whenever further meetings in connection with Pastor Chiniquy's mission be held, this committee resolves to forego its right to the use of the Town Hall on Monday evening next, and to hold, in some other suitable building, a farewell meeting to Pastor Chiniquy, at which an address Signed by the chairman and members of the committee, expressive of confidence in that gentleman, be presented, and addresses given."

A deputation waited upon his Worship the Mayor with the above resolution, asking, in the name of the committee, whether, in the event of a farewell meeting being held in any other place than the Town Hall, the same police protection would be afforded as if the meeting were held in the hall. His Worship returned a favourable reply, assuring the committee that he would do all in his power to preserve order as he had done on the previous evening, and thanked the committee for their consideration of the public welfare in the resolution they had submitted to him. The deputation, having reported the answer of the Mayor, the resolution was adopted.

Mr. Tarleton having intimated a desire to have an interview with the committee, relative to Mr. Hunter's statement in the Domain, as reported in the Mercury, was warmly welcomed. He said the statement was wholly unjustifiable; there was no substantial ground for Mr. Hunter saying what he did. It was a perversion of a conversation in which he (Mr. Tarleton) remarked that he thought it was probable that, if quiet was preserved on Friday evening, Pastor Chiniquy's committee might see that it would be for the general good to forego their right to hold another meeting at the Town Hall. He could not state this officially, but it was his opinion.

The committee thanked Mr. Tarleton for this voluntary explanation, and for permission to give it publicity through the press.

The Secretary was instructed to send letters conveying the warmest thanks of the committee to the Executive Government, making special mention of the valuable services rendered by Mr. Swan; to his Worship the Mayor and Municipal Council, for the prompt and efficient help they had afforded; and to the Mercury, which had so nobly sustained the committee in their endeavour to secure the rights of the citizens.

It was recommended that the Wesley an Church, being the most commodious in Hobart Town, should be the place of meeting on Monday evening, if the trustees were willing; and some of the committee were appointed to consult the trustees, and if the application should be favourably entertained, they were directed to arrange for holding the meeting. Thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings.

This permission was willingly and unconditionally granted, and arrangements were made accordingly.

Sunday Services.

Pastor Chiniquy was present on June 20 at the morning service at the Memoral Church, where he delivered an address. The opening portion of the proceedings were conducted by the pastor of the church, the Rev. W. C. Robinson, the 10th chapter of St. Luke, containing the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the complaint of Martha, being the portion of Scripture read as a lesson, and to which Pastor Chiniquy often referred during the course of a very long sermon. The church was crowded by an immense audience, including several Roman Catholics; but, as the service was held in a place of worship, there was not a murmur of dissent of any kind to the somewhat severe strictures passed upon their faith and its teachers. The Pastor dwelt upon the importance of the question asked by the lawyer and of the easy way of salvation indicted in the reply, urging his hearers in the face of approaching death to accept it. The fact that the future life must be either one of suffering or happiness was also urged, and the address, which was listened to with unbroken attention, was in the main of this character, illustrated by anecdote. He urged strongly upon the congregation that they should do all they could, both by prayer and action, for the conversion of Roman Catholics, and, at the end of his address, made an appeal on behalf of a college for ministers whose teaching should have that object, and of a home to which priests could go when, like himself, they found themselves unhappy in their communion. Such a mission as his could only be preached by priests, as Roman Catholics would listen to no one else. In the afternoon, Pastor Chiniquy preached at Chalmers Church, his subject being "Jesus, the Gift of God and in the evening at St. John's Presbyterian Church, Macquarie Street, from the words, All Scripture is come of inspiration of God." The sermon dwelt upon the power of the Gospel as a helper, comforter, and guide to heaven. The Pastor exhorted his hearers to read the Bible and follow its precepts. He at great length also referred to his conversion to Protestanism, through the means of the Bible. He was attentively listened to throughout. Collections were made for the Pastor's mission after each of the services.

Farewell Lecture.

The Wesleyan Chapel, Melville Street, was crowded by an immense audience in the evening, on the occasion of the farewell lecture of Pastor Chiniquy, entitled, "Danger ahead in England and the Colonies from Romanism." A platform had been erected around the pulpit, and upon this, about half-past 7 o'clock, the committee took their seats, among those present being the Revs. W. C. Robinson. J. Scott, B. Butchers, McLean, Tinning, Cole, Cope, R. Mclaren Webster, Messrs. W. Fisher, Ireland, Watt, R. Mather, J. Watson, McArdell. Napier, G. T. Johnston, Bateman, Roth well, T. Mullen, W. Webber.

On the motion of Mr. Watt, seconded by Mr. W. Fisher, the Rev. W. C. Robinson took the chair: and after the hymn "Hold the Fort" had been snug, the Rev. J. Scott offered up prayer.

Rev. W. C. Robinson said it was most important that there should be the fullest and most cordial understanding between the chairman of a meeting and the audience as to the character of the meeting over which he presided. The position which, as Protestants, they had all taken up, and that for which the committee had been contending for the past few days, was "freedom of speech." This was nothing new to them. It was no innovation. They all remembered, perhaps, that, when children, their mothers taught them that liberty of speech as well as the rights of conscience were the heritage of every British subject. (Hear, hear.) And their fathers had told them at what a tremendous price these privileges were purchased. He thought they would not be worthy of their noble ancestors, that they would not be faithful to the trust committed to them, not faithful to the past, nor faithful to the future generations, were they to treat lightly, or in any degree permit that glorious privilege to be taken away from them. (Applause.) The chairman then made an explanation with respect to the misunderstanding that had been created with regard to the use of the chapel, stating that it was unanimously lent by the committee without conditions of any kind. (Applause.) Lest, however, anyone had been misled by the announcement to the contrary, anyone who wished to retire could have their money returned at the doors. (Applause.) Before anybody did so he wished to explain that by liberty of speech they did not mean liberty of abuse. (Hear.) They felt, however, the duty of giving utterance to the truth they had received, even though it might be sometimes offensive. Though the truth were, however, offensive, it need not be said in an offensive manner, but in the spirit of love, taking Christ's example of meekness and gentleness. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Robinson concluded by advising the exercise of peace and gentleness towards the Roman Catholics, who had consciousness, and a religious feeling of their own.

The Rev. Mr. Butchers said he had an exceedingly painful duty to perform that night. They were of course aware that during the last two or three days a Pastoral had been issued by the Roman Catholic Bishop relating to the recent disgraceful disturbances, and it was laid upon him, by Pastor Chiniquy's committee, to enter a very earnest and a very solemn protest against the spirit and sentiment of that Pastoral letter. It would be altogether against the dignity of the committee of the Pastor, and altogether beneath the dignity of such an influential and representative meeting as that, to have taken any notice of any individual utterances of Bishop Murphy, his clergy, or any other gentlemen in the city. But it was not beneath the dignity of that, or any other assembly, to take notice of the calm, deliberate, and official utterance of the highest ecclesiastical dignity of the Roman Catholic Church in the city and in Tasmania. More especially was this the case, when the sentiment or principle contained in that official utterance was such as to be subversive of civil and religious liberty, and it was on that ground that the protest he was about to read, and which he imagined would be endorsed by that meeting, had been drawn up.

This meeting, having heard read Bishop Murphy's Pastoral letter to his flock (printed in a previous column), desires to record its most earnest and solemn protest against it, on the following grounds, viz.:—

First.—Because it begins with a statement which is at variance with truth, inasmuch as it is beyond dispute that while an organised band of Roman Catholics, by lawless violence, on three successive nights, prevented Pastor Chiniquy, his committee, and the citizens generally from using the hall, after it had been let by the Town Hall Committee, and that also a large and influential deputation of Roman Catholics waited upon the Mayor and City Council for the avowed purpose of inducing them to break through their contract with Pastor Chiniquy's committee, no "efforts" whatever were made by Roman Catholics to prevent "the City Council from letting the Town Hall for the purposes to which it has been devoted during the week."

Secondly.—Because Bishop Murphy does not in his Pastoral letter express the slightest regret or indignation on account of "efforts" which the Mayor of Hobart Town officially and justly designates the "late disorderly and unlawful proceedings at the Town Hall."

Thirdly.—Because the Bishop, in affirming that "further demonstrations" on the part of his flock "in that direction will be resisted by force of law, leading probably to rioting and bloodshed," ignores entirely the notorious fact that serious "rioting" had already taken place, and that "bloodshed" had only been averted by the Christian forbearance of the law-abiding and lawful occupants of the hall: and most unjustifiably throws the entire responsibility of prospective "rioting and bloodshed," not on his riotous flock, but on the civil authorities, who were determined to repress such lawless "efforts" by the "force of law"

Fourthly.—Because, in earnestly requesting his flock to "have the good sense to abstain from making any further attempts to vindicate" their rights as citizens and ratepayers," Bishop Murphy, so far from condemning and reproving the "late disorderly and unlawful proceedings," officially justifies, sanctions, and applauds them.

Fifthly.—Because, in stating that his "only object" in thus appealing to his flock "is to prevent injury to persons and property, and to induce you to show your respect for yourselves as Catholics and loyal citizens." Bishop Murphy entirely and disloyally ignores the supreme obligations which he and his flock are under, not only of respecting persons, property, and themselves, but also the laws of the land, and their legitimate administrators.

Sixthly.—Because, in expressly limited his request to the "present occasion," Bishop Murphy does not only not forbid, but directly invites similar "disorderly and unlawful proceedings" at some future and more favorable season.

Lastly.—Because, in the opinion of this meeting, the Bishop's Pastoral letter was anything but calculated to allay lawless passions.

After reading the protest, Mr. Butchers said if the meeting endorsed it, they would manifest it by rising to their feet.

The meeting rose almost unanimously.

Mr. Butchers (corrected by the chairman) said he feared, in a little natural warmth, he had called for the expression of feeling a little too soon. He believed Mr. Watt had to second the adoption of the protest.

Mr. Watt seconded its adoption.

The question that the protest be endorsed by the meeting being again put, a show of hands was called for, when only one was held up in the negative.

The Rev. Mr. Webster said he had the honour to be deputed to read an address to Pastor Chiniquy, which was to be presented to him by his committee. There was, he ventured to say, some appropriateness in the choice of him (Mr. Webster) for that duty—for that privilege—as he counted it. That was not the first occasion he had met the Pastor: he became acquainted with the rev. gentleman many years ago, when he was invited by the leading men of the Free Church of Scotland to take part in the celebration of the twelfth anniversary of the Church. He (Mr. Webster) would never forget the extraordinary and profound impression the Pastor's appearance created in Edinburgh at the time; the impression remained fresh in his memory. Little did he at that time think that it would be his page 35 honour and privilege to meet the Pastor again in this far-off "Island of the Sea," and to have him as his guest, and to stand beside him on the platform, and to listen to his brave, fearless utterances respecting the Roman Catholic Church, which he had abandoned for ever. The address, which he would read, referred to the Pastor's private, as well as his public deportment. Of his private deportment, he (Mr. Webster) had perhaps had more opportunity of judging than any other person, for he was proud to say he had behaved in a way befitting a Christian minister. He had endeared himself to him, his family, and his friends, and they would have very tender memories of him when he had gone. More than that he could, but would not say in a public meeting, and he would conclude by reading the address as follows:—

The address stated that, prior to his departure from Hobart Town, after the exciting and historical disturbances of the past week, the committee were desirous of recording a very sincere, earnest, and emphatic opinion respecting his character, so far as known to them; and while they were not prepared to fully endorse every word he had spoken and written, or the precise course of action he had always adopted, for that would be to worship him as infallible, which they were sure would neither be in accordance with his principles nor theirs, nevertheless they did, in the most hearty and emphatic manner, affirm their well-founded belief that, according to the best of their knowledge, he had, in abandoning the Church of Rome, and in prosecuting his noble and self-denying mission during the past twenty years, been actuated by a sincere desire to glorify God in his own life, and in the salvation of his perishing fellow-men. They did not forget that he came into their midst sufficiently accredited by his sacrifices, sufferings, and labours, as well as by the indisputable fact of his being a minister of the Canadian Presbyterian Church, bearing trustworthy credentials com-mending him to the confidence and respect of Christian men, wherever the providence of God might direct his steps. They desired further to say that so far as they had an opportunity of testing his facts, proofs, and arguments, they had always found them trustworthy, and they here expressed their most decided opinion that if his facts can be disproved, his quotations shown to be garbled or false, and his arguments inconclusive, it is imperatively incumbent upon his opponents, in the best interests of morality, to discharge this public duty. They further desired to testify that during his present visit, and amidst the extraordinary irritation and excitement that has prevailed, he had uniformly manifested both in his public and private deportment a spirit of moderation and Christian charity towards those from whose connection he had severed himself such as to command their admiration and esteem, and they desired now to take an affectionate farewell of him, commending him and his noble mission to the grace of that God who had so marvellously enlightened, guided, protected, and blessed him during his past life and work, and who, they fervently prayed, would continue the same mercy towards him to the end.

The Volunteers.

The Artillery Corps and Rifle Regiment paraded in the barracks at night. There was a very large muster, nearly every member being present, with all the officers. The members of the Ministry, with the exception of the Minister of Lands and Works (Mr. O'Reiley), were also on the ground. Several men who had been warned to attend the parade on Friday, but absented themselves, were then placed under arrest, after which Colonel St. Hill read the following:—

"The Governor and Commander-in-Chief requests the Commandant to make known to the officers and men of the Artillery and Rifle Corps now called out on service, his high appreciation of the spirit of military duty and dicipline which has animated them in so promptly coming forward to the support of the civil authority, in obedience to the Governer's proclamation of the 28th June.

The brigade was then marched through the streets, the Artillery dragging two howitzers, and the bands playing alternately. The route was down page 36 Macquarrie-street, and along Elizabeth-street to the city boundary, where the men piled arms and broke off for a while. On reforming, the force returned to the barracks, where Colonel St. Hill expressed his regret that, in consequence of the misbehaviour of the men under arrest, he was unable to recommend the Governor to revoke the proclamation placing the force under the Mutiny Act. He, at the same time, felt pleased at the manner in which they had come forward on Friday, and said that no doubt a proclamation releasing them from their present position would soon be issued. The brigade having been dismissed, the Colonel and officers retired into the brigade office, where the cases of the men under arrest were inquired into. There were six of them—four of the men were dismissed with a caution; the other two were ordered to form the subject of a court martial.

The City Council and the Police.

At the ordinary meeting of the City Council in the afternoon, Alderman Seabrook gave notice of motion for the next ordinary meeting as follows:—"That this Council has no confidence in the present supervision of the city police." He said it was a very painful motion, and he regretted very much to have to submit it.

The Mayor asked whether the motion referred to the Police Committee or the Police Superintendent?

Alderman Seabrook: To Superintendent Propsting.

The Mayor suggested the motion had better be amended to that effect.

Alderman Seabrook amended the motion by substituting the words the present superintendent," for "the present supervision."

Conference of Protestants.

A conference of Protestants was held at the Chalmers Hall in the evening, Captain Wm. Fisher being in the chair. Pastor Chiniquy delivered an address, the leading thought of which was, Paul as a Soldier of Christ. The Pastor urged upon all present that they had a mission, not only as individuals, but as a community, that mission being to conquer the world, and to bring it into the service of God. They were to fight with the weapons given them—truth, justice, and charity. If Protestants had been true to this in the past, they would have conquered the world long ago, but instead, they have been asleep. He spoke of the early successes of Christianity in the first 30 years, and again in the days of Luther, Calvin, Zuinglius, since when there had been comparatively a time of rest. He knew that rest was necessary to human nature, and that, perhaps, it had been ordered by Providence that it should prevail in regard to religion also. But now the bugle was sounding again, the trumpet was calling them to deal the enemy a new blow. They had slept long enough, and must now wake, as Lazarus awoke from the tomb to new life and action. They must wake to new and stronger opposition to Rome, which was also getting ready for a new warfare against Protestantism. Rome was tolerated too much in the present day, and ought to be treated as an idolator. At the conclusion of the address, which was listened to with great attention, several ministers and others addressed those present.

City Council.

At a special meeting of the Council in the afternoon, the following business connected with the disturbances was transacted:—

The Rev. W. C. Robinson, Secretary to Pastor Chiniquy's committee, for-warded the following correspondence:—

To His Worship the Mayor, and the Aldermen of Hobart Town. Gentlemen.—I have the honour, on behalf of the Committee who engaged the Town Hall for the delivery of lectures by Pastor Chiniquy, to convey to you their unanimous and most hearty thanks for the very considerate manner in which their representations have been received by you, and for the promptness, thoroughness, and energy with which, under circumstances of great irritation and peril, you have successfully made provision for securing to the citizens the British right of unfettered speech, and for protection from the dangers to which, in the exercise of that right, they page 37 have been exposed. I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your obedient servant, W. C. Robinson, Secretary.

To His Worship the Mayor. Sir,—I have the honour to forward, by direction of Pastor Chiniquy's committee, the following resolution: Resolved unanimously, "That after the lamentable display of incapacity on the part of Superintendent Propsting during the riots on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings, this committee, solely in the interests of the public morality and safety, most earnestly request the City Council to remove him from his present position as Superintendent of Police. I have the honour to be, sir, your obedient servant, W. C. Robinson."

Alderman Addison asked whether the last letter had come as a petition or as a letter?

The Mayor: As a letter. It is only signed by one person. We receive it as correspondence.

Alderman Watchorn doubted whether the committee had any right to dictate to the Council what they should do with an officer.

The Mayor: This is a suggestion, not dictation—"they most earnestly request," &c.

Alderman Watchorn submitted to the ruling of the Mayor, but he had grave doubt whether the letter could be received.

The Mayor: There can be no doubt whether it can be received.

Closing Scenes.

The other few days of the stay of Pastor Chiniquy in the city were devoted to sight-seeing and to the organisation of a Protestant Association, whose object is the defence and a fostering of Protestantism. The Pastor visited all the points of interest about the city, expressing with all the enthusiasm of the Frenchman his admiration of it. Nowhere was he molested in any way or treated with disrespect. Last scene of all was the departure of the Pastor by the steamer Tasman on Saturday afternoon, en route for Queensland, where he will next appear. He was seen off by a number of friends, who gave him a parting cheer. So falls the curtain on a short but dark chapter in Tasmanian history. Much of its incident cannot be forgotten, but much may be forgiven on both sides. Only in this way can tranquillity be restored and our too-lightly valued peace regained.