22 OCTOBER 1881, Page 1

The rioting in Dublin, Limerick, and Cork, at the beginning

of the week, attracted much attention, but by later advices it is attributed in great part to the ordinary roughs, though they may be directed by more dangerous men. In Dublin, on Satur- day, for example, there was a serious riot in Sackville Street, in which the rioters threw stones, and the police, at last out of patience, used their batons very freely. The Corporation there- upon, visited Mr. Forster, and expressed their indignation, de- claring that the police alone had, by their presence, caused the riot. Mr. Forster met them with great firmness, and assured them that he had information of an intention to seize portions of the city, assumed the whole responsibility, stated that the soldiers would, if needful, be called out, and at last declined further discussion. On Monday night, however, the police were not present, and the mob at once revealed its true character. All accessible glass was shattered with the utmost impartiality, Mr. Dillon's house, for instance, being wrecked, and consider- able amounts of property were stolen out of the shops. The shopkeepers are now, therefore, convinced that police are useful ; and it is proposed, half in jest and half in earnest, that the gentlemen of the deputation to Mr. Forster shall make good the damage, instead of the municipality. At Limerick, the rioting was more serious, many policemen being wounded, and about eighty citizens, chiefly by the charges of the police ; but though the Scots Greys were called out and cleared one street, no lives were taken by the military; and by the latest accounts the riotous spirit had subsided, the roughs having be- come aware that the Government is determined to restore order. As a rule, anarchy of this sort seldom ends till life has been taken ; but that evil may this time be avoided, as the cities are garrisoned by irresistible force, and the people are not prepared to resist the cavalry. Cavalry unresisted rarely take life, as the infantry are compelled to do.