The Great Riots of New York 1712 to 1873

of the Rebellion incomplete without History of them.-The Fate of the Nation resting on the

that have come over it in the course of its development and growth. They exhibit also one phase of its moral character-furnish a sort of moral history of that vast, igno

Riots of 1863, to write a history of them. It was argued that it had never been written, except in a detached and fragmentary way

city, and who now would aid me not only officially, but by their personal recollecti

y in the field, although it is scarcely possible to over-estimate the calamitous results that would have followed the instantaneous stoppage, even for a short time, of the vast accumulations of provisions, ammunition, and supplies of all kinds, that were on their way to the army through New York. Nor is it necessary to speculate on the effect of the diversion of troops from the front that such an event would have compelled, in order to recover so vital a point. Washington had better be uncovered than New York be lost. One thing only is needed to show how complete and irreparable the disaster would have been; namely, the effect it would have had on the finances of the country. With the great banking-houses and moneyed institutions of New York sacked and destroyed, the financial credit of the countr

other cities, which events showed were to follow. Even partial success developed hostile elemen

ruins, the work of destruction will commence and end within its own limits. We have a police and city military which have been thought to be sufficient, but experience has shown that though this provision may be ample to restore law and order in the end, it works slowly, often unwisely, and always with an unnecessary expenditure of life. In conversing with those of largest experience and intelligence in the police department on this subject of such great and growing importance, we are convinced, from their statements and views, a vast improvement in this matter can be made, while the cost to the city, inst

hours, but increase in strength and audacity. The members of the various regiments are scattered all over the city, engaged in different occupations and employments, and without previous notice being given, it is a long and tedious process to get them to their respect

hom there might be a strong sympathy in some particular outbreak, which would impair

ts are not the steadiest or most reliable troops, as was witnessed i

riven back. In the commencement of a riot, a defeat of the military gives increased confide

ss, which it is necessary to storm before a permanent victory is gained. Half-disciplined men, unaccustomed, and unski

way from their work for two or three days, to parade the city,

d cannot be discriminating, so that those are shot down often least culpable, and o

belong to the work they were set apart to do. A battery might be given them in case of certain emergencies, and a portion carefully trained in its use. At a certain signal of the bell, they should be required to hasten, without a moment's delay, to their head-quarters. A mob could hardly be gathered and commence

al, given as long and fast as strong arms can strike. They are also more discriminating than bullets, hitting the guilty ones first. Moreover, they disable rather than kill-which is just as effectual,