News extracts: Dec. 30, 1824: Riot in Edinburgh
Alison Kilpatrick
Chronicle & Erne Packet newspaper, by permission of The British Library:
Riot in Edinburgh.--Last night (Monday) many of the streets in the
middle of the city were thrown into the greatest confusion by a mob of
mischievous boys, about 300 in number, headed by a party of journeymen
bakers, who assembled on the bridges, and therefrom proceeded along the
Cowgate, High-street, &c., with the wanton and dastardly intention of
insulting all the Irish they could seize upon.--Several persons were
made the victims of their brutality, and as many as they met were
collared, and questioned as to their country.--Several windows have been
broken, and we fear many of the poor Irish have been hurt.--The
proceedings continued for nearly two hours, without any force being
opposed to them. The Police seemed not able or afraid to encounter them,
and a party of military men was at last procured to quell them--a few of
the most outrageous are in custody.--Edinburgh Star.
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