THE SOCIALIST PEST IN LONDON. DISGRACEFUL RIOTS IN LONDON. SHOPS IN THE WEST END SACKED. The Police Overpowered. [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2121, 11 February 1886, Page 2

THE SOCIALIST PEST IN LONDON. DISGRACEFUL RIOTS IN LONDON. SHOPS IN THE WEST END SACKED. The Police Overpowered. [REUTERS TELEGRAMS.]

London", February S. A mass meetim,' of the unemployed was held to div lit Trafalgar Square, when resolutions were adopted for ;m fippi 1 il to tho (!overnment and Parliament generally to take stop-) to remedy the existing distress. There were addresses of a very mili nil unmatory character, many of the speakers propounding Socialistic doctrines ot a violent kind. The mob dispersed in a riotous manner when the meeting ended, and smashed the Reform Club windows in Pall Mall. Later. The mob, on returning from the meeting of unemployed to-day, behaved disgracefully, breaking into and completely sacking the establishments of jewellers, wine-sellers, and bakers in Piccadilly and South Audley-street, and attacking and robbing the occupants of carriages, as well as foot-passengers. The rioters then marched through Oxford-street and Regent-street, smashing windows as they passed along. The police were greatly outnumbered, and were powerless to suppress the outrages. London, Fnbruary 9. Order has at length been re stored in the West End after the riotous proceedings of the unemployed The amount of damage done, has not fully been estimated, but known to be immense. A Press Association message says : — Burns and Ilyndmau weru the leaders of the Socialist agitation in Trafalgar Square. For two hours a mob numbering 5000 people held tho West End oi London, almost unchecked. Only a few arrests were made the police alleging they were taken by surprise. A wanton and vindictive spirit was displayed by tho rioters, who kicked provisions about the streets.