Colonial Times (Hobart, Tas. : 1828 - 1857), Friday 11 January 1850, page 2


IMPORTANT FROM CANADA.

[Times, Sept. 14

The news brought by the royal mail steamship America, which arrived at Liverpool yesterday, is of great interest and importance to England. We have details of more serious destructive riots at the city of Montreal, which ended in the loss of life and the burning down of the largest hotel in the British colonies-Donegana's Hotel, which as well known to the traveller as the Astor House, New York.,

It appears that these riots were occasioned by the Government having arrested several persons who were suspected of being conI cerned in the burning of the Parliament

House. These arrests were made on the

' 15th, and caused the excitement of the

public. On the evening of that day a mob of from 400 to' 500 persons went to the house of the Attorney-General, and assailed it with stones. Precaution, however, had been taken to fill the building with armed men, who fired upon, the mob some thirty shots, one of which took fatal effect. Bar-brigades had been thrown up, and the troops were called out, but were employed only to

clear the streets of these obstructions.

The following particulars relating to the progress of the riot we take from the American papers :- . ?

i ' Montreal, August 13 There is no political

news of special interest, though I hear it stated, and on good authority, that arrests will be made by the Government to-night. Should this happen, you may expect serious disturbances. I also learn that the Government. have determined to call in small current debentures.

Seven o'clock puisne arrests have up to this time taken place, nor do I believe there will be any. Placards have, however, just been posted for a call of the Britons Club, to make preparations in case of an emergency.

The garrison has been under arms all day. Rumours ascribe it to three things namely, the making of the intended arrests, departure of the Governor-General, and entrance into Montreal of the mounted police. I think it most probable that it is for the arrests that all this rumpus has been made. It is certain, however, that some hidden movement on the part of the authorities is in the course of maturing.

Major-General Rowan has arrived in town from the Caledonian Springs. The garrison is under arms, and the guards doubled on all the public buildings. The Government have commenced making the long-announced arrests. I therefore expect shortly to have to inform you of some serious rioting.