Chapter 5

SPRING ELECTION RIOTS OF 1834.

Fatal Error in our Naturalization Laws.--Our Experiment of Self-government not a fair one.--Fruit of giving Foreigners the Right to Vote.--Bitter Feeling between Democrats and Whigs.--First Day of Election.--Ships "Constitution" and "Veto."--Whigs driven from the Polls.--Excitement.--Whigs determined to defend themselves.--Meeting called.--Resolutions.--Second Day's Election.--Attack on the Frigate "Constitution."--A Bloody Fight.--Mayor and Officers wounded.--Mob triumphant.--Excitement of the Whigs.--The Streets blocked by fifteen thousand enraged Whigs.--Military called out.--Occupy Arsenal and City Hall all Night.--Result of the Election.--Excitement of the Whigs.--Mass-meeting in Castle Garden.