MORE QUIET IN SAN FRANCISCO.
By J. H. Waggoner
All through the country from west to east fears have been entertained of a riot in San Francisco. When Mayor Kalloch delivered an inflammatory and threatening speech to the already highly inflamed mob, a scene of carnage was looked upon by many as unavoidable. It was so regarded in all the Eastern papers. At this time a Citizens' Protective Union was formed; really a Vigilance Committee; and energy and decision of action seemed assured by men being on this committee who did effective service in restoring order in that city in 1856. This had a marked quieting effect on the leaders of the communistic element. Gradually, however, they grew bolder, and the Mayor issued a remarkable proclamation, followed by a most violent and blasphemous speech by Kearney. For this Kearney was arrested and has been convicted in court. On Sunday last, just after his arrest, he delivered his usual speech on "the sand lot," in which he astonished everybody. He was as meek as a lamb, and actually complimented the Citizens' Protective Union. Great injury has been done to the city by these agitators—especially to the laborers. By consulting the contractors it has been ascertained that contemplated improvements involving the outlay of at least $1,000,000, for some of which contracts had already been let, have been postponed indefinitely or entirely abandoned. Capitalists refuse to invest their funds in improvements with a mob standing by threatening their destruction. But it is now thought the danger is past. The decided, but too tardy, action of the citizens and the authorities seems to have had a beneficial effect. It is not believed that any outbreak will occur, at least if Kalloch and Kearney are depended upon as leaders. Since the above was written, Kearney has been convicted and sentenced to the full extent of the law—$1,000 fine and six months imprisonment.