Rhode Island Republican

NIAGARA, Oct. 21.

Canadian Conspiracy.

A report has lately circulated here of the discovery of a plot in Montreal to burn and pillage that city. The editor, having used diligence in enquiring relative thereto, is now able to state, that the report is not groundless.

It should seem, that sometime in the summer past, several persons, mostly strangers, frequently met at a tavern at the lower end of the Quebec suburbs, and denominated themselves while caps; they would go at night and dig holes, use many strange gestures and charms, holding out the pretence of looking for hidden treasure. Their number was observed to increase, which creating suspicions of evil among the inhabitants, the magistracy is said to have watched and placed spies upon them, who reported that their intentions were to burn and pillage Montreal; that the number of confederates was about 60, combined by oath to obey the orders of their leaders, who were not made known to all. Upon this report of the spies, the magistrate issued warrants and apprehended several of them; who are now, to the number of 8 or 9, confined in irons in the gaol of that city; the rest having fled, it is supposed, to the States. The enquiry having been laid before the governor he ordered an additional number of artillery on duty at that station, and a part of the militia to be armed and to patrol the streets.

As far as discovery has been made, there appears to be not one native Canadian in the banditti.