Alexandria Gazette

Scenes in Canada.

Montreal, April 26.—The Governor came down to the legislative chamber yesterday, and gave the royal assent to the bill for indemnifying losses sustained during the rebellion. On leaving the Parliament House he was pelted by a mob, mostly Orangemen, and forced to retire to his residence in the country. Last night while the Assembly was engaged on the judiciary bill, loud shouts gave evidence that a riot was fomenting outside, and before a moment elapsed a number of stones were thrown through the windows. The members rushed behind the speaker's chair, while stones continued to be thrown incessantly.

The benches were promptly deserted, as well as the strangers' galleries, and members were seen flying up stairs to the library. The only member visible was Mr. Stevenson, who had placed himself on one of the benches between the windows, and eyed the havoc with the spirit of one determined not to flinch. The stones for some time were thrown only from the front part of the building, but in a few minutes they were thrown from the rear, and in about five minutes there was not left an unbroken light in the whole range.

A slight cessation occurring, several members entered the house from the lobby; but the rioters recommenced the attack from all sides, the house was again cleared—not one solitary member left—missiles still continuing to enter through the shattered windows.

At last a cry was raised from the library end of the building, "They come." Those who had taken refuge there then rushed along the centre of the hall, and disappeared behind the Speaker's chair—the lobby at that end being crowded with members and clerks. Immediately after about a dozen persons entered the Assembly Hall, armed with sticks. One walked up to Mr. Stevens, and seated himself in the Speaker's chair.

Another looked around the hall, and muttering something about dissolving Parliament.— Others commenced destroying all before them including chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, glass globes, and other lights. One of them visited the front row of members' benches on both sides of the House, striking all papers to the floor with sticks.

After him another, more determined on destruction, tore the benches up, throwing some into the centre of the floor, and jumping upon or breaking them. The splendid mace of the Assembly caught the eye of one, who speedily marched off with it over his shoulder.

The sergeant-at-arms, L. F. Magistry, witnessed this daring act from the doorway leading into the library, and as the fellow passed out, caught hold of the crown and nearly succeeded in rescuing it. Two or three of the party came to the rescue, and struck at the sergeant with clubs and forced him to relinquish his hold, and the mace was carried off.

Having destroyed as much as they could, they left the Assembly Hall. A few soon returned: but some of the members having entered from the rear of the Speaker's chair, the rioters contented themselves with overturning the benches; and but for the exertions of Gunn and Robinson, the former of whom ejected a fellow in a blanket coat, about to demolish the clerk's table, they would not have left a single piece of furniture. One fellow had arrived with the rod of office of the sergeant-at-arms, and went striking at every article in the rear of the Speaker.

He was obliged to seek escape, as the house had been fired at the McGill-street end, and the building was in flames. A cry was got up to save the library.

Sir Allen McNab used every exertion to effect this, but all seemed bent on making their escape from the fire. Sir Allen McNab and Mr. Badgley went to the library and attempted to save a few volumes, but were unable to get them out; and to save their lives were compelled to descend by means of a ladder.

The Parliament House and others are totally destroyed.

Many arrests have been made this morning Sir George Moffat has been arrested, charged with high treason. To-day all is quiet.

Montreal, April 27, P. M.—An immense mob assembled last night in front of the premises of M. La Fontain, and after much disturbance and violence applied the torch to his house, which, together with the stables contiguous, were totally destroyed.

The exasperated populace next assembled in front of the dwelling of Dr. Nelson Henks and threw stones at the windows until nearly all in the house were demolished. The windows and doors of other buildings adjoining were also battered with stones and other missiles. Numerous acts of violence were perpetrated.

An immense mass meeting was held at the Camp de Mars at two o'clock to-day, and a series of resolutions were passed praying for the recall of Elgin. Numerous speakers addressed the assemblage and exhorted the people to forbearance and peace. These had considerable effect, and the mob, after some time, quietly dispersed.

The Parliament assembled to-day in the market house, and after preliminary consultation finally adjourned without transacting any business of moment. Much excitement prevails.