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THE
FIVE POINTS
The Buffalo Republic, November 11, 1847
We have recently had
our attention called to this section of the city. Those who have daily
occasion to pass through this "infected district," assert,
that never before since Buffalo has been dignified with the name of
city, has vice in all its forms been permitted to have full sway and
to go on entirely unrestrained by our city authorities. During the whole
summer, and up to the present time, the very worst class ofpeople inhabiting
this portion of the first ward, have been permitted to gather there
in unusual numbers, publicly enacting the most disgusting scenes, rioting
by day and reveling by night with perfect impunity in every species
of offense, and originating crimes of the worst and deepest dye. This
language may be thought by some, to be too strong and unwarranted.
This text is Copyright 2001 all rights reserved by Stephen Powell and buffalonian.com. This electronic text may not be dupicated or used in any manner without written consent of Stephen R. Powell or buffalonian.com
Those who
think it really so, should put on their hats and leave their quiet places
of business, and spend an hour in this location, and then tell us if one
half has yet been said that is called for, from those whose duty it is
to chronicle the evil as well as the good to be found in our city. It
is surprising that men clothed with authority, and whose duty it is to
guard the public welfare, should have so long neglected to exercise their
official strength in this quarter. To whatever cause we may feel disposed
to attribute this neglect of duty, we shall not state at this time. Our
aim is to draw the attention of the city authorities and the public to
this crying evil, this stain upon the moral reputation of our city and
its public dignitaries.
If the canal could speak, and its waters cast up the hidden bodies of
those who have doubtless come to an untimely end, its tale of horror would
startle the public mind, and those whose duty it is to look after the
public peace of our city, might feel and realize how great this has been
their omission of duty.
This
article and many others like it are featured in the book by Michael N.
Vogel, Ed Patton, and Paul Redding titled: America's Crossroads, Buffalo's
Canal Street / Dante Place the Making of a City. New York: Western
New York Heritage Institute, Canisius College, 1993 which paints an exceptionally
vivid picture of Buffalo's old waterfront district...
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This text is Copyright 2001 all rights reserved by Stephen Powell and buffalonian.com. This electronic text may not be dupicated or used in any manner without written consent of Stephen R. Powell or buffalonian.com