ORANGE RIOTS OF 1870 AND 1871. Religious Toleration.--Irish Feuds.--Battle of Boyne Water.--Orangemen.--Origin and Object of the Society.--A Picnic at Elm Park.--Attacked by the Ribbonmen.--The Fight.--After Scenes.--Riot of 1871.--Conspiracy of the Irish Catholics to prevent a Parade of Orangemen.--Forbidden by the City Authorities.--Indignation of the People.--Meeting in the Produce Exchange.--Governor Hoffman's Proclamation.--Morning of the 12th.--The Orangemen at Lamartine Hall.--Attack on the Armories.--The Harpers threatened.--Exciting Scenes around Lamartine Hall and at Police Head-quarters.--Hibernia Hall cleared.--Attack on an Armory.--Formation of the Procession.--Its March.--Attacked.--Firing of the Military without Orders.--Terrific Scene.--The Hospitals and Morgue.--Night Scenes.--Number of killed and wounded.--The Lesson. In a free country like ours, where toleration of all religions alike is one of the fundamental principles of the Government, one would naturally think that open persecution of any sect or body of religionists was impossible. But the Irish, unfortunately, have brought with them to this country not merely many of their old customs and national fetes, but their old religions feuds. Nearly two hundred years ago, William of Nassau, Prince of Orange, or William the Third, a Protestant, met the Catholic King, James the Second, of England, In deadly battle, in the vales of Meath, through which the Boyne River flows, and utterly routed him, and compelled him to flee to the Continent for safety. According to old style, this was on the first day of July, as the old ballad says: "'Twas bright July's first morning clear, Of unforgotten glory, That made this stream, through ages dear, Renowned in song and story." According to new style, however, this has become the twelfth of the month. The Ulster Protestant Society, known as Orangemen, was founded in 1795. It was a secret political organization, founded, it is said, to counteract the Ribbonmen, or Protectors, as they were called. Its object in this country, it is asserted, is entirely different, and more in harmony with other societies that have their annual celebration in New York City and other places.