The Sun.
London, England, 1867-03-06 00:00:00

old, and the brilliant picture in store for
the Emerald Isle, are quite sufficient for a nation
more distinguished by quickness of apprehension
and vividness of imagination than by keen
logical powers. We may, if we choose, charitably
allow to some of the " Centres" and " Generals" a
share in the credulity and ambition of their
followers, but we fear that in most cases their real
object has been truly stated by the American press,
which has denounced them unsparingly as designing
impostors, striving for a temporary dignity in order
that they may profit by the subscriptions of their
dupes. The accounts which have reached us from
America of the state and pomp attending the Fenian
leaders, and the constant stream of subscriptions
which flow in from hard-working men and women
who understand nothing of the matter, enable us to
understand the attractions of a Fenian leadership.
There is a story current of an old Irish woman, who,
having professed her devotion to Fenianism, was
asked if she knew what a Fenian was ? She replied
that she did not, but " hoped she was none the
worse Fenian for that!" Whether literally true or not
the story illustrates very forcibly the mental condition
of a good many devotees of the cause, who are none
the wiser for the length of their Head Centre's hotel
bills, or the bubble character of their investments.
At present, however, there seems more active
mischief stirring. Whether urged on by their fol-
lowers, or anxious to maintain their prestige by be-
coming troublesome to the Government, the Fenian
leaders appear to be really at work. We learn by
telegraph from Dublin that some important ar-
rests have been made during the last two
daTs. A man named IMASSEY, said to be the
chief of the Fenian organisation in Ireland,
has been seized in the neighbourhood of Limerick.
It is rumoured that he held a high command under
another name in the American army during the
war. It is reported also that MORRISSEY, the
American prizefighter, who has lately been honoured
by an election to Congress, was taken out of the
train at Limerick on Monday night, having arrived
from America that morning. The difficulty of re-
pressing Fenianism is, of course, greatly enhanced
by the number of restless and turbulent
spirits left without definite occupation or in-
terest by the sudden close of the American
war. Accustomed to the military profession,
and familiar not only with its theoretical doe- ,
trines, but with its practice in the face of danger,
these men are able to impress their followers by
a display of knowledge, and find in the pursuit
of Fenianism the excitement they require. Not-
withstanding the loyal services rendered to the
British Government by the American authorities
on the occasion of the raid into Canada there is
still scope for considerable action among the
Fenians in America, and the constant communica-
tion with Ireland enables them to be pretty well
aware of the state of feeling in that country.
The news from Cork is more alarming than the
intelligence from Dublin, inasmuch as it shows that
the authorities deem it necessary to be strictly on
their guard. The telegraph wires to Valentia have
been cut, and all communication suspended; and in-
formation has been received of a simultaneous
Fenian rising in the South. The police and
military regulations have been suddenly re-
newed. Large detachments of military have
taken up positions in several parts of the city,
and both cavalry and artillery are in readiness.
Active preparations are likewise being made in Dub-
lin for the despatch of troops southwards if necessary,
and already last eveni❑g special trains had been
despatched to the Arragh for the conveyance of
troops to Limerick. There is no fear but that there
is ample provision for any emergency that may arise,
but in the interest of the unhappy dupes of Fenianism
themselves we trust that wiser counsels may pre-
vail, and that the threatened outbreak may be
averted.
From America we learn that the news of Fenian
disturbances in Ireland has given fresh stimulus
to the enthusiasm of Irish patriots across the Atlan-
tic. Notwithstanding the widespread convictions
of STEPHENS'S duplicity and insincerity, which had
previously gained ground, they are now ready to
believe that that distinguished Fenian has really
reached Ireland, and is leading on the insurgents in
person. The report, which is much nearer the
truth, is that he is taking his ease in a handsome
house in Brooklyn, having made a comfortable
amount out of his public services. At any rate the
Fenians in America are talking very loudly about
the downfall of English authority, and the great
uprising of the Irish people ; and placards summon-
ing volunteers (able to defray their own expenses) to
the aid of the national cause are ornamenting the walls
of New York. However, the American public gene-
rally receives such appeals with unruffled equanimity,
and the principal result of the renewed agitation
will be the punishment of some more foolish and
restless individuals. We hope before long that
improved legislation may produce a better feeling
between England and Ireland, and thus there will
be less chance for such mischievous and designing
characters obtaining any influence among the well-
disposed.