The Sun.
London, England, 1867-03-07 00:00:00

The Conference on Trades' Unions,

Yesterday the conference of trades' unionists, from
all parts of the country, which was opened on Tues-
day, as reported in The Sun, was continued at St.
Martin's Hall. Mr. G. Potter, the elected chairman,
again presided. The first part of the day was taken
op with a discussion respecting the proposed Royal
Commission, and the manner in which it will be
conducted. As already reported, the delegates ex-
pressed themselves on the previous evening as desir-
ing that the proceedings of the Royal Commission
should be open, and the representatives of the Or-
ganised Trades' Association of Sheffield continued
the subject. He expressed his opinion as to the
nature of the evidence to be taken at the commis-
sion, and said that there would be no security for
the trades if the evidence should be taken in secret,
for the men who were bad enough to commit an out-
rage would be bad enough to swear falsely. The
protection the trades wanted was that the evidence
should be taken with open doors, and if this course
were adopted he believed it would be found that the
Trades' Unions of Sheffiold were not so black as they
had been painted by certain persons. He did not
want to say that the men were any better than their
fellows in other parts of country, but he maintained
they were no worse, and he asserted that the men
who committed outrages found no sympathy in their
acts among the trades' unionists. Another delegate
of Sheffield said that the trades' unionists desired to
have the fullest inquiry, but they desired the inquiry
should be with open doors. A resolution, after
being spoken to at some length, was carried, that a
deputation should wait upon Mr. Walpole to press
upon him that the Royal Commission should be
open. Mr. Conolly then moved a resolution in the
following words :—" That this meeting of trades'
delegates.are of opinion that the trades we represent
desire to offer no objection to the fullest and most
searching inquiry being instituted by the Royal
Commission now appointed by the Government
into the working of Trades' Unions. We are fur-
ther of opinion that in order to insure the confi-
dence of the working classes of this country the in-
quiry should be a fair and an impartial one, and a
committee of seven working men shall be appointed
by this conference to sit concurrently with the
Commission, to hear and prepare such evidence as
will place the Trades' Unions in their proper
light before the public." This was seconded by
Mr. Upshall. Mr. Lester, representative of
glass-
blowers, said the gentlemen who moved in the
House of Commons for the Royal Commision
knew as much about Trades' Unions as a pig knew
about catching lobsters. lle maintained that it was
impossible for those not connected with trade to un-
derstand Trades' Unions and the technicalities of
trades, and therefore it would only be right that
men who did understand the trades should watch
the commission and listen to the evidence. In his
trade there were clauses as to the limitation of ap •
prentices, and these clauses would be defended on
the ground that men of a trade had a right to pre-
vent a trade becoming overstocked with hands. Mr.
Garner controverted the statements made in letters
published in The Sun, with respect to Trades' Unions
driving the iron trade of England to Belgium, and
he said the iron trade of Belgium was, at the very time

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PRICE.... 4d.
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these letters appeared, in such a condition that
the masters desired to reduce the wages, and, in at-
tempting this, caused the riots. One delegate stated
that he knew the einployers were searching for evi-
dence to be given on the Commission againstTrades'
Unions, and he urged that the trades ought to have the
opportunity of hearing such evidence, and of bring-
ing counter evidence if necessary. Many other
speeches were made on the subject, although there
was no difference of opinion whatever as to the ne-
cessity of such a committee, and at length the reso-
lution was carried unanimously. Subsequently it
was agreed that seven members of the conference
should be appointed to watch the Royal Commission,
with full power to call for evidence from districts the
Trades' Unions of which might be called into ques-
tion. Four of these members were to be from
country associatioas and three from London. The
London delegates elected were Mr. George Potter,
Mr. Thomas Conolly, and Mr. George Lester. The
country delegates were Mr. Holmes, of Leeds; Mr.
Proudfoot, of Glasgow ; Mr. Allen, of Liverpool ;
and Mr. Woods, of Manchester. After some further
conversation, Mr. M'Donald, the representative of
the miners, said there would be a separate Royal
Commission to take evidence at Sheffield (forwhich
the Sheffield men had prepared by forming a Shef-
field Defence Committee.) He believed the Shef-
field men were quite competent to defend themselves,
but as a great deal of the odium cast upon the Trades'
Unions through outrages hAd arisen in Sheffield, and
as it was possible that the local people mightadduce
matters in their excitement which would tend to
their inquiry, he thought it would be well to no-
minate two or three persons to co-operate with and
advise the Sheffield Defence Committee. He pro-
prosed a resolution to that effect. Mr. Self, a re-
presentative of the London compositors, objected to
the conference mixing itself up with the question of
the Sheffield outrages, for he said there were many
Trades' Unionists altogether opposed to any coun-
tenance being given in any way to those or like
outrages. Mr. Lee, another London compositor,
spoke to the same efLct, and the motion was
withdrawn. Mr. Dronfield, one of the Sheffield
delegates, then wanted to know if the Trades'
Unions of Sheffield would have to pay their own costs
at Sheffield and to pay towards the London expenses
as well. Upon this several spoke, some—the London
men especially—maintaining that Sheffield alone was
responsible for those outrages, and should bear the
costs and the blame. Others significantly remarked
that there were other places besides Sheffield impli-
cated, and the outrage part of the subject would
take up a great deal of the inquiry. The point was
left over for the present, and the conference ad-
journed.

FENIAN RISING IN IRELAND.

DUBLIN, March 6.

I regret to say that we are again threatened with
another Fenian rising. All sorts of reports and
stories were in circulation yesterday in this city.
The Fenians were bent on a general insurrection ;
they would positively break out that night in
Dublin, and simultaneously all through the country
—thesestatements were passed from mouth to mouth.
It was known that the Government were concen-
trating troops at the Limerick Junction, and mak-
ing other arrangements which would enable them in
a comparatively brief time to pour large forces into
Limerick, Athlone, Mullingar, and other places in
which disturbances were apprehended. All this
expense and trouble would not be incurred without
a cause, and the inference followed that the Govern-
ment were in possession of information which war-
ranted them in adopting the most ample measures of
precaution. All the troops in Dublin garrison were
kept on the alert and ready for any emergency
from nine o'clock last night till this morning; and
during the whole night the streets were patrolled by
lancers, artillerymen armed with rifles, and large
bodies of police. Two trains left the Kingsbridge
terminus at nice and eleven o'clock p.m. yesterday,
to convey troops from the Curragh to Athlone and
other places.

It is believed that the individual arrested on
Monday night at the Limerick Junction held a
very prominent position in the movement said to
be in contemplation by the Feuians. Information
which the authorities had received had caused
them to institute a strict watch in the neighbour-
hood of the stations. Parties of police were
drafted in, and Assistant Inspector-Gm. Brownrigg
was sent down to take the command of the force on
this special mission ; and the result was the arrest
of Mr. Godfrey Massey, a well-dressed, gentlemanly
person, who it is alleged was to be the chief leader
of the Feniaus on this occasion. It is believed that
he had succeeded in obtaining entrance to the coun-
try within a very brief period. He is a native of
Tipperary, whence he emigrated to America, where
he engaged in business, but subsequently entered
the Federal army during the progress of the civil
war. He served with distinction. Having attached
himself to the Fenian Brotherhood, he speedily
attained a high position, and was ultimately ap-
pointed " Commander-in-Chief of the Irish Re-
pu9ic." He is said to be the most trusted member
of the confederacy, was invested with supreme
authority, and had been busily engaged for some
weeks past at the work of organisation in the West-
ern districts of Cork and Kerry. It will be re-
membered that on the 23d ult., two men, who gave
their names as Jackson and Phillips, were arrested
on board a sailing collier which had arrived here
from Whitehaven. Jackson turns out to be Capt.
M'Cafferty, who was tried at the special commis-
sion, but acquitted by direction of the court, be-
cause he had been arrested in the harbour, and be-
fore he had committed an overt act in Ireland. His
companion Phillips is now identified as " Smuggler
Flood," in consequence of his having succeeded
some time since in landing a large quantity of arms
and ammunition on the northern coast. Henry
Quin, arrested at Ballinasloe, on the 28th Feb., and
Thomas Barr, captured in Steevens-lane on the same
day, with American bills of exchange for a large
amount in his possession, are also supposed to be
important arrests. All of these individuals were dis-
trict Fenian organisers, and if permitted to remain
at large might do some mischief. They are now
safely secured for the present in the Mountjoy
Prison.
Yesterday a bootmaker, named Fitzpatrick,eg
charlive ofing
in Wicklow-street, was arrested on the
wilfully keeping ammunition in oneofhe bullets,
isapart-
apart-
ments, viz., 60 rifle ball cartridges, 182 rifle
21bs. of gunpowder, 2 bullet-moulds, and 2 military
waist-belts.

DUBLIN, Wednesday Night.

An attempt at insurrection was made last night,
seemingly a combined movement, as simultaneous
risings took place in the counties of Dublin, Louth,
Limerick, and Tipperary.

In Dublin the chief demonstration took place at
Tallaght, seven miles from the city. Soon after sun-
set last evening bodies of young men of the lower
orders were observed stealthily proceeding along the
Crumlin, Round Tower, and Rathmines roads.
Their course appeared to lie in the direction of Tal-
laght. Their movements were observed by the police,
and small detachments were detailed to watch them.
At half-past nine o'clock about 500 persons were ob
served near Palmerston-fields, where they assembled,
it seems, for the purpose of marching afterwards in
a body to Tallaght. The police at Rathmines sta-
tion immediately communicated with the military
authorities, and a troop of the Scots Greys, with a
company of the 92d Highlanders, were. despatched
at once to disperse the assemblage. On the arrival
of the troops it was found that the crowd had sepa-
rated into small parties, the majority of which had
taken the direction of Tallaght, but some of whom
returned to town.

The 9th Lancers and 52d „Regiment were de-
spatched to disperse the people assembled at Crum-
lin, and in the meantime the police proceeded from

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Kilmainham, stopping all suspicious persons met on
the roads. Towards ten o'clock last night about
700 pereons bad collected on the Crumlin-road.
The police arrested a number of men not with the
main body; while a larger force, under Inspector
Kelly and Captain Chadwick, military magistrate,
arrested about 25 others, who formed part of the
crowd. The news of the c:tpture of some of the
Fenians appeared to dismay several hundred-4 who

evidently intended to take part in the rising. They
immediately commenced to retrace their steps
towards the city. A portion, however, kept their
course towards Tallaght, where a couple or three
thousand had congregated. With respect to the
prisoners, some had revolvers, which were loaded,
others daggers and rough dirks made of common
sheet steel. On some were found American officers'
swords, while others were armed with common
shoemakers' knives. Altogether about 31 prisoners
were arrested, and on one was found a green silk
flag, having on the centre a white harp. Along the
roads were found a few rifles, several bowie knives,
and other weapons. Some of the prisoners had
percussion caps, wadding, powder, &c., in their
possession.

The police-station at Stepaside, within a few miles
of Dublin, was attacked last night by two hundred
armed men. There were but four police in the sta-
tion, who surrendered, and were handcuffed and
carried off to the mountains by the insurgents. On
the road the party halted three times to consult
whether they should not shoot their prisoners. On
each occasion the persuasions of an American in
command prevailed, and they desisted. This per-
son said that police were prisoners of war, and
that it would be dishonourable to shoot them. On
arriving at Glencullen they proceeded to the con-
stabulary barrack, and called upon the party in
charge to surrender. This the constables refused to
do, and immediately took steps to defend the bar-
rack. The result was that the entire force of con-
stables were made prisoners, and their arms and
accoutrements taken. The police were marched
off to the Green Hills, and did not recover their
liberty until some hours afterwards.

At half-past twelve o'clock last night the con-
stabulary of Tallaght, under the command of
Sub-Inspector Burke, assemble 3 on the Old Bridge,
having received some information of an intended
outbreak. They heard the footsteps of a body of
men approaching, whom they challenged, and im-
mediately the challenge was returned by a volley,
which did no injury. The constables fired, wound-
ing five men, two of them mortally. They succeeded
subsequently in capturing 65 persons, with 12 mus-
kets and bayonets, a number of revolvers, and a
large quantity of ammunition. At an early hour
the troops arrived, under the personal.command of
Lord Strathnairn. The cavalry picked up and
brought in 83 stragglers. Lord Strathnairn, with
a troop of the Lancers and a company of the 52d
Regiment, pursued a body of the Fenians, who had
succeeded in making their way to the mountains. One
of the men died from a gunshot wound through the
left lung. He gave his name as O'Donoghue, a
clerk, of Marlborough-street. Another had received
a bayonet wound in the abdomen, and is not ex-
pected to survive many hours. Other three wounded
Fenians were sent to the dispensary. In all 208
prisoners were marched into Dublin to-day from
Tallaght. They were brought first to the Upper
Castle-yard, where they were paraded for the in-
spection of the Lord Lieutenant. The prisoners
were then taken to the Mountjoy, Richmond,
Bridewell, and Kilmainham prisons.
DUBLIN, Wednesday (11.30 p.m.)
All quiet here. In all, 300 persons have been
arrested.

Accounts from Tipperary state that houses have
been sacked by the insurgents.

A telegram from Clonmel states that on Tues-
day night a Tipperary tragistrate was fired at on
the road. He returned the fir;, and wounded his
assailant.

The police barrack at Kilmallock was defended
by fourteen men, who were reinforced by eight
more. The firing lasted three hours. The Feniaus
retreated. Three of them were shot dead, several
wounded, and fourteen taken prisoners. Oue of
the killed is a Dr. Cleary. One policeman was
wounded.

A quantity of paraffin oil was seized by the
police, which it is supposed the Fenians meant to
use to burn the town.

The manager of the Union Bank is reported dead.
The police barrack at Dromore was burned down.
DUBLIN, Thursday Morning (1.30 a.m.).
A telegram from Cork states that a large num-
ber of young men left that city in small groups last
night, and, having assembled in a suburb, marched
northward, tearing up the rails of the Great
Southern Railway. This party is supposed to be
marching on Mallow Junction.

At 2 a.m. the police barracks at Middleton were
attacked by a large body of rebels. These were
repulsed, and they then proceeded to Castle Martyr.
On their way they encountered a patrol of four
policemen. The constable in charge was shot dead,
and another wounded severely, and the other two
were forced to accompany the insurgents in their
march, but ultimately they escaped.
On reaching Castle Martyr the insurgents at-
tacked the police barrack, but were repulsed, leaving
their leader dead on the field. This party appears
to have marched toward Mallow, burning several
farmsteads on their way.
The police-station at Burnfoot, between Blarney
and Mallow, was sacked and burnt.
A Coastguard station on the Shannon has been
attacked and sacked, and also one on the IN estern
coast.

DROGIIED.A, Wednesday.
_ _ _

Last night nearly 1,000 Fenians assembled at
Corn Market. The police marched towards them,
when the Fenians fired. The police returned the
fire, and wounded several. The Fenians fled. 26
were arrested. Rifles, pistols, swords, and Greek
fire were captured. Telegraph wires cut north-
wards, but repaired at once.
DROGHEDA, Wednesday (2.45 p.m.)
Everything quiet.
LIMERICK, Wednesday (1.30 p.m.)
The city is tranquil up to the present, but much
excitement prevails.
Fighting is going on at Kilmallock, where the
police barrack has been attacked, and the manager
of the Union Bank shot. He was not killed, and
was shot accidentally, having come out to see
what was going on. A large reinforcement of
constabulary, under Inspector Hill, has been
despatched from here to Kilmallock.

A fire, believed to have been a ruse, broke out
last night in some old stores in Old Francis-street,
Limerick, the scene of the late finding of bullets and
ammunition. While public attention was attracted
to the spot, a gunsmith's shop was entered, and 24
stand of arms, with pistols,
&c.,
police station at Ardagh, in the
w est takenof
athwisaye.outTitliye,
was attacked last night,
and
a surrender demanded,
which beinge, ref used
an entrance was attempted.
The police opened fire upon the assailants, and re-
pulsed them with some loss. The authorities have
collected in all arms, &c., from the several pawn-
brokers, gunsmiths,
and
ironmongers. Business is
paralysed.
Reports from Clare announce that the coastguard
station at Kilbaha, near Kilrush, was attacked last
night, and the arms taken. One man wounded.
The insurgent party marched towards Kilrush.
A report from Tipperary states that a skirmish
occurred at a place called Erokehill last night. 150
armed Fenians passed Grenane police-station.
Eleven pikes were captured, and one man taken
prisoner. Mr. Massey, J.P., of Kingwell House,
was taken out of his residence by the rebels, but
allowed to return again unmolested.
This morning it was found that the telegraph
wires between Valentia and the Limerick Junction
had been cut. The mail train which left Cark last
night, on reaching midway between Knocklong and
Limerick Junction ran off the line, consequent upon
several rails having been pulled up ; the carriages
were thrown on the slopes, Lut no person sustained
any injury. Intelligence having been conveyed to
Limerick Junction, a special train, carrying troops,
was despatched to the spot, when the mails and
passengers were transferred thereto, after which the
train proceeded on its way. - When within a few
wiles of Thurles this train was likewise thrown off
the lines, happily without any of the occupants sus-
taining any damage. Another train was soon after-
wards sent on, and the mails and passengers having
been transferred, the train arrived at the -Kings-
bridge terminus at 10 o'clq.lk this morning.

_
THEATRE ROYAL DRURY-LANE•
suie Lessee and Manager, Mr. F. B. Chatterton.
THIS _EVENING, THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL.
Messrs. Phelps, T. Svrinbourne, Barry Sullivan, Barrett, 14'.
Baraby, C. Warner, J. Robins; Mesdames Hermann Vezin,
B. Vandenhoff, Isabel Adams.
To conclude with the Pantomime, entitled NUMBER
NIP .4, or Harlequin and the Gnome• Ring of the Giant
Mountain.