The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1865-11-16
THE AIMS OF THE FENIANS con-
DEMNED ON SCRIPTURAL AND
PRUDENTIAL GROUNDS.
Its Hopes of American Assistance De-
luSiVe.
How the Wrongs of Ireland may be
RedreSSed.

gat, has issued an important political man
ifesto, in the form of an address TO his clergy
in the diocese of Dublin, under the head
"Orangeism and Fenianism." 1t is a lengthy
document, occupying three columns in the
Erening Freeman. The Archbishop begins
by describing the evils of Oraugeism, which
he affirms are aggravated by the fact that
magistrates and others in high places take
part in its orgies. He says:
sit cannot be forgotten that this party
some years ago attempted to exclude her
present gracious majesty from the throne, in
order to make way tor sn orange idol, and
that very lately they insulted in u foreign
country the youthful prince whom providence
has destined TO rule over this vast empire
The evils OF Orangeism are aggravated by
the fact that some magistrates and persons of
wealth and station, take part in it's orgies
In this very Orangeism is logically the par
ent of Ribandism and Fenianism for the
example Of those In high station is a source
of scandal to others, giving them impulse to
join in religious combinations, and justifying
such a step useful or necessary. AS long
as persons enjoying power or influence are
allowed to form secret or dangerous societies,
how can the humber classes be condemned
for following their examples ?"
DR.. Cullen then describes very forcibly the
Fenian brotherhood:
''As 10 what is called Fonianism, you are
aware that, looking on lL a. q compound of
folly aud wickedness, wearing the mask Of
patriotism to make dupes of the unwary, and
as the work o. few fanatics or knaves,
wicked enough To leopArdI-e others in order
to promote their own sordId views, 1 have re-
pestedly Raised my volce against il since it
first became known at the time of McManus'
funeral tour years ago and that | cautioned
young men against promising or swearing
obedience 10 strangers with whom they were
altogether unacqua'nted. putting themselves
at the mercy of plotting spies and PREACHER.
GUS Informers, and risklns their lives and
liberty, and endangeriug the lives Of others,
| In attempting to carry out projects, hopeless
in themselves, which, doing no good 10 any
class, mig hit involve the country in ruin and
bloodshed. Would TO God that more atten-
ton had been paid TO such friendly admon-
tions. Ii they dad been listened 10, we
would not now have 10 regret that so many
young men are suffering the hardships of
prison, and their families overwhelmed with
affection, while their seducsrs are lar away
from danger, laughing at the simplicity of
their dupes, and enjoying the wages of ini-
guilty.
you, reverend brethren, in your affection for
your fiocks, had not cautioned them against
Fenianism, should not those who were called
on to Join IL have raised the following ques-
! tions: Who are its leaders? What public
services have they rendered to the country
What claim have they to demand our conf
dence? Would they sacrifice others to pro-
mote their sOrdid views? Are they men
of religion Are they men remarkable for
4 A.. -,
tention to their own affairs? Have they been
| successful IN business? Are they men TO
whom could lend money, trust the
management of our property Were they 10
succeed, would they be good rulers and good
managers? Would they better the condition
| of the country or rather, needy and des-
perate adventures are always disposed 10
/ do, would they not introduce despotIsm and
II system of eanhscation, and the spoliation
! OF all property, public and private?
/ In the case OF the leaders of the FenIaus
| if these questions bad been seriously consid-
considered, men of sense would have join
/ ed their ranks. Nay, more, If the charges
/ lately made against the Originators Of the
movement had been known, everyone would
| have been filled with alarm at their introduc-
ton into the country Tor they are said TO
| have proposed nothing less than to destroy
the faith of our people by circulating works
like those of the Impious Noltaire, to preach
up socialism. 10 sieze the property of those
who have any, and to extermiuate both the
gentry of the country and the Catholic cler-
gy-
Whatever is to he said of such fearful ac-
cusatious, winch we nope are only founded
on vague report, it il too certain that the
managers of the Fenian paper, called the irish
People, made it n vehicle of scandal, and cir
culated IN its columns most pernicious and
poisonous maxims. Fortunately, they had
not the wit nor the talent of Voltaire but,
according To appearances, they did not yield
to him in anxiety to do mischief and in NAL
ice. And hence, it must be admitted, that
for suppressng that paper the public author
tiles deserve the thanks and gratitude of all
who love Ireland, its peace, and its religion.
But, emitting all reference TO persons, and
! leaving to the courts of justice to determine
what the legal merit of Feuiauism may be,
again beg of you, reverend brethren, to act
as you have done for the past, making every
effort GO save your hOcks from the oontamlna-
ton of all secret societies. Remind them from
time to time that good works are not afraid OF
the light of day. but that crimes seek to con
ceal Themselves in the darkness of night
Remiud them also the Catholic church CON-
dennis all secret societies as dangerous TO the
state or the church, whether bound by oath
or not. All who join in SUCH societies are
accommodated. and caDnOt be absolved as
long as they continue connected with them
This law is in full vigor in Ireland. and
ought TO be enforced against Ribaudmep,
| Free Masons and Fenisns.
..Feuianlsm indeed seems now to be at
an end q few policemen demolished the struc
| lure; not a hand was raised IN it's defence
probably, after q short time, we shall hear no