The Indianapolis daily herald. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1865-1868, 1865-11-09
The New Constitution Of the Fe-
nian brotherhood. Adopted at
Their Convention In Philadel-
phia in October, 1865.


phta in October, 1865.
We, the Fenians Of the United States and
olssr portions of America, in order TO form a
more perfect Union, establish justice, insure do
nestle tranquility. and secure the blessings OF
liberty for the Irish race IN Ireland, do ordain
and establish this Constitution tor Tue fenlaD
brotherhood ia the United States and other por-
tons OF America.
AKTICLE /.
Section /. The Fenian Brotherhood is dis
tinct and independent organization.
IL is composed In the bret place OF citizens OF
the United States of America, of Irish birth and
lineage; aud, in the second place, Of Irishmen
and friends of Ireland living on the American
Continent and in the Provinces of the British En-
pre-. wherever situated.
It's headquarters are, and shall be. within the
limits OF the United States.
Sec 2 Its members are bound together by
the following General Pledge:
Il, -, solemnIy pledge my sacred word
OF honor. as a truthful and honest man, that |
will labor with earnest zeal for the liberation of
ireland IRON Tie yoke Of England, and for the
establishment of tree and independent Govern
ment on the Irish soil; that will implicitly obey
the commands OF my superior officers IN the Fee
Dian brotherhood, in ali things appertalning
20 my duty as n member thereoi; that l will
faithfully discharge nv duties OF membership as
laid down IN the Constitution and By-Laws
thereof; that | will Go my utmost TO promote
feelings OF love, harmony aud kindly forbear-
ance among all Irisbaen; aud that / will foster,
defend aud propagate the aforesaid FenIan Bro
therbood to the utmost of my power"
Sec. ). 1 he fenian brotherhood shall be sub
divided into State, district and local Circles
States and districts to directed and controlled
al. A. I'D Is.o.I Ia
by Cenlers who shall reside within the limits OF
their respective jurisdictions.
ARTICLE III.
Section l. All Legislative powers herein granted
shall be vested in a Congress OF the Fenian Bro
.nerhood OF the United States aud other portions
OF America. which shzll consist of Senate and
Representative body.
Sec 2 The Representatives shall be delegates
chosen every year by the Brotherhood IN good
standing, of the several States aud. districts
Delegates shall be apportioned among the seye-
raj States and districts which may be included
within the Union and other portions OF America
according TO their number OF Circles. each Circle
being entlt.ed TO one delegate for every hundred
members, more or less, but not less than ten
and one additional delegate for fractional part
of one hundred members exceeding fifty in such
Circle.
Dec. 5. ne senate OF enian DrOtnernOou
of the United States and other portions OF Amer
ice. shall be composed of fifteen l5) Senators;
they shall be nominated by committee of Two
from each State and district, elected by the
delegates of each State and district In Congress.
assembled; aud such nominees shall be elected
by a two thirds vote Of said Congress.
Sec 4. Each body shall elect It's own presid-
ing officers. and shall be the judge OF the cleo
tlou returns and qualifications OF it, own mem
bers; anu "A majority OF each body shall consti-
tute a quorum for the Transaction OF business
but q smaller number may adjourn from day to
day, and may be authorized to compel the at
tendance OF absent members in such manner and
under such penalties such body may provide
Sec. D Each body may determine the rules oil
its proceedings, punish IFS members for dlsorderly
behavior. and, with the concurrence of twot thirds
expel member.
See g. The Senate shall keep journal, and
furnish its members and the Secretary of the
Brotherhood with "A record OF its proceedings
aud said Secretary shall furnish such Information
as may be contained therein to the Represents
tlyes of the Brotherhood of the several States
excepting such parts as may, in their judgment
require secresy.
Sec = The Senate shall choose from their
body a permanent President, who shall be Vice
President OF the Fenian Brotherhood. and in case
of the death, impeachment. inability 10 act, or
removal OF the President OF the Fenian Brother
hood of the L nited States. shall act President
OF the Fenian Brotherhood.
Sec 3 The Senate shall have the sole power
to try all impeachments; when sitting they shall
be on oath; and should IL become necessary to
try the President o. Ice-Prssident of the Fenan
Brotherhood the Senate shall elect It's preceding
officer pro fempOre. and DO person shall be con-
victed without the concurrence of two-thirds OF
the Senate.
No er post tacio laws shall be passed
Sec. y Judgment in cases OF impeachment
shall be Iinal and at the discretion of the Senate
The Senate shall meet in perpetual session
while in office, and Organize within tso days
after their election, and shall have power to al
louru from time 10 time as they may determine
Sec 10. Tie General Congress shall assemble
at least once every year, and such meeting
shall be on the first Tuesday OF September. al
such place as the President and Senate may
deem ft.
Sec. III. All propositions for raising revenue
and fixing salaries of officers and employees of
the Brotherhood shall originate in the Senate,
aud be referred TO the President of the Fenan
brotherhood foe ratification. II be approve, he
shall sign and return within twenty tour hours
alter the receipt thereof. IL he do not approve
he shall endorse his objections and return the
same to that body, who shall enter his objections
slider. Tie President of the Senate then shall
summon the Senate If not already assembled
aud present the objections. and then, if the pro-
position receive tEiTds vote, IL shall become
an ordinance: and, in failure TO return within one
day the action of the Senate, by two-thlrds
vote. shall become a law
Sec. II. The records oi the voting, in all such
cases shall DE taken and entered at large upon
npon the Journal OF that body
Sec. Is No salaFied officer shall be 4 member
of the Senate
Sec IL No appropriation of money shall be
made but by vote OF the Senate of the FEM All
Brotherhood. subject 10 the conditions and auali-
hcatiOos lad down IN Sec. IL. referring to rsis-
ing revenue and fixing salaries of officers
ARTICLE Ill.
Section l. The executive power of the Fenisn
Brotherhood shall be invested in President.
who snail hold his term of office FOR one year.
aud DE elected Tor said term by General Con
gre.s OF the Senate aud House of Delegates
Sec , Said Congress shall elect the President
by ballot, and quorum for this purpose shall
consist of two thircs of said Senators and Dele
gates but majority Of the whole shall be ne
cessAry to = choice.
Sec ) The President shall receive for his ser
vices stated compensation. which shall be
neither increased or diminished during the period
for which be shall have been elected
Sec. l. Before be enters upon the duties OF BIZ
Office the President shall take the following oath
or Affirmation:
Il DO solenuly swear (or affirm that will