Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1866-06-04


The Fenian Invasion of Canada.
Undoubtedly, the present Fenian invasion
of Canada is of proportions far larger than
anticipated, and the initial movement has
met with some success, though that success
seems to be more than counterbalanced in
the gobbling up by United States steam
er OF 700 who undertook to save themselves
by recrossing to the United States after
abandoning Fort Erie. These 700 are held
as prisoners subject to the orders OF the
British Minister at Washington.
If the United States Government were to
wink for week or ten days at the Fenian
movement, it might be regarded as certain
that the Fenians would succeed In throw
ing into Canada a force sufficient to take
and to hold it. Could this be done without
involving the United States in war with
England, a thrill of sincere joy would be
experienced by our people. Our people
sympathize with the Fenians, not
perhaps, so much on their account
sas because they nurse grudge
against England for the manner In
which she acted toward the Federal
Government during the time the Southern
people were fighting to establish South
ern Confederacy. But we are in no con-
dition to 90 to war with Great Britain
Our finances will not allow it, and such has
been the bad craftsmanship of the Republic
cans in Congress that instead of seconding
President JOHNSON in reconciling the
Southern people, and making them unit
with us against any outside power, they
have done their utmost to embitter them
against us. Until they are reconciled-un-
til they are made to feel they are
equal in the Government with us-until
they are thoroughly convinced that ma
iority of our people will not sanction their
disfranchisement through constitutional
amendments or laws or Negro Suffrage
the Federal Government must necessarily
so conduct itself with reference to this
Fenian movement as shall not involve IL in
a war with England. 1t may be possible
that the Southern people would be gratified
if a good drubbing could be inflicted
upon England, because through emissaries
of hers, the Abolition movement was prac-
tically set on foot in the North-a move
ment through which their section has been
desoated, impoverished and overwhelmed
with mourning. 1t is, also, probable that
they feel that England had the ability to
help them establish their Contederacy; Dut
declined to do so through some unworthy
motive. 1t is, however, prudent that the
Federal Government should see to 1t that
they are thoroughly reconciled before do
ing or leaving undone that which will in
volve us in a war with England.
1t seems to US that if the Government
regarded the Fenian movement with sim
cere disfavor, it would before this have for
bidden railroads from carrying Fenians
Canada-ward, and would have issued
proclamation forbidding bodies OF Fenians
from crossing into Canada with warlike in
tentions. This would have been, in the
outset the effectual way of suppresslng the
movement.
If by any possibility the Fenians could
take and hold Canada, the English Gov
ernment would unquestionably hold our
Government responsible for it, and war be-
tween us would inevitably result, and as
the matter stands, such war may ensue.
The question for every one to consider is,
is it desirable?