Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-08-22
Gen. Sweeney's Address to the
'Hd 100 Brotherhood.

q NswFy1ohK. AugustA2e.'- The follow
ing is the address of Gen. Sweeney to
the Feniani Brotherhood concerning po-
litical complications:
To the Fenian Brotherhood:
The old and tried members OF the te-
MAN Brotherhood regret to find that
some political papers are endeavoring
to make it appear that our organization
is about to be used for party purposes in
the approaching election campaign, and
| cannot allow such an impression to go
abroad without protest on my part.
The Fenian Brotherhood was estab-
hshed for the liberation of ireland from
state of misrule and subJugation,
which. for the continuation and intensity
of its persecution, has no parallel in
history. While solely devoted to the
grand object of their mission, the mem
bers of the Brotherhood sympathize with
every struggling nationality, and are ar
dent lovers of freedom for all men in
every land. hH9i
Two of the fundamental rules of the
organization are that the religious and
political questions should be entirely ex-
eluded from their councils, and IL IS ow-
ing chiefly 10 those wise provisions that
the Fenian Brotherhood, without the aid
of single dollar from any political
party in This country, and in the face OF
the most fierce opposition, has spread its
branches into every land, and has be-
come the great power in America which
II is to-day. 'hf .
While every citizen in his individual
capacity has a right to vote as his judg-
ment dictates, apprehend that disrup.
ZION. disaster and the utter bhghtlng of
all our hopes would be the result of
turning the Fenian Brotherhood into
political organization at this juncture
Although the attempt may be made by
some ambitious men who must necessa-
rily exercise influence in so widespread
combination, still | Am sure that the
great majority of the Fenian Brother
hood are too devoted TO the grand cause
to which their lives are pledged to allow
that cause to be swallowed up in the
vortex of American politics, or to per-
nit themselves to be diverted for a single
moment from the direct path which must
eventually lead them TO success.
, The Pittsburg Congress, held in Feb
ruary, 1866, WAS very explicit in refer
ence to this matter. In the sixth day S
session the following resolution was
unanimously adopted
Resolred, That this Congress, in the
name of the Fenian Brotherhood, in the
most solemn and emphatic manner dis
claim any intention, desire or inclination
to use the power Of this organization for
the purpose Of influencing, in any form,
parry politics in America, such policy
being entirely foreign TO our views and
repugnaut TO our patriotism, and those
who would attempt TO traffic in the sacred
impulses. of Irish hearts deserve, and
should receive, the scorn and detestation
Of all true men.
Whoever attempts TO violate, abrogat'
and evade that resolution will incur q
\ serious responsibility, which j am mo-
prepared 90 sanction or to share in my
official connection with the feniar
Brotherhood Exhorting all the mem
bers of the organization to persevere II
the safe and successful cause which theI
have hitherto pursued, j remain yours
fraternallv. I. W. SWEENEY,
Secretary ofWar F. B.