The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-03-10
The Fenian Movement and English In.
consistency.
From the Herald.

From the Herald.
The latest news from England and from
Canada shows that terrible state of alarm
exists both in the mother country and her
American provinces ON the Fenian question.
There may be some reason for this alarm in
view of the fact that the British Government
have been compelled to declare Ireland in q
state of revolution, and that the provincial
Government in Canada has suddenly ordered
out ten thousand militia to protect that colony
rom an anticipated attack OF the Fenians. To
hatever danger the British eRpire at home
and abroad may be exposed is a matter which
concerns its rulers, and no one else. If they
have permitted condition of affairs in Ireland
to reach q point which makes lnsurrectiou
fixed fact, that is their own affair. When we
we're at war with our rebellious States England
was on the side of the enemy; but we fought our
own battle successfully, not only against the
South-but against its ally-Engand. 1t would
appear, from certain indications in the British
press, that our Government Is likely to be asked
10 Interfere in supprcssing Fenianlsm in Ameri "a
We might suppose that sense of consistency
would prevent the Government Of England from
making any such requisition, and we opine that
il any proposition of this kind should be made
it win be regarded, and very justly, as the most
impudent and shameless one that ever emanated
from any government, considering the position
that England assumed towards this country
during the Rebellion.
Twelve months have not elapsed since some
of the most prominent men in England, even
members of the Government, were contributors
to the Confederate loan, the sinews OF war to be
employed against our nationality. Blr. Laird,
occupying position IN the House OF Commons,
was then daily addressing the represen tative
body OF the English people and at the same
time building privateers TO prey upon American
commerce. Earl Russell grasped at the first
opportunity 10 recognize belligerent rights in a
rah a N
threw the whole weight of his Government
against us. Nothing which the most un-
friendly nation could desire was left undone
by Great Britain to support rebellion in
the United States, and destroy our Govern
ment. and yet we are told that an impu-
dent demand Is about to be made upon our
Government now TO obstruct movement of
the Irish people to accomplish an object in a
portion OF the British Empire which the Gov
erDment of Great Britain lent all its power,
covertly and openly, TO assist when similar plans
were on foot in this country. And while the
analogy between the two cases is very strong
in some points how widely dlfereAt it is In
ethersl Do we see any prominent Ameri
cans taking part in this Fenian movement?
Are any OF our leading men purchasers OF the
bonds OF the Contemplated Irish republic? Are
our members Of Congress among the fore
most to lend their aid to the movement? Is
any member of our Government implicated in
it, as the members Of the British Government
and Parliament, and the men representing the
largest commercial interests in Great Britain,
were found on the side OF the Southern Com
federacy2 Not at all. So far the Fenlan move
ment is con6ned to the Irish portion OF our
population, who have adopted this country as
their home, with n view to the amelioration OF
Ireland. Whether their aims are crowned with
success, or overwhelmed with failure, they are
undertaken at their own risk. Whether they
strike in ireland or make a diversion in Canada,
the danger and the risk are with themselves.
II England Is alarmed and Canada is excited
with fear, is that any reason why we should
ntertere to soothe their distressed feelings
Most of the men engaged in the Fenian move
ment fought under the flag OF this country
against the rebelious South and its English ally
If they are disposed TO confront the power of
England no upon another field, that is their
own business, not ours. When they commit an
overt act involving the neutrality of this Gov
eminent; when they send priyateeIs to sea- as
England sent the Shenandoah, to destroy our
helpless whGlers, it will be time enough for our
Government to interfere, and are certain
that 1t will not leave t,elf open to any objection
as 70 the strict observance OF neutrality. But TO
ask us to become detective police In this mat
ter OF Irish discomfort and English mlsrule, IS
piece OF impudence which, considering all the
| circumstances connected with the policy that
ENGLAND pursued towards this country OF late,
| ought 10 be denounced.