New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-03-12

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THE FEAI4N LEADERS.
Until the commencement Of 1865, the affairs
OF the Fenan Brotherhood had been in the hands of tho
Head Center Col O'Mahony. 1t was therefore deemed
advisable by the Fcnan Congress, held IN January OF
that year. at Cincinnati to appoint council Of ten to
aid in directing its government. William II. Roberts,
James Gibbons. Michael Seaman and other prominent
members Of the organization comprsedths body. After
some little time during which period the Council had
been strongly opposed TO the Olahony parity IL was re-
constructed under the title OF Senate of the Fenan
From this time, up to December, 1862
fierce ragged between the contcnding factions OF
Roberts and O'MahOny. This finally eliminated by the
Senate assembling upon December Of that year, and
declaring President OMahony TO have forfeited ms Office
OF the bonds of the Irish Republic as IT'S agent In his
place they appointed Col Roberts President OF the sen
ate Chief Of the Brotherhood. On his own part Pres
dent OMahony ignored the right of the Senate to as,
sembe upon its own authority, and III return, demanueu
the members 10 appear before Congress upon January
q 1906 Immediately upon these proceedings the Brother
hood became divided into two distinct organizations nm
der the leadership of OMahOny and Roberts since that
time. Notwithstanding the strenuous efforts TO restore co
operation in the cause, union has not been attained We
subOin sketch OF the gentlemen who 1T present. the
leaders OF the respective parties:
JOHN SAVAGE.
Mr. John Savage, the Chief Executive of the Fenian
Brotherhood representing the Irish revolutionary party
in the United states. and in communication With the
revolutionary party in the British Islands seems to have
been snguary successful IN concentrating upon hnseit
the confidence of both elements. one OF the most dis-
glslcd OF the mon WHO lhc
ireland should regard him with affection and esteem aud
edge of Mr. Savace's upward and upright career m TINS
country attract TO him wide ana popular following
among the Irish synpathzers in America, where he Is
well known and respected, not alone among MS own
countrynen, but among the statesmen nteiatcus ana
pubcsts among whom his lot has fallen as writer and
journalist None Of Mr. savagcs predecessors IN control
OF the Feuian organization have had anything
lrsSavage has had peculiar advantagesin his American
career. having edited the chief organ Of Anii-Le-
ism and memorable struggle
oyeirnn poDuar rights and bring Kansas into the Union
without the privilege Of declaring whether she would
have Slavery or not During tins notable period ne was
the associate Of stephen A. Douglas, John D. Crtendcn
Robert j. Walker. and other distinguished and able men,
and the leaders in the House OF Representatives such
as John Hickman John b. Haskn aud others during that
critical epoch. lie was, during the same period. on
friendly terms with OF tho abest men Of the south
such as Alexander H. stephens /. NJ. Keitt.
others; but manully took MS stand when the time came
public letter, which formidable campaign document
IN favor Of Douglas IN the great contest Of 1900 These
witch were not overlooked by the Irish party in this
country when after the detection Of stephens they were
looking for some capable man TO take control OF the
Feulan organization. When the National Congress
Convention Of Fenans met In this city early in 1861 after
stephens had retired 10 France lr Savage was rendered
the position Head Center Chief Executive, but he
declined month or after at the great mass meet
ing held in UniOn-square, Mr.. savage, with
Judge DAILY and others appointed Trustees
OF the Fenan Fund. This he also declined satisfactory
ground, but feeling, notwithstanding his objection, as
literary man. TO deyCtng his whole time 20 politics, that
he should signify his approval Of the cause OF human lib
ery he offered his services 20 deliver lecture for the
benefit OF the Irish This of in the Cooper
Institute 10 vast audience. and added considerable 10
Fenan Treasury. Immediately there were calls and
invitations for him from all parts OF the country Many
of the as had kept aloOf from all Irish politics
Such had spoken came out naturally and
emphatcay for the Fenian organization in
cooperation with the revolutionists in Ire.
land. None whatever cOuntenanccd the move
into Canada and when Savage. who had taken part
whatever In the differences which had divided the organ
izatOn in America, gave his voluntary services for tho
cause. 10 created much enthusiasm. Yielding 10 the
desires OF his countymen he made tour through
of the New-Engand states. opening IN May at the
fremont Temple, Boston, t9a great audience He also
Waltham, WATERFOWL, Haverhill, Wopnrn, Lynn. Paw
ucket and other places and had to decline for want OF
of rishmen for the love OF Ireland, showing the evils Of
diScOrd. what ruin IL had brought on great States
states His tour was highly beneficial, and
lie had little time 10 rest before he was called TO
the West in the hot Summer, ecturng at Wheeling, Va
Cincinnati St. Louis, Detroit. and other places halls
attended these lectures, as Mr. savages character
guarantee that the feelings OF none would be hurt much
less outraged by his remarks. He generally selected
subjects connected Win the past revolutionary history OF
ireland, and applied them to the present Every
where Mr. Savage met great courtesy. At st. Louis
ne was introduced TO many prominent cltlzens at
splendid supper and subsequently met the members OK
tanned by r. d. Jones, the distinguished sculptor r. Blu
ehanan Read the poet aud other literary and patriotic
had consigned many noble spirits TO The prison and penal
servitude the Firms Hope" had been sent by tie Fe
ting that and munitions Of war could be landed in
Ireland and new Congress Of the brotherhood was
called TO meet in NewYor IN August Mr. Savage, flung
this continuous eXertiOD in midsummer out OF the
quiet path of a literary life, brought home
a legacy OF his cndeavors the fever and ague
which cling TO him during the summer and Fan. But
yielding 10 the desire universally expressed he allowed
be put forward at the Congress for the Office
OF Chief Executive. The leaders Of the brotherhood all
over the country determined TO make last effort to in
duce all honest rishmen to JOIN hands with thcm and
they round them for months 10 find some able eXpe
ueIced, and accomplished freshman OF tled PATRIOTISM
whose character among MS IeON-inen slOOd Dgh u ne
yOnd the reach Of SANDERS filthy finger; they had the luck
and grace pitch Mr. Savage, and they promptly called
him 10 be their guide aud prophet sacrlcg the ENJOY
lnents Of a happy home. ana abandoning the wching
pleasures of remuncratye literary pursuits john savage
stepped forth at his cOunrys call 10 bear The mafOd
leader and to risk the ruin Of that fair fame which had
cost HIM lifetime Of honest labor 10 build MP, IN order
~ make Fenans and Fenianisin worthy OF inc lana
md the cause which gave them DlIth' NoJWHl,
standing his illness, Mr.. Savage. at the request q
Inc Congress, got up ont Of his sick bed 10 appear
md receive the trust cOnfded to him. The election
ND acceptance Of Mr. Savage brought renewed strength
% the Organization IN Ireland and here Activity was
Don visible from the Atlantic 10 the Pacific Discipline
nd harmony were preached throughout The Circles As
r Savage mad nothing 10 do with past diHcrcncesds nc
VAS recently stated not the heir OF any disturb
~ element" lac determined there should be chance 10
,clpetuate them under his administration All through
SIS recent correspondence on the matter Of union, this
excellent policy and feeling was paramount He declined
very invitation aud temptation 10 discuss matters out
lde OF the subject OF uniOn and which
Ould only WOlOng the sOrf0ws Of the past
inns determination set forth boldly To all the Cir
les had a great effect in attracting members who had
'oen kept aO0f by mau influences II had also It's great
fleet ~ England aud ireland. Mr.. Savage has been
AbOn0usy engaged In the duties OF his Office, al l
hongh suffering from frequent attacks Of the cs aud
ADDITION mas made two on three public appearances 10
,Ieat advantage Hadciyercd the funeral Grafton in /
3uois square on the occasion Of the Obseques OF the
ahchsier Martyrs and created effect 10 which Louis
5lilc uludes in his letters on the state of England 20
III. "a