The Irish republic. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1867-18??, 1868-04-25
SPECIAL C0RREsPoN DEN CE.
Secret S&oieties.

WASHINGTON, IL. u, April l4th, 1900.
To the Editors o The Irish Republic
GENTLEMEN: It seems to me very strange that any
who can lay claim the possession of teaspoonfu of
brais could doubt for moment that secrecy is success
publicity is defeat in almost every earthly under
fsl especially in revolutionary movement which
Is other undertakings the serious and arduous
sa operate. Why bless my soul! cannot buy or
ss house or piece of land, man cannot go law, man
go journey return from it, cannot even
ct married the girl of his choice cannot join in
any enterprise speculation succeed in any undertaking
however ring, without observing proper degree Of
ton and secrecy And this be the in respect tr
ing and everyday undertakings how very much ought
it be in respect the successful carrying outo the most
of all human enterprises Alas that at this very
late day. should be necessary any patriotic shman
into agreement prove his counrymen fact
seemingly seeyident that succeed Ia undertaking
8ou8 that of the Fenans the most rigid and solemn secrecy
shodbe Observed by them n respect 10 all their movements nen
and deliberations But it is only just say, this is not
necessary be done to any great extent except in the
of the leaders, and their followers for instead of being
the most intelligent and forward of their brethren they
the stupid and backward of Them Yes greve say,
from the very commencemento this movement generally
have had the boheads in the front and the thinkers in the
rear because fools rush headong where wise fear to
advance STEP and because the low and worthless have
MEANS their ends which able and hon
orabe could not think of STOPPING; thus do
strong of their very Weakness and become
prominent because of their emptiness and nsgnfcance.
All this time have been only playing amusing
selves revolution the delight of ENEMY, and to
the modification of our friends. It would seem though
had been trying all along how not to do it, We have
been acting like overgrown children, and very backward
that We have in effect requested all who may feel
interested in sayings and doings, to and attend
and learn all about them and the enemy knew much
II, boo to no r howe
done better and WISER partly through the necessities of their
situation but chiefly apprehen because they led by
prudent and practical than have BEEN From
the outset theirs secret and solemn odb0und Oganiza
ton, while open and wrangng one. And who
and what it may be asked, prevented in America from
doing likewise? Why, leaders," distance and
curity from the enemy, theory that if could not be
bound secrecy and fidelity by pledging their faith and
honor that effect they could be bound by the soem
nifty of an oath by anything else, and dread of the
Churchs censure malediction.
AS could not work integ and to advantage with
out having concert of action with the at home and as
they left themselves at mercy every time they revealed
their plans and purposes U.s. should justify their
hdence in by governing Organization and conducting
our affairs on the practical and prudential principles
theirs. We could honoraby dispense with solemn
and oath-bound secrecy, while they held it, and
compelled to hold to it, in that the burthens and
dangers noteven sharedbetween whereas if there
should be any inequality ALL it should be in their favor
not in ours since could better afford to have it
And as to this theory of leaders," that a man
not be bound to secrecy and fidelity by the olemny of
OATH if he cannot be bound them by pedgng his faith
and honor to be SO bound it very face absurd and
wild phanasy as ever chmerahaunted mind preached
adopted Ignorant Of human nature and of the motives
which influenced in their intercourse with one another
must that man be who believes it after he has examined
it. Let any ordinary sit down and examine
this theory foy g. ues and my life for it, he will
think of it ~ ~.