The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1869-01-19
FENIANIsM.
AT THE NATIONAL HALL.
Address by Mr.. James Brennan.

Last night, in pursuance to a notice which has
appeared several times in the CRESCENT, a meet
ing of Irishmen and those interested in the vel.
fare of Ireland was held at the National Hall. on
Poydrss street, near Liberty street. 1t had been
called by Mr.. James Brennan, an agent of the
Fepian Brotherhood who came here to propagate
the principles of the order, and deemed it best, in
the furtherance of that design, first to call the
Irishmen of New Orleans together and explain to
them the objects of the society, show them what
IL has done and tell them what it proposes to do
By half-past seven, the hour appointed, the
room contained quite number of Irishmen who
had gathered to hear what Mr.. Brennan had to
say, and to learn, If possible. how to strike blow
for Ireland. Mr. = 0'Neil was called to the
chair, and Mr.. John Welch was elected secretary
The meeting thus organized, Mr.. Neil introduced
Mr.. Brennan, who then proceeded to deliver
lopg and very eloquent address. To follow Mr..
Brennan's address all through would be impossible
at the late hour at which we write. bare
sketch is all we can now reproduce.
Mr.. Brennan commenced by stating that be was
personally unknown to most Of the persons pres
ent and therefore he asked them TO believe him
not because he should say certain things but for
the proofs which he.sboud adduce in support of
bis assertions He then said that he proposed be-
fore the evening was over to organize Circle of
the Fenisn Brotherhood, and would endeavor to
show to every Irishman in the room good and
sufficient reason TO induce him to Join it.
The orator then adverted to the alleged dissen.
slons existing between Savage and O'NeiL de-
med that they were serious differences end illus
trated their nature by saying that Savage wanted
10 sulke England on one side, while 0'Neil
thought IT best TO strike her on another. he
spoke OF the reports freely circulated through the
country that the funds Of the Brotherhood had
been recklessly squandered by those to whom they
had been intrusted; showed how some of the money
had been spent; how the arms lost on the Canada
expedition in 1866 had been redeemed from the
United States government, by which they were
seiZed and referred to the records in the war de.
Rariment at warrington to support his assertions
BE declared that the brotherhood Is to-day
stronger than it ever was, aud turned TO English
history to prove that it has already accomplished
some things. He showed the condition of IEsland
IN ls4o when OCoDnell was agitating. when Irish
men, with enough food in Ireland to feed twice
the population, we're dying by starvation in. hum
dreds; in 1858 when the British troops were alb
sent in the Crimea and one bold blow would have
freed Ireland, yet no hand was found to strike it.
and in 1858 when for the first time since the act
OF Union English people had heard the prayers of
lrlshmen and had turned their attention to-
wards the alienation of some of her mis-
cries. He quoted Gladstone, Or. Black John
Bright and 7rcbbishop Trench on the disendow-
ment of the established church In Ireland stated
that the Liberal majority 10 parliame day 1913
against 66 last session, and showed that from the
llberality in sentiment in England is due TO
fear Of The Fenidn brotherhood and ecltat 1hev
may accomplish. But there is much more, the
orator continued, to be done. No people ever
liberty without fighting for it, and Ireland
Will never be free without blo0dshed. Her con-
dltlon now is pitiable enough-overrun BY
clergy forced upon her people quartere1 upon
by foreign soldiers; her lands in the hands of
her people, with the blood Of chiefs
and kings in their veins compelled to bow 10 the
sassenach, who. stranger and an alien, yet eajs
up the substance Of Ireland.
Mr.. Brennan then showed the prosperity OF the
order in this country. People have thought IL
dead because its existence is not noised abroad,
But IL is alive and growing dsily. Prominent men
of all sections are included in it, all ranks of Irish
NE have rallied to 1t, the American people and
he American government give it their encourage
neni-nsy the very churches-snd Protestant
yhurches at thst-in many places. have been
brown open for the meetings of the brotherhood.
Then, IN language simple but forcible, the ora
or urged upon every one within sound OF his
7oice 10 strike hands for old Ireland ofernK them
very guarantee as TO the organization they were
laked TO join. He told them to form circle.
TIen select one or two or three men from
lmongst you. Send them on North TO the head
quarters of the order. Let them see and hear
.verything there. Then let them return and give
helr testimony under oath as to whether the
'eDisn Brotherhood is or is not likely 10 liberate
Teland; whether il is or s not an organization of
anlots. bent but upon the freedom OF their
ounlry. Then upon their testimony decide
Thether you will or will nbt be one of the brother
ood"
Closing bis remarks with an eloquent appeal for
ecruits for the army of Irish independence. Mr..
iennsn look has seat amidst enthusiastic ap-
lauee.
A number Of those present then stepped up and
egistered their names members OF the order
nder the conditions proposed by Mr.. Brennan. A
all organization will shortly be effected, when
e shall let our readers know more OF Fenianism
New Orleans, and the progress of good
ause.