The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-02-01

The firth Agitntor Yet Enthusia.tic for the
Freedom Of the Emerald Isle.

James Stephens, tho Irish ruyolutionlst.
arrived ycsicrdny in tho France. Tho rumor Of
his intended visit had been currout in Irish
national circles in this city for some time. He
WIS met Mt the wharf 10y several friends and
escorted to quarters that had boon prepared
for him.
reporter for The SUN found Mr.. Stephens
in a snug parlor OF private house in quiot
street. In reply to a question touching his
health. Mr.. Stephens said he never felt better.
" or course" hc snid. " / feel somewhat fatgued
after the voyage. aud last night did not get any
sleep We were ncnrng port and nobody
seemed inclined 10 go to bed We wcro all
anxious to get our feet on American ground"
Mr.. Stephens said he had lived principally In
Paris since he went from New York four years
ago. but was In constant communication with
leaders In Ireland OF the pnrty who believe in
physical force Tho day he embarked at Havro
he received reports from the men in ireland.
He could say TO his countrymen hero
that all tho revolutionary elements in Irc-
ana were united; TINT there was per-
feet harmony among them. as tho fac
ton" in the revolutionary ranks was ut it's
last gnsp. They had not the numbers which
they had in tho heyday Of tho Fcnian Brother
hood, but they had united ranks. discipline.
and u harmony Of thought and action which
was almost unknown before. The lisorgnniaa-
tion Of the Home Rule party which Mr. Stephens
considers dead. had increased the revolutionary
| ranks wonderfully.
The reporter nsked whether the New De-
! parurr, es i is CHILLED. would not take the
| place Of tho Home Rulo movement and keep
| the Irish peoples minds in the groove Of con-
| stiiuiunal agitation md action.
| - Not at all" he replied. This now depart
| ure has failed. II never could succeed Tho
| Home Rule movement sprung up after the de-
| feat OF tho Fcninn physical force movement Mt
| that time and nntiOnnsis joined it because.
| temporarily dispirtcd by this failure. they
| hoprd such n movement might accomplish
something. In this they have been wOfully dis
| appointed and the fall Of the Homo Rulo party
rang tho death knoll uf constitutional agitation
among IRISH nHilonllists.' Mr.. stephens could
| this now departure movement ~ to do 50 would
| bo nm abandonment OF the principles Of the
| revolutionary party.
| The reporter then mentioned the skirm ish =
| Ing fund. Mr.. stephens said, with great energy,
| that he hnd aIways cUndcmned the skirmishing
| fand scheme. Tho persons who contributed
cevcd It seemed to have had very different
views ns t. what purpose 1t WIS 10 bo put.
| In fact II would almost appear that money had
| been collected under false prcteuces. He would
not II II was offer 81 10 him, touch cont OF II.
| MIR. Nephers sail hc was heart aud soul in
| the work OF Irish revolution. When no returned
| TO Europe. four years ago, he found tho revOlu-
| uonary organization very badly broken up. and
! useless lor any nurunsc; but the elements
! organization. The prospect was bright and
| cheering H. Intends. ne said. 10 travel over
! eyory state and Territory in the Union. and try
| with all his power To- consolidate tho RANKS OF
| avoiding all collisions and controversies and
| causes Of disunon. He came to Try and make
| peace and consolidate the divided ranks of his
| countrymcn. He wanted ~ 500 them united
| they all want 10 see ACCOMPLISHED tho iude-
| pendenco Of Ireland