The New York herald., 1879-02-02
STEPHENS, THE FENIAN.

PROMINENT IRIsHMEN LITTLE AFFECTED BY
HIS ARRIvAL-THEY DENY THAT HE REPRE-
sENTs THE PARTY IN IRELAND.
The arrival in this city of James Stephens the
Head Centre of the Fenian Brotherhood. was the
subject Of much comment yesterday among Irish
nationalists what has he come for?' ''What will
he do? "What will he amount top" the
all absorbing questions. As rule similar answers
were given to all three by those who interested
in the matter but some shades of difference existed,
especially in reference to the amount of influence
that the advent would exercise on Irish politics.
One said HE will have perceptiple influence
the current of affairs" Another, Il afraid he will
do some mischief; old will be reopened and dis
sensions will be created" Several of those who
knew him well when he was all powerful in Fenan-
ism, and who actively engaged in the movements
at present existing remarked "Hs period of useful
ness Is at end"
WHAT STEPHENS REscuER THINKS.
HERALD reporter talked yesterday with several
prominent Irishmen who have given in their adher-
to the "New Departure" and obtained from
them some interesting statements in regard
TO the significance of Mr.. stephens visit
we'll as expressions pa of their .,p opinions as to
Mr. John j. Breslin. who was the principal
agent in the rescue of stephens from Rich.
of the trustees of the National"
or skirmishing fund, and an advocate of
the New Departure" Mr.. Breslin said -"Well,
Won know stephens has always refused to adopt the
only through which he could become useful.
He demands to be everything or nothing. He had
supreme power in the old time when he was at the
head of Fenianism That failure, and he
the greatest failure that was connected with it.
But he showed abilities, aud l think his de-
votion to the cause of Irish independence is
unquestionable. On these accounts of the
organization would have refused his aid when he
came here in 1871. If he would have given it on
proper terms. As late as about twelve months ago
overturcs made to him by which he could have
got share in the direction OF affairs; but that
would not suit him. He demanded to be supreme
head. without any check on his power. Now. none of
the leaders that know have confidence enough
in him to place him in that position again.
The only chance he would have of making
any any great snets wpu rnab e, ,"rd peadsng Su, 70
believe that would not profit him, for they. with
few exceptions, have no confidence in him either.
those who have brought him here have no power or
influence. His presence may make some trouble
putes of one sort or another. He cannot. however
materially disturb the party II he docs anything
it WILL fear be mischief. for his day is over
SORRY SAKE"
IL am sorry he has come out" said Mr. 4. c. Luby
of the cxiles and trustee of the national fund
HE can do no good he will probably do harm; but
in the end think he will quietly die out of notice.
and will exercise no more power or influence here
than If he stayed in Paris very sorry OH his own
account that I've has undertaken this expedition. 1t
would have been better for his peace OF mind If
he stayed whore he was. He will be mortified and
how much his old power has passed away. Some of
those who have induced him to come ont here are,
know well meaning men; some OF them. the
other hand very unreliable Irish politicians
None Of them influential. lie will he, worst of ALL
disappointed in them. lie has not got into situa
ton where he would have any opportunity to exert
his abilities or effect good. lie says he represents
the Irish branch OF the organization. and
have no doubt that he thinks this true. But is
not. He is deceived by some persons over in Ire
land. As far my Information about matters in
ireland goes believe that he has connection with
the IN body DatiOuaiiStS there
but has got into the hands OF some fag end of NAL
contents. will myself take part in any demon
stra.ion against him. and hope none will be made;
neither will have any connection with him. as FAR as
can nov see.
''IEr nm GOOD CAN"
''Ho has connection with the true orgair xation
at home. and do not know whom they are that ho
claims to represent, said General L. +. Bourko. I'VE
in communication with the true body and
know that he has connection power with IT,
lie of the ablest of the Irish organizers but
his day of usefulness il past He can again
take % place at the head of n movement"
,"How do the mass OF tho people regard himY'
They would not accept his leadership even II the
other leaders would"
would any of the leaders accept him2'
II would not have him as my leader, and none of
those with whom work would do so, think
Would You DO willing to accept him as col
lesguey'
mo. " he can ipcressc one of the organizations
here. let him do IN his way, long he does
not iniuro the body at home"
What effect will he have on your policy p
"fic cannot disturb the set policy of the national
party. The only thing he do to revive old dis
cords, and horc he viii no, gut prominence enough
to do that lie is bound tc subsde he did In 1871
and hope that wall happen before any mischief
arises