Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-12-17
THE CLAN-NA-GAEL
An kiSh-AmeriCan Army Of Fully
Seventy Thousand Men.
FOR THE LlnEB ALTON OF ERIN.
Companies Drilling Regularly
Leaders of the Movement Military
Europe on Verge Of War.

BOSTON. MASS. December ia dis
patch printed this morning as to the
formation OF an lrish-American army for
the liberation of Ireland in the prin-
cipal cities Of the country was shown
to-day to Colonel Roger +. Scannell. one
OF the oldest members Of the Ancient
order Of Hibernans in this section or
the country. and who is also prominent
ly Identified with the Clan-Na-Gael and
other Irish organizations.
You can say for me-" said ColQnel
Scannell." that there are already i'm Mis-
city several companies formed OF the
Irish-Amercan army. They have been
drilling regularly in their respective halls,
and most of the members are good shoot
ers.
THE companies are located in the city
proper, South Boston. East Boston,
Char.estown. and RoXbury. and all told
there are 100 men enrolled in the new
organization
In addition 10 drilling i'm their respec-
tive halls the members OF the organiza-
ton take advantage Of the holidays and
go out into the woods. where they prac-
tlce WIN tnelr rlfrS.
The leaders of the movement are mill
tary men. nearly all Of whom are vete-
rams. The bulk Of the organization is
mostly yourg men. who are imbued with
enthusiasm and are ready TO do all in
their power to aid their native land.
FOR OPEN WARFARE
THE Clan-Na-Gael believes in open
warfare. and are opposed to so much
secrecy in the agitation for the free
dom Of Ireland. They intend 10 have
it conducted in a more open manner. and
upon broader principles. IL has been
proved I'm the past i'm all Irish movements
that the secrecy which prevailed re-
suited in detriment 10 the cause This
was due no doubt TO the selhshness Of
tn leaders Of the movement In'many
Of the Irish movements large amounts Of
money have been contributed by the
Irish people. and the handling OF these
large amounts Of money is tempting to
all parties
AT present there is a difference Of opin-
ion among the leaders Of the move
ment on the question Of religion en-
tering into II. Some OF the leaders argue
that, from the days Of Henry Grattan.
Protestant Irishmen have been as faith
ful az Catholic lrishmen in their devo-
tion 10 the old sod In the ranks OF
the Clan-Na-Gael are many Protestant
Irishmen. including ministers. and they
have been true and steadfast members
OF the order
ION the other hand. it has been proved
that informers We're Protestant Irish
men. who were the hired officials of
the British Government Among Clan
Na-Gaels. the question they are now
discussing IS whether In THIS new move
ment IL is safe 10 trust 80 important
matter 10 Protestant Irishmen.
This Irish-American army must not
be- confOunded with the Ancient Order of
Hibernians. 1t is true that there are
thousands Of Hibernans who are also
Clan-Na-Gaels. The Ancient order how
ever, Is benevolent organization. but at
the same time they are loyal I'm their
devotion to their native land"
TINE FOR ORATORY PAST.
Colonel scannell added that the time
for oratory had gone by, and eve must
be- ready for other means"
while Parnell lived we thought that
Ireland would receive what it ought by
moral suasiOn. but having failed
I'm that direction. We must try some other
method.
Some idea Of the strength of the Clam
Na-Gael in this country" said Colonel
Scannell 'can be gained from the state
ment that there are fully 1000 men en-
rolled In the organization. Councils of
the Clan-Na-Gael are established i'm every
State I'm the Union. The union is strong
est in Chicago and Philadelphia. while
New York and Boston come next in or
de-
There is no reason why II the Tory
government cannot give Ireland what ne
is entitled 20, that il is now time that
the Irish. who are i'm position 10 de-.
mand their rights. should avail them
selves Of different means 10 try and OBJ I
tain them. Europe was never so long I'm /
peace and slumber before. and she cannot I
remain i'm that position much longer"
In closing. the Colonel said: "European .
wars must take place now and again. .
and If anything should happen. the irish
Americans will be found ready for the
conflict and The Huh Of The Universe 4
A aH.Hta #H..