The daily morning journal and courier., 1895-12-17
MANY COMPANIES FORMED
IRISH-AMERICANS HAYE BEEN
 DRILLIYG REGULARLY.

DRILLIYG REGULARLY. In Addition to That the Members of tho
 Companies Go Out in the Woods and
 Practice With Their Rifles-The Clan-n,.-,
 Gael Believes in Open Warfare.
 Boston, Dec. 16.-The dispatch printed this morning as to the formation of an Irish-American army for the liberation of Ireland in the principal cities of the country was shown to-day to Col onel Roger F. Scannell, one of the oldest members of the Ancient Order of Hiber- nians in this section of the country, and who is also prominently identified with the Clan-na-Gael and other Irish or ganizations. You can say for me- said Colonel Scannell, that there are already in this city several companies formed of the Irish-American army. They have been drilling regularly in their respective halls, and most of the members are good shooters. The com panies are located in the city proper, South Boston, East Boston, Charlestown and Roxbury, and all told, there are 1,5O0 enrolled in the new.organization.
 In addition to drilling in their re- spective halls the members take ad- vantage of the holidays and go out into the woods, where they practice with their rifles.
 The leaders of the movement are mili- tary men, nearly all of whom are vet erans
 The bulk of the organization is most ly young men, who are imbued with enthusiasm and are ready to do all in their power for aiding their native land.
 The Clan-na-Gael believes in open warfare and are opposed to so much secrecy in the agitation of the freedom of Ireland.
 They intend to have it conducted in a more open manner and upon broader principles. It has been proven in the past in all Irish movements that the more secrecy which prevailed resulted in detriment to the cause.
 
 fishness of the leaders of the movement In many of the Irish movements large amounts of money have been contrib uted by the Irish people, and the hand ling of these large amounts of money is tempting to all parties. At present there is a difference of opinion among the leaders of the move ment on the question of religion enter- ing into it.
 Some of the leaders argue that from 1 the days of Henry Grattan, Protesx- ant Irishmen have been as faithful as Catholic Irishmen in their devotion to the s'old sod.''
 1 In the ranks of the Clan-na-Gael are many Protestant Irishmen, including ministers, and they have been true and l steadfast members of the order. 1 On the othef hand it is true that i'm the ranks of the Clan-na -Gael it has been proved that the informers were Protestants who were the hired officials of the British government. 1 Among Clan-na-Gaels the question they are now discussing is whether in 1 this new movement it is safe to trust so important matter to the Protestant 1 Irishmen.
 The Irish-American army must not | be confounded with the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
 1 It is true that there are thousands l of Hibernians who are also Clan-na- Gaels. The Ancient Order, however, is a benevolent organization, but at the same time they are loyal in their de- l votion to their native land. l Colonel Scannell added: "The time I for oratory has gone by and we must ! be ready for other means.
 While Parnell lived, we thought that Ireland would receive what 1t ought to 1 by moral suasion, but having failed in l that direction We must try some other methods.
 Some idea of the strength of the | Clan-na-Gael in this country" said Colonel Scannell, ''can be gained from the statement that there are fully 700,- 900 men enrolled in the organization. | Councius of the Clan-na-Gael are estab- lished in every state in the union. The organization is strongest in Chicago and Philadelphia, while New York and Boston come next in order.
 There is no reason why, if the Tory government cannot give Ireland what l she is entitled to, that it is not time l that the Irish, who are in & position to demand their rights, should avail them selves of different means to try and 1 obtain them.
 Europe was never so long in peace and slumber before, and she cannot re- main in that position much longer" 1 In closing the colonel said: 'EtUo- pean wars must take place now and again, and if anything should happen the Irish-American army will be found ready for the conflict. and the Hub of the Universe will furnish its compie- ment army.'
 Successful as Usual. | The Horse Guards ball given at the