New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-12-26
NAY BE FENIAN UPRISING.
IRISH ORGANIZATIONS IN OMAHA DIS
GUESSING PLANS FOR INVASION
OF CANADA.
DESIRE TO SHOW ANTI BRITISH AND PRo-BoER
sYMPATHIEs AND PREVENT CANADIANS

sYMPATHIEs AND PREVENT CANADIANS
GOING TO SOUTH AFRICA.
Omaha Dec. % (SpeciaD.-The Fenian spirit OF
1866 Is rampant In the West and in Omaha II seems
to be crystalNing in well-defned movement TO
either invade Canada or so agitate the Canadian
public mind to prevent any more troops being
sent to fight the Beers. pro-Boer meeting OF
three weeks ago was the first outward evidence Of
this sentiment Since then the Irish organizations
in Nebraska have been framing things to have
public meeting for the purpose OF actually discuss
ing the question of another invasion Of Canada.
similar TO that OF the Fenians. The meeting was
to have taken place to-day, but 1t has now been
postponed until next Sunday. There will he dele
gates here. it is said. from New-York Chicago,
Kansas City and many other Western cities.
The matter is being taken seriously by the prom
tnent Irlshman OF Omaha, but none Of them will
identify themselves publicly with the movement at
present Notices have been sent from Lincoln to
Clan-na-Gael Fenian and Land League members In
all parts Of the country but who sent these notices
is not made public. John p. Sutton National sec
rotary OF the Land League, and one Of the most
prominent Irishmen in the country. however. lives
at Lincoln. 1t Is no secret that he IL ready to
encourage any movement possible to harass the
British.
In Omaha there many prescribed Irishmen.
Two who are prominent lawyers, are wanted in
England for some knowledge OF the Phoenix Park
murders. There are more potent reasons why
any such movement should start from Omaha, be-
cause here lies buried the famous John ONeill,
who commanded the Fenians at the battle of Ridge
way on June Q 1856. After the failure Of the raid
O'Neill came to Nebraska. and with him as col
onists came many OF his daring raiders. They
established the now thriving city of o'Neill lin
Holt County. These grim old warriors are now
agtating the movement.
The late John Fitzgerald the Lincoln man of
wealth. furnished large sums to carry on the
Fenian raid, and after the raiders dispersed their
arms TO q considerable number were sent to Lin
coin and there stored by Fitzgerald. Later these
guns were used to arm several companies of Irish
civic society guards in the State. While these
rifles have long since fallen into disuse' the bold
spirit OF the raiders is as keen as ever, ana next
Sunday It is expected something sensational VIII
develop at the meeting here. one Of the ostensibe
promoters Of the movement here was questioned
concerning IT, He declined to reveal any definite
information concerning its scope, but In mystic
rous vein vouchsafed the assurance that irish
men were at work with a common purpose not
only here, but in Lincoln, Chicago. Kansas CITY
and as far East ms New-iork
When asked If any address had been Issued from
this city to the former officials of the Fenan or
ganization he responded that it had more likely
been issued from Lincoln. He added:
can tell you that there in Omaha to-day a
respectable number of men who are ready to go TO
70 the Transvaai or to Canada so long the same
end can be ACCOMPLISHED | cannot tell you tnat
any are going but I know that there are good
many who are ready and who are likely to 60
More will be known about this after the meeting
next Sunday.
There will be a great deal of work done by those
on the inside between now and that date the nature
OF which / cannot now tell you. II Will be done
secretly | did not say that II would he done by
Will be wheels within wheels, and more than one
rganzation of Irishmen will be involved. The
correspondence Is going on now. and good many
OF us have faith that IL will lead to substantial
suits. II extends to number OF Western cities,
and as far East at least as Chicago.
Conference with number OF Irish Americans
who pretended at least that they knew nothing OF
this movement disclosed the fact that the convic-
ton is general among them that there should be
an organization effected among their countrymen
which could make its existence effective. II only by
a threat Of repeating the Fenian invasion OF 1856
a. II would deter the English Government from
sending any Canadian troops TO South Africa and
II would also diminish the ardor any loyal subjects
OF the Queen resident in Canada might manifest
to leave home and fight the English battle against
the Beers. They thought II probable that some
enthusiastic Irishmen would start such a project
and that II will meet with ready support
General ONeill is best remembered in Nebraska
because Of his efforts for the COLOMBIA ton
tain portions Of the State. Having failed in his
scheme OF warfare In behalf OF his countrymen ne
passed the latter years OF his life in an endeavor
TO win them from the uncertain rewards Of life
independence and competence Of the farms. then
10 be had free In the West and many OF the pros
porous Irish farmers OF the State owe their condi-
ton TO the inspiration Of General O'Neills per-