The evening times., 1899-12-27


We do not know whether our Canadian
neighbors are as susceptible to scare as
they were in eighteen hundred and sixty
six, and again in eighteen hundred and
seventy-one, or not. They were SO easily
frightened on those occasions by the ter
rors of Fenian invasion that they may te
equally open to panic now. If SO, proba-
bly, the neighborhood OF Clifton House.
Black Rock. and Kingston will swarm
with wild and blood thirsty militia of the
colony, and fear-inspired farmers on the
border will count and corral their chick
ems at night with greater care than usual.
As to any idea that the comic Fenian
raids of the years above mentioned will be
initiated in this one. it may set down as
too ridiculous for sober discussion.
Even the most foolish of the Irish revolu-
tionary society leaders would laugh at the
notion of repeating the puerility which
came to a sudden end just over the boun-
dary at Malone, New York, in seventy-one
A tatterdemalion army of fifty or sixty
men. armed with old condemned Govern
ment muZzle leaders, and with three
rounds of cartridges. marched boldly
across the line and fired a volley at two
battalions of Canadian militiamen, at about
twice the range of any weapons on the
field. Seven hundred years of oppression
having been thus avenged the bold invad-
ers got back into the States as fast as
possible, losing a few prisoners 70 the
British lion on the way H. r. H. Prince
Arthur. Duke of Connaught, received his
baptism of fire on the occasion and was
much complimented by the Canadian gen.
erals for the steadiness, and nerve and
dash which he displayed-all the more
gloriously, because there was no apparent
reason for bringing any of them out of the
box.
This slaughter and Waterloo of Malone
was the net result of months of agitation
and preparation; serious enough. in view
OF the then political Importance of the
Irish vote 10 give the Government a great
deal of uneasiness. General Sherman and
lot OF regulars were despatched to the
border 10 prevent violation of friendly
territory by the intending fIibus;ers the
totality of whom might have been taken
IN and done for by squad of Major Syl-
vester's policemen.
Canada has indeed little TO fear from The
Fenians; but il must be admitted that the
British Government has no reason for de-
spising their ability TO make mischief in
another direction. The United Sta @;
would be at little trouble to stop a moys-
ment against neighboring British Terri ory.
but it could not, nor is il bound 10 inter-
feTe with agitations OF sympathy for the
Beers. the collection of money for their
cause, nor with the enlistment OF American
lrishmen in their service There appears to
be little doubt that the Fenian organiza-
tlons are sending men and money to { e
Transvaal; but, as far as We know. in ways
that are technically innocent under the I
rules of international law. The fact may ,
be regretted by our Government, but ii is T
not in position to act. The seizure Of .
American cargoes bound for a friend v.
neutral port, although plainly irtended for
thence to Pretoria, is a /
much more serious thing. and more open
TO complaint on our side
II is that same neutral Portuguese port
Of Lourenco Marques that constitutes Q
serious menace to British interests and
success, and to the relations between the
Anglo Saxon powers at this moment
While Great Britain allows Delagoa Bay
the back door of the Transvaal-to re-
main wide open, the stream of recruits,
arms, and supplies will move in steadily
by way of it. 1t was a mistake not to
seize and close it before the outbreak of
he war. II would be military madness
not TO do so now. If Lord Salisbury
Wishes 10 shut out American and Europe
N aid 20 the Beers, he has the power in
lis hands. If he will not use it, the ac- ;
irities of our Dutch and Irish sympathiz-
rs will continue and become more fruitful :
With each British reverse in South Africa.