XLIII.
Eighteen hundred and eighty-three proved a very busy time with me. There was another Land League Convention: Egan, Sheridan, Frank Byrne, and other Invincibles “on the run” arrived in the country, and altogether my time was pretty well occupied in obtaining information and passing it on to my chief. The year opened amidst rumours in the public press of the secret movement having captured the open organisation of the League. Mr. Parnell himself had taken action previously in connection with the Kilmainham Treaty, and in other ways which were not understood or appreciated, and, as a consequence, a partial breach had occurred. So strained were matters becoming that in February it was announced that both Mr. Parnell and Egan would come to America in April for the purpose of discussing the whole situation and fixing upon some new mode of operations for the future which, while equally effective as regards joint working, would not impair Mr. Parnell’s usefulness. Many weeks, however, had not passed ere the fight between the clerical and revolutionary elements in the States began to wax exceedingly hot, and, changing his plans, Mr. Parnell determined not to interfere, and so failed to put in his promised appearance.
Egan, however, thanks to the revelations of Carey, had to make a speedy and somewhat undignified exit from Dublin, and not waiting till the month of April, he put himself en evidence in American life in the month of March. I met him a week or two after his arrival, when he was the guest of Alexander Sullivan, the President of the Clan-na-Gael, at Chicago. We renewed our cordial friendship, and the same close intimacy prevailed between us as had been the case in Paris. Egan told me that the programme now to be proposed would give full satisfaction in America; while, as for Sullivan, he (Sullivan) remarked to me significantly about this time that, though he had never doubted Egan, he was now more than satisfied.
The public Convention of the Land League, henceforth to be known as the National League of America, took place at Philadelphia on the 26th April and following days. The same plan of campaign as had been developed in 1881 was put in force by the Clan-na-Gael. A secret circular was issued instructing the camps to send delegates, and these delegates when assembled in Philadelphia pursued the same line of policy in their caucus gatherings. The whole thing worked like an exquisite piece of mechanism, and produced the most satisfactory results for the Clan leaders. Of course I was a delegate, and of course I attended all the secret caucuses. Well for Egan that it was so. He considered it impolitic to appear at any of the secret gatherings, and so, much to my satisfaction, he asked me to acquaint him daily with what transpired, which I did, and received in return many interesting pieces of private information. The Convention was remarkable for the presence of Egan and Brennan, the runaway treasurer and secretary of the Irish Land League, both of whom took part in the proceedings, and of Frank Byrne and his wife, who were accommodated with seats on the platform.
In accordance with the arrangements made at one of the caucus meetings, Alexander Sullivan was appointed president of the new organisation. He played his part well on the occasion, and succeeded in entirely overcoming the scruples of those opposed to him in consequence of his being chief of the Clan-na-Gael. Not once but twice did this prince of intriguers decline the honour respectfully but firmly; and not till after repeated appeals from Mrs. Parnell, the mother of the Irish Home Rule leader, did he consent to take the office. Another leading Gael was appointed secretary, and out of the Executive Committee of seven, five were members of the Clan-na-Gael.
Although Mr. Parnell did not make his promised appearance, he sent a lengthy and significant telegram, in which he asked that the platform should be so framed as to enable himself and his friends to continue to receive help from America, and to work in such harmony as would allow of their achieving those great objects for which, through many centuries, the Irish race had struggled.
This was a pretty plain hint from the leading spirit on the Irish side to keep matters moderate in appearance, and it was not lost on those charged with the conduct of affairs, as the following extracts from my official report to my camp on my return will show:—
“The various reports were read and routine business transacted. These developed that the Land League had not increased in members, but, on the contrary, had decreased during the past year; that a majority of the patriots of America had become tired of giving their earnings for ‘Simon Pure agitation;’ of the 900 branches existing a year ago, 105 had disbanded, and 298 had failed to report. The total receipts for the past year from all sources were 79,138 dollars, 40 cents, and the disbursements 74,123 dollars, 40 cents, leaving on hand a balance of 4915 dollars.
“There was an evident desire upon the part of clerical delegates and lady Land Leaguers (who evinced a fear of amalgamating with dynamiters and secret society Revolutionists) to retain the organisation intact, dropping the word land, adopting the platform of the Dublin Convention of last October, electing their officers for the ensuing year, calling themselves the National League, and adjourning sine die. This policy received an able but unscrupulous supporter in Miles O’Brien of New York, a renegade member of the V.C., who exhibited the last circular of instructions from the F.C. to a number of priests to show them how they were to be manipulated by the terrible Clan-na-Gaels. Had this source been successful it would have prevented union, it would have continued the various factions, and the formidable front presented to-day of all the societies of the country pledged upon one platform to work united with one object in view would never have been achieved.
“Brother Brown of St. Louis moved a substitute for all resolutions to declare the Land League dissolved after the adjournments of this Convention, and the delegates to attend the National Convention the next day. This eventually was practically carried by a large majority.
“The Convention, to which I presented credentials from this body on Thursday morning, presented the grand array of nearly 1200 delegates upon the floor, the stage being decorated with portraits, paintings, statues, flags, and flowers, and graced by some fifty ladies—conspicuous amongst them being Mrs. Parnell and Mrs. Frank Byrne—the galleries packed to overflowing, some five thousand interested spectators being present, a sight not soon to be forgotten.
“Again the V.C. showed the work of its second conference of Wednesday night, the proceedings being opened by Brother Sullivan, and Brother Dorney being unanimously elected temporary presiding officer, the temporary secretaries being Brothers Roach of Troy, Brown of St. Louis, Hines of Buffalo, and Gleason of Cleveland. The appointment of the Committee on Credentials, after the opening speeches, constituted the first work on hand, and here again the perfect organisation of the V.C. developed itself; and the first breeze created by the Rossa-Dunne faction, who moved an amendment that each society have a member upon the Committee on Credentials, was promptly voted down. Rossa presented his credentials as a member of the National Party of New York, but was admitted only upon a press ticket.
“The knowledge of a blood and thunder set of resolutions being in the pocket of Major Horgan of New York, ready to be fired, regardless of consequences, into the Convention, required the passage of a resolution that, until permanent organisation was effected, all resolutions offered should be referred to the Committee on Resolutions without being read. A permanent organisation was effected in the afternoon by the unanimous election of Brother Foran of Cleveland as presiding officer. The various committees being appointed, the Convention adjourned till Friday morning, the result of the day’s work summarised showing that there was nothing to warrant the fear that the Rossa faction would develop any strength or discord; that the V.C. were in the majority everywhere; that by every action it was desired to follow out the instructions of Mr. Parnell as cabled to the Convention on that day; and at least, so far as the public policy was concerned, to drop all nitro-glycerine methods of procedure, and to perfect the union of the united societies of the country and Canada upon one platform, for the purpose of sustaining Parnell and his policy by acting and existing permanently as an auxiliary body, or rather further, to the Irish National League.
“One straw to show which way the wind blew was the nomination in committee of P. A. Collins of Boston for permanent chairman. His candidature was unitedly set down with a will for his action in offering a reward of 5000 dollars for the discovery of the killers of Burke and Cavendish last year.
“Friday morning found the Convention in session with the various committees on Plan or Organisation, Platform, Resolutions, and Permanent Organisation ready to report. After some spirited speech-making by Fathers Boylan and Agnew, and others, Dr. O’Reilly of Michigan submitted the report of the Committee on Resolutions, in which was included the platform of the National League of America. After reading, an attempt was made by Finerty to adopt them seriatim, for the purpose of getting inserted some more favourable to the turbulent Rossa-Dunne faction. They were, however, adopted as a whole....
“The Committee on Organisation presented their report, which was unanimously adopted.
“It was then in order to elect officers for the ensuing year. Alexander Sullivan nominated Dr. O’Reilly of Michigan as treasurer. He was elected without opposition, Father Walsh having declined, stating privately that he had to choose between his parish and the treasurership; and that being the case, he would have to decline.
“The nomination for president resulted in the almost unanimous choice of Brother Alexander Sullivan, who, after twice diplomatically declining, finally was prevailed upon to accept. The Executive Council of one from each State was elected, a large majority of whom were members of the V.C.
“Brother Hines of Buffalo was unanimously elected permanent secretary. Various sums of money were subscribed for the new league, principally by the ladies. Resolutions were passed turning over the books, balances on hand, and property of the old Land League to the new League.
“Speeches expressive of God-speed and goodwill followed by everybody, and the Convention adjourned to meet again next year at the call of the Executive.
“The Executive Council subsequently met and elected the Council of Seven, five of which are members of the V.C.
“To briefly summarise the results of the Convention, we find the unification of all Irish societies pledged under one leadership to follow the lines laid down by Parnell and the party at home, not to lead but to follow them whence they may go with all the energy, practical and financial support possible—a proof to the world that the ten millions of Irish nationality upon the continent can be represented in convention by their 1200 delegates, and work harmoniously and unitedly, and giving to those, and their number is legion, who believe in force alone, the supreme satisfaction of knowing that the machinery of the cause is now under the control and direction of their comrades, who believe, as they do, that dynamite, or any other species of warfare that can be devised is perfectly legitimate, so long as it can be made effective, and accomplish results permanent and tangible.
“Michael Boyton arrived upon the second day of the Convention with two members of the Supreme Council, who, as it will be readily understood, did not figure publicly upon this occasion.”