XXI.
The arguments were well put, and what was more, they were well timed. They proved successful. Everything appeared in favour of the new move; and the re-establishment of the Fenian organisation in Great Britain on a more compact secret basis, under the title of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, was one of the many satisfactory features of the moment. Matters, however, moved slowly; and, although actually established in 1869, it was not until the year 1873 that the movement became in any way general. Then it was that, merging almost all other societies in itself, the Clan, now known as the V.C. or United Brotherhood, established subordinate bodies or “Camps,” as they were called, almost simultaneously in all the leading centres of the United States. Secrecy was the text preached in every direction. Every member was bound by the most solemn of oaths to keep secret all knowledge of the order and its proceedings which might come to him, under penalty of death. A Masonic form of ritual was adopted; grips, passwords, signs, and terrorising penalties were decided upon; and all the pomp and circumstance of mystery, so dear to the Irish heart and so effective in such a conspiracy, were called to the aid of those who now inculcated this new doctrine.
Undoubtedly, there was no secret made amongst its members as to the treasonable character of the organisation. The official printed Constitution set forth the truth of the matter in no uncertain way. “The object,” it stated, “is to aid the Irish people in the attainment of the complete and absolute independence of Ireland, by the overthrow of English domination: a total separation from that country, and the complete severance of all political connection with it; the establishment of an independent republic on Irish soil, chosen by the free votes of the whole Irish people, without distinction of creed or class, and the restoration to all Irishmen of every creed and class of their natural privileges of citizenship and equal rights. It shall prepare unceasingly for an armed insurrection in Ireland.”
The Ritual and forms of initiation were framed entirely upon Masonic precedent; and, to the vast majority of the members of the Clan, the statement will come no doubt as a great surprise that the much vaunted secret forms of the Masonic order need be secret to them no longer, inasmuch as that, when being admitted to a Clan-na-Gael club, they were going through the same forms and ceremonies as attached themselves to that great source of mystery and wonderment in the eyes of the non-elect, the Masonic Brotherhood. I have often laughed to myself at the surprise shown by some Masons on the occasion of their initiation to Clan-na-Gael clubs—for there are Masons in the Clan—at being brought once more into contact with the familiar procedure. One great feature of similarity exists between the two ceremonies. In both the candidate is impressed with a deep sense of awe and respect, to learn subsequently that nothing very mysterious or wonderful is to come within his knowledge. Though the effect is the same, however, the causes are very different. In one case, that of the Mason, nothing very strange happens or is committed to his secrecy, for the simple reason that the practice of brotherly love and charity requires no unusual strain either on his powers of wonder or reserve; while in the other the poor confiding Irishman is simply intended to play the part of a dupe, to move and subscribe to order, but to be trusted in no single regard, until by jobbery or manipulation he works his way to the higher ranks of the organisation.
The candidates for membership were balloted for in the usual club manner, three black balls excluding. The successful ones having answered different queries regarding their age, belief in God, &c. &c., were, after being blindfolded and shut out from view of their future associates, brought forward and addressed by the Vice-President of the meeting as follows:—
“My Friends,—Animated by love, duty, and patriotism, you have sought affiliation with us. We have deemed you worthy of our confidence and our friendship. You are now within these secret walls. The men who surround you have all taken the obligations of our Order, and are endeavouring to fulfil its duties. These duties must be cheerfully complied with, or not at all undertaken. We are Jsjtinfo (Irishmen) banded together for the purpose of freeing Jsfmboe (Ireland) and elevating the position of the Jsjti (Irish) race. The lamp of the bitter past plainly points our path, and we believe that the first step on the road to freedom is secrecy. Destitute of secrecy, defeat will again cloud our brightest hopes; and, believing this, we shall hesitate at no sacrifice to maintain it. Be prepared, then, to cast aside with us every thought that may impede the growth of this holy feeling among Jsjtinfo (Irishmen); for, once a member of this Order, you must stand by its watchwords of Secrecy, Obedience, and Love. With this explanation, I ask you are you willing to proceed?”
The answer being satisfactory, the candidates were next placed opposite the President, and addressed by him as follows:—
“My Friends,—By your own voluntary act you are now before us. You have learned the nature of the cause in which we are engaged—a cause honourable to our manhood, and imposed upon us by every consideration of duty and patriotism. We would not have an unwilling member amongst us, and we give you, even now, the opportunity of withdrawing, if you so desire. Every man here has taken a solemn and binding oath to be faithful to the trust we repose in him. This oath, I assure you, is one which does not conflict with any duty which you owe to God, to your country, your neighbours, or yourself. It must be taken before you can be admitted to light and fellowship in our Order. With this assurance, and understanding, as you do, that the object of this organisation is the freedom of Jsfmboe (Ireland), will you submit yourself to our rules and regulations and take our obligation without mental reservation?”
At the conclusion of the address, the questions having been put, and correctly replied to, the candidate took the oath as follows:—
“I, ————, do solemnly and sincerely swear, in the presence of Almighty God, that I will labour, while life is left me, to establish and defend a republican form of government in Jsfmboe (Ireland). That I will never reveal the secrets of this organisation to any person or persons not entitled to know them. That I will obey and comply with the Constitution and laws of the V.C., and promptly and faithfully execute all constitutional orders coming to me from the proper authority, to the best of my ability. That I will foster a spirit of unity, nationality, and brotherly love among the people of Jsfmboe (Ireland).
“I furthermore swear that I do not now belong to any other Jsjti sfwpmvujpobsz (Irish revolutionary) society antagonistic to this organisation, and that I will not become a member of such society while connected with the V.C., and, finally, I swear that I take this obligation without mental reservation, and that any violation hereof is infamous and merits the severest punishment. So help me God.” (Kiss the book.)
And then, in conclusion, the President made the following remarks:—
“The name of this Order is the V.C. Its local sub-divisions are styled D.’s, and are known by members. This is D. No. —. The leading object of the V.C. is to co-operate with the J.S.C. (Irish Republican Brotherhood) in securing the independence of Jsfmboe (Ireland), and the special object is to secure the union of all Jsjti Obujpobmjtut (Irish Nationalists). As it is essential for the safe and efficient working of our organisation to preserve the strictest secrecy in reference to it, you will never mention the name of the V.C., or anything connected therewith, to any one whom you do not know to be a member thereof in good standing. And that we may be more effectually guarded from exposure, as well as to secure concentration of effort, you are prohibited by the supreme authority from contributing money to, or otherwise aiding, any other Jsjti sfwpmvujpobsz (Irish revolutionary) society.
“Should you desire to secure some worthy person for membership, you will first have him proposed here, and, if elected, you may then indirectly and carefully ascertain his sentiments on the subject of secret Jsjti Obujpobm (Irish National) organisations, and, should his views be favourable, you might then intimate that you believe there is a secret organisation in existence working for Jsjti (Irish) liberty; and, if he appears inclined to join it, you may admit that you are a member of it, or acquainted with a member of it, and that you think you can secure his admission therein; but no further information must you convey, nor use the name of any person connected with the Order....
“Finally, my brother, be careful that you do not make an improper use of these instructions, and let not the cause of Jsfmboe (Ireland) or the interests of the V.C. suffer through any want of prudence, perseverance, and courage on your part while travelling onwards on the path to freedom. (Two raps.)
“Brothers! It affords me great pleasure to introduce to you your new brother.” (One rap.)