IrishAmericanArticle17Sep1870

Gentlemen – At the convention which assembled at Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 23^rd ult., it was determined by the delegates there assembled, that, in case the undersigned “Committee on Union” there appointed should fail to effect a Union with the Savage Convention, the Directory there appointed should take charge of the Organization there and then inaugurated under the title of the “United Irishmen”

We are reluctantly compelled to announce that since the Savage Convention has rejected our successive offers of Union, the United Irishmen are now the only party to which the Organization, represented at Cincinnati, owe any allegiance. These Organizations are as follows: The Senate Organization, presided over by James Gibbons, Esq.; the Irish National Brotherhood presided over by Daniel O’Madigan, Esq.; and such Circles of the party presided over by John Savage, Esq. As sent delegates to the Cincinnati Convention, as well as such other Organizations as were there represented.

The Directory in whose hands the government of the United Irishmen now rests is as follows:

On our way from Cincinnati, part of your Committee called on James Gibbons, Esq., at Philadelphia, and he fully indorsed the action of the Convention, and requested your Committee to do everything possible to carry out your instruction. Other members of the council were as emphatic as Mr. Gibbons, and advised we should concede to any reasonable proposition from Mr. Savage’s organization to accomplish our mission.

The following letter was received from our associate, Hon. Dennis Dwyer: –

Dear Sirs – Since my return from Cincinnati my wife, who was sick before I went down, has grown suddenly worse, so much so, that at present writing she is in a dangerous condition; and unless she improves before to-morrow night or Monday, I can not possibly leave. If I cannot be with you, I shall regret it exceedingly, since I am most anxious for a union of Irishmen in the present crisis of European affairs. I appeal to you, therefore, as men who have sacrificed much for the cause of Ireland , to make every honorable concession at this time to bring about a union; let no technicalities stand in the way of an honorable adjustment. I cannot believe for a moment that your offer will be rejected, for your mission is to Irishmen who have the same patriotic impulses as yourselves, and who must necessarily realize the necessity of Union. I wish I were possessed of eloquence and influence to press this matter as strongly as I feel; but I know it is in good hands, and that nothing shall be omitted. If it is possible I shall go to New York; but in case I don’t, I want you fully apprised of the cause of my absence.

Excuse the hasty manner in which this is written, as I want to get it off in the mail about leaving. With best wishes for your health and success,
I remain yours fraternally, Dennis Dwyer.

On the afternoon of Wednesday, August 31^st, we sent to the Congress, at St. James’ Hall, New York, Avenue A, the following Communication:

To the President and delegates of the Fenian Brotherhood in Convention assembled:

Gentlemen: We herewith present a copy of our credentials authorizing us to act as a Union Committee, on behalf of the Irish National Convention, held in Cincinnati, O., August 23^rd, 24^th, and 25^th, 1870. To more clearly present our instructions and explain their purport, we respectfully ask admission, as a Committee, to your body, with privilege to be heard in their support.

The mission of Union intrusted to us involves the destinies of our race. We are confident our request will be met by your body in that spirit of patriotism and fraternity prompting our acts, and which we feel reciprocally animates your Convention.

Headquarters, Irish National Congress, Mozart Hall, Cincinnati, O. August 25, 1870

Gentlemen – You have been elected by the unanimous vote of the Irish National Congress now in session here, representing Irishmen and Irish Organizations convened from all parts of the United States, in response to the Call of James Gibbons, President of the executive council of the Fenian Brotherhood, as presided over by him, to wait on both branches of the Fenian Brotherhood and the Irish National Brotherhood, for the purpose of securing their adhesion to , and acceptance of, the basis of Union this day unanimously adopted by the Congress, to further and perfect the Union of every Irish Nationalist in American and Ireland. Your are urgently requested by the Congress to use your utmost endeavors in furthering the object of your mission, and to assure the representatives of the several Organizations that his is intended to be a Union in fact, projected on the necessities of the hour, and in the utmost faith to all parties concerned. You are also requested to aid in securing a Directory in conformity with the spirit laid down in the basis for Union adopted by the Congress. Respectfully,

The following is the basis of Union proposed by the Irish National Convention which met at Cincinnati on the 23^rd, 24^th and 25^th days of August, 1870: –

Third. The Organization shall co-operate with the Irish Revolutionary Brotherhood of Ireland.

Fourth. The local Circles shall send to the Directory not exceeding ten per cent of their receipts.

Fifth. A Directory shall be formed to govern the Organization, consisting of seven members, three of which shall be chosen from the Savage branch of the F. B., Three from the Senate branch of the F. B. and one from the I.N.B., and care shall be taken to select as members of this Directory, persons who are entirely unobjectionable to either of the present organizations.

I certify the foregoing to be a true copy of the basis of Union adopted by the Irish National Congress held at Cincinnati on the 23^rd, 24^th and 25^th, August, 1870.

In answer to the foregoing, a committee from the Convention waited on us Thursday, p.m. to know “who and what we represented, who were delegates at Cincinnati, their number, standing, &c.; and, finally, if your Committee had full power to speak for the body presided over by Mr. Gibbons, and if we had the power to treat with them. They said they were empowered to admit us or not, as might appear advisable to them.

The committee, after a long catechizing, invited us to go before their Convention.

We there advocated the object of our mission, and answered all questions propounded by the several members thereof, when, by a vote of the convention, we were requested to withdraw. A little later a Committee of nine from the Convention waited on us, and their Chairman, Mr. Paul, again questioned your committee in regard to the extent of tour authority, &c. We answered, “We came with full power to perfect a Union, and that, to any agreement we entered into, we would agree to get the signature of James Gibbons and his assistants in the [?Council] of the F. B. and also the officials and parties representing the Irish National Brotherhood and others.” Whereupon Mr. Paul represented that the Committee were ??athed with like powers and presented the following as the instructions from the Convention which they were empowered to alter as they might deem best:

The committee of the whole organized [with Mr. ??? ??? Glens Falls, N. Y. chairman and Mr. R J Morrison, Secretary --- the rest of the first column of the IA article was illegible – several paragraphs – the top on the next column and is apparently the continuation of the counter proposal from the Savage group in Convention]

by article. The time for speaking by each member was limited to five minutes, except in the discretion of the Chairman.

“The first section of the articles of Union, that the name of the united organization proposed to be formed shall be the ‘United Irishmen,’ was then discussed, and, on motion it was agreed unanimously that we shall retain the title of ‘Fenian Brotherhood,’ because of its historic associations and of the necessity of preserving the name which has for years represented the aspirations of the Irish people for independence.”

“The suggestion in regard to the payment of salaries to officers was then debated, and on motion, it was resolved, unanimously, ‘that salaried officers are a necessity to practical and efficient organization.’

“The third section, in regard to direct cooperation with eh Irish Revolutionary Brotherhood was then unanimously adopted. The section which declares that local Circles shall send to the governing body not exceeding ten per cent of their receipts was then very thoroughly discussed, and, on motion, it was carried that all monies be transmitted to eh Central Office, but that fifty percent but that fifty percent be retained there as a war fund. The last article of the basis of Union, which says that the Senate Party shall be represented in the Council of the new Organization by three men, the I.N.B. by one, and the F. B. three, was then carefully considered, and, on motion, it was carried that Union be formed by allowing the Organization represented by Committee of Conference to have two representatives; the Organization lately presided over by General O’Neill to have two representatives, and the Fenian Brotherhood four representatives, ALL WORKING UNDER THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE F.B.”

After discussing the proposition pro and con, all the afternoon, your Committee agreed to the following:

The proposition in reference to co-operation with he IRB was mutually agreed to.

After a general discussion of all the other points at issue, the Joint Committee adjourned to 9 o’clock, Friday morning, when, after a further discussion of all the matters involved, each Committee withdrew for consultation owing to the wide difference of opinion amongst them, the Committee from the N.Y. Convention, urging the necessity of paid officials to secure responsibility, the abolishment of conventions, all monies to be sent to headquarters, that General O’Neill represented the major part of the Organization presided over by Mr. Gibbons, and was entitled to like representation, that the Irish National Brotherhood represented nothing, etc.

“That the directory be formed of (4) from each party represented here, and in case General O’Neill have an Organization that representation by given him; but that the F. B. (i.e. the Savage Party) add equal numbers to these added by him, the United Directory to decide what representation O’Neill’s party shall have.”

Your Committee objected to his, for the reason they were here to deal with organizations, not men. If General O’Neill, or any other one for him, could show he had any number of adherents, they were willing to recognize the fact and treat with them; that no party had come forward claiming any such representation; and it was time enough to consider it when they did; that any recognition of General O’Neill, under the circumstances , would not , and could not, be tolerated, even had not his betrayal of the trust placed in him forever put him beyond the recognition of his countrymen.

The matter of General O’Neill was then postponed, and by request your committee proposed the following as a compromise on the matter of finance, viz.:

“We propose that 15 per cent of 25 per cent of all monies received by the Circles to headquarters, of which 20 per cent shall be remitted to the IRB and 5 per cent or 10 per cent used to run the Organization, the balance of 75 per cent to be retained by the Circles as a War Fund, subject to the call of the Directory only in case of war or for military purposes.”

“Submitted by the Committee from New York Convention that 25 per cent of the monies received by Circles be retained in Circles; 75 per cent to be forwarded to headquarters, of which another 25 per cent shall be retained, and only used as a war fund; the remainder or 50 per cent of the entire proceeds used for running headquarters and supporting the I.R.B.”

We proposed to submit both propositions to a vote of the Circles of the United Organization, and to be governed by the result.

“We propose 25 per cent, war fund, shall remain in the Circles; 50 per cent, war fund, shall at central treasury; 15 or 20 per cent be remitted the I. R. B. and the balance of 5 per cent or 10 per cent used to run headquarters.”

“Disposition of the Fenian funds, 25 per cent to be retained by the Circles as a local war fund; 75 per cent to be sent to the headquarters, to be appropriated as follows: 25 per cent of the whole to be allotted as a permanent war fund; 10 per cent of the whole to be allotted to defraying expenses of headquarters; 40 per cent of the whole to be devoted to Irish Revolutionary purposes.”

The New York Committee then pressed their former proposition in regard to giving General O’Neill representation in the Council, and ignoring the Irish National Brotherhood in toto. We proposed the following:

“Equal representation for both sides of the F. B. in Council, and that if General O’Neill hereafter develops any strength of organization the Executive shall call a Congress, and there the United Organization can give as much representation to the organization (so developed) as they may be entitled to.”

“That the Council represent the divided elements of Fenianism, so that all may be again really united, and all conflicting elements reconciled.

“Four men from the party represented at the party represented at the Cincinnati Convention.

“One man from the party lately under the leadership of General O’Neill, the last named to be appointed by the representatives of General O’Neill’s party when they come together.

“We hold that any Union without representation of from the so-called O’Neill party, will not be a Union to give satisfaction to our Convention or to conduce to the future progress of the objects which we all have in view.”

At this period of our negotiation enquiry was again made if our Committee has full power: we answered, “Full power.”

The Committee promised to give us an answer in a few minutes. We waited two hours and over, when they notified us they would give us an answer at 9 o’clock next morning.

Gentlemen: – When we made our last proposition, last evening at 8:00 o’clock, you promised to give us an answer in five or ten minutes. After waiting here until 9:45, one of your Committee instructed us to be here to receive your answer at 9:00 o’clock this morning. We have been here at the time appointed, and on representations of Mr. Paul, agreed to wait on you until two o’clock P. M. It is now fast nearing your honor [?hour]of adjournment, and we are still with out your answer.

We do not desire to be captious, but are of opinion our object her should be considered by you of sufficient moment to demand your answer forthwith.

On behalf of the Irish race, we demand you give us a reply, so that, incase we cannot agree, we may bring the matter before you Congress before its adjournment.

We should say the New York Committee gave it as a reason of their delay, that they were communicating with General O’Neill.[2] They then offered as a settlement of the difference, the following:

“Equal presentation in council and that any Circle of General O’Neill’s party, which shall join the Organization, shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of Circles of the lat F. B. in good standing.

The New York Committee then reported though Mr. Paul that their last proposition was not oananimously (sic) approved of by their Committee, and would have to be reported to eh Convention for their action; but in all else their action was final. Whereupon it was agreed to put the propositions as agreed on, in writing, for the ratification and signature of the members of the respective Committees.

The following was then written and read time and again to the joint Committee and all agreed to its correctness:

First. The United Organization shall be known and recognized by the name and title of the “Fenian Brotherhood.”

Second. The Executive Body shall consist of a Council of Twelve: six of whom shall be nominated by the Savage wing of the F. B., and six by the body presided over by James Gibbons, and the parties representing the Irish National Brotherhood and others at the late Cincinnati Congress. One of the number, on one side to be Financial and General Secretary, all of whom on both sides shall be unobjectionable men to both parties, and shall be presented within after signing the signing of this agreement; the Executive Secretary shall be entitled to receive dollars per annum; but he shall have no vote in the council; but shall have the right to be heard on all questions. Four members of the Council shall be appointed as Trustees and all monies deposited in their name; and it shall take three of the members to draw it. They shall be appointed or elected by the Council at its first meeting – two from each side.

Third. The strictest economy shall be observed and maintained in every branch of the organization, and in no event should a sum to exceed ten per cent of the cash receipts be expended in running the organization.

Fourth. Circles, after deducting local expenses, shall remit monthly to the Headquarters ten per cent of their receipts for the purpose of running the Organization; twenty per cent for accumulation at Headquarters as a war fund, and forty per cent to be devoted to Irish revolutionary purposes, the balance of twenty five per cent to be retained by the circles for accumulation for war purposes.

Fifth. The United Organization shall act in conjunction and co-operate with the Irish Revolutionary Brotherhood.

Sixth. The representation in all future Congresses shall be apportioned with regard to Districts and not Circles; but Circles shall participate in the election of their District delegates.

Seventh. The Council shall form the Constitution of the Fenian Brotherhood in conformity to the propositions as herein agreed on.

Eighth. It is hereby expressly agreed that each and every member of the Council (Secretary excepted) shall form a like and equal component part of the Executive Body, and the President shall be recognized only as its presiding officer while in session. And neither the President nor any member of the Council shall, in any event, receive any compensation for services (Secretary excepted); the President shall be the medium of communication with the Irish Revolutionary Brotherhood; the President shall have a vote, and shall be Commander-in-Chief of the Fenian Military Body and “Legion of St. Patrick.”

When the above was read and passed upon as the unanimous action of the joint Committee, it was proposed by Mr. Paul, that the Committee retire to decide which would have the President and which the Secretary. On our reassembling, Mr. Paul, for his Committee, proposed to take the President and giver your Committee the Secretary; and we proposed to do the same by him. Mr. Paul found fault with our refusal to give his Committee the President; whereupon we agreed to decide the matter by lot. This was refused. On our requesting the Committee to sign the agreement, as far as made, they refused, and stated they would submit the matter to the Congress and give us an answer in a short time. WE waited until one o’clock, Sunday morning, for an answer from the Congress, and were then notified to call again at 11 A.M. We were there to time, but the Committee did not meet until three P.M. when our original agreement was presented in the following altered shape:

Messrs. Joseph Paul, George Cahill, William M. Curry, John J. Marrin, Edward McSweeney, D. F. O’Keefe, Col. P. J.Dowling, William H. Laughlin, and John McKenna, a committee appointed by the Congress of the F. B. now in session, and presided over by John Savage, Esq., and Messrs. John F. Scanlan, W. J. Nicholson, P. H. Walsh (sic), Dennis Dwyer, and P. W. Dunne, a committee appointed by the Irish National Congress held in Cincinnati, Ohio August 23^rd, 24^th and 25^th last past, and speaking for and on behalf of the Fenian Brotherhood presided over by James Gibbons, Esq., and the Irish National Brotherhood presided over by Daniel O’Madigan, and others there represented having met for the purpose of perfecting a lasting and permanent Union of the Irish Nationalists and Irish race in America and the Canadas, have agreed hereby to, on behalf of their respective constituents, and hereby bind themselves and their respective organizations to the following agreement:

First. The United Organization shall be known and recognized by the name and title of the “Fenian Brotherhood.”

Second. The Executive Body shall consist of a Council of twelve (12); six of whom shall be nominated by the Organization presided over by John Savage., one of whom shall be the President and six by the body representing the late Cincinnati Convention, one of whom shall act as Secretary, all of whom on both sides shall be unobjectionable men to both sides and to General O’Neill, and shall be presented within ____ days after the signing of the agreement; the Executive Secretary shall be entitled to receive _______ dollars salary per annum, and shall have no vote in the Council, but shall have the right to be heard on all questions. Four members of the Council shall be appointed as Trustees; all moneys shall be deposited in their names and it shall take three of their number to do draw it. They shall be appointed or elected by the Council at its first meeting – two from each side.

Fourth. Circles, after deducting local expenses, shall remit monthly to the Headquarters ten per cent of their receipts for the purpose of running the Organization; twenty per cent for accumulation at headquarters as a war fund, and forty per cent to be devoted to Irish revolutionary purposes, the balance of twenty five per cent to be retained by the circles for accumulation for war purposes.

Fifth. The United Organization shall act in conjunction and operate directly with the Irish Revolutionary Brotherhood.

Sixth. The representation in all future Conventions shall be apportioned with regard to Circles in good standing; but Circles shall participate in the election of their District Delegates. No District Officer shall be a District Secretary.

Seventh. The Council shall form the Constitution of the Fenian Brotherhood in conformity to the propositions as herein agreed on.

Eighth. It is hereby expressly agreed that each and every member of the Council (Secretary excepted) shall form a like and equal component part of the Executive Body, and the President shall be recognized only as its presiding officer, and shall exercise supervisory direction over the Secretary and books and of the Organization. And neither the President nor any member of the Council shall, in any event, receive any compensation for services rendered (Secretary excepted); but the President shall have a vote and shall be Commander in Chief of the Fenian Military forces.

Tenth. Any Circle of Gen. O’Neill’s party which shall join this Organization shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of Circles in good standing in this Fenian Brotherhood.

Eleventh. The Headquarters of this Fenian Brotherhood shall be located in New York City.

Your Committee objected to these alterations, and were answered it was the work of the Convention. When we called the attention of the New York Committee to the fact that they heretofore claimed full power to act, and had only withdrawn to submit their last proposition, they then acknowledged the alterations were their own, and that if we would give them the President they would agree to stand by their agreements, asn so report to their Convention, “striking out all interpolations and erasures in regard to parties represented at Cincinnati, and in regard to the Council being elected unobjectionable to O’Neill.”

After consultation with their Convention, they then presented the following ultimatum:

Resolved. That the Committee be further instructed to oppose all opposition to men who have held position in the F. B. based solely upon their official connection therewith, be rejected and that this is our ultimatum.

Our Committee object in toto to the eleventh article. We further object to all changes or erasures made in the agreement last night from the first page to section 8, inclusive, save and except we are willing to erase “and Legion of St. Patrick” and will agree to give the President in this convention, provided they give us an unobjectionable man, and one who has never held any office under the Fenian Brotherhood outside of Circle officials.

Your Committee receiving no immediate answer sent the following to the Convention, the New York Committee having represented their labors closed:

Gentlemen: Your ultimatum is before us, and we regret we cannot, in view of the grave results that may arrive therefrom, accept it. We, however, feel we owe it to your body and our Committee to state our objections, hoping that your “love of country” will induce its reconsideration.

We object to your charter because it is, or is not, worthless. If worthless it is useless to accept it, if otherwise it would lead to endless complications and provoke continued litigation if EVEN ONE of your Executive Council should be recreant to his trust.

We are, however, willing the charter should be referred to the United Council, when elected, with instructions to adopt or reject it, as their wisdom may dictate.

In regard to our objection against any party being elected to eh Council who has heretofore held office, outside District and local Circles or state Centers, we are of opinion NO REAL UNION can be perfected unless all parties on all sides, who have heretofore held positions as Presidents, Senators, Councilors, Secretaries, Treasurers, Organizers, etc. shall be set aside.

We desire that all new men be elected to the Council, so that they can come together without bias and we feel certain any Council elected otherwise will fail to secure the confidence and support of our people, so necessary to give effect to Union, and advance the morale and power of the Organization to the pint expected of us by the Irish Nationalists here and at home.

Countrymen, “we worship the idea, slaves worship men.” Let no man or men stand between us and our country. We have conceded you the President, which gives you the majority on the council; we cannot believe but you can present good men outside your past and present officials. All we ask is “IS HE HONEST, EARNEST AND CAPABLE?” Give us such and we will accept him.

In case you recede from your position and accept our propositions we would respectfully ask, that you appoint a Committee of like number with ours, with full power and instructions to perfect the Union on the basis as presented, the names of Council to be filled at or before noon tomorrow, September 5^th, and that, on the Council being so filled, our joint committee be instructed to call a ratification meeting at the earliest day possible, and that all Circles all over the country be notified to do the same on the same day , and send the news over the associated press. But in case you refuse our propositions we ask, as a last resource, to be heard in their support before your convention.

The Congress debated the matter all night, and at about 4 o’clock Monday morning sent us the sad news that “The Congress refused to recede from its ultimatum by a vote of 37 to 14 , and for answer to our request to be heard before Congress handed us the following:

Resolved. That the governing power elected by this body have power to negotiate with any and all organizations towards forming a Union on a Fenian basis.

[1] September 4, 1870 was a Sunday.

[2] O’Donovan Rossa Papers Catholic University of America, Committee report and agreement with O’Neill dated September 7, 1870. O’Neill signed a pact two days after the talks broke down uniting his group with the Savage Wing. Savage Wing Union Committee member Edward McSweeney was a signatory to the O'Neill pact.

The National Movement

Mr. Savage’s party Reject them