Fenians

an organization of Irish-American revolutionists, established in 1861, which advocated the forcible separation of Ireland from England. By 1863 they had a large following in this country, John O’Mahoney being the moving spirit. Emi aries visited all parts of the country. The British Government watched them closely and spoiled their nearly matured plans for revolution by seizing, September 15, 1865, their organ, the /risk People, in Ireland and arresting a number of their leaders, Luby, O’Leary and O’Donovan Ro a. O’Mahoney proposed to establish an independent government in America, and a convention was held at New York in 1865 for that purpose, O’Mahoney being elected president. The Fenians made several attacks along the Canadian frontier in 1866, and rebellion broke out in Ireland in 1867. It was quickly suppre ed and the Fenians rendered harmle .