October 19, 1867

FENIANS ATTEMPT BORDER CROSSING

Two Fenians in full uniform crossed the Suspension Bridge at Niagara Falls, landing on the Canadian shore before being stopped by the bridge guard. Upon questioning the men said they had fought at Fort Erie in June 1866 and that they were planning another trip into Canada that would soon take them further into the Dominion. Upon drawing a crowd of onlookers the two retreated back to the United States.

The men were part of a demonstration of Fenians who arrived in Niagara Falls, New York, from Buffalo aboard a train that consisted of some “nine car loads of Fenians, roughs, prostitutes, &c”, according to the St. Catharine’s Journal. The Fenians were kitted out in uniforms with rifles, bayonets, knapsacks, etc. Their parade around the town was led by a fife and drum band.

It is hard to escape the conclusion when taken in conjunction with yesterday’s report, that no exaggeration accompanies the Fenian threats of a renewed attack on our country.

The Fenians ended their excursion in a brawl amongst themselves following an evening of dinner, dancing, and drinking.

Meanwhile, a petition seeking the release of Father John McMahon has been submitted to Lord Monck. Father McMahon was convicted last year of having participated in the Fenian uprisings of 1866 and was sentenced to be hanged by the neck until he was dead.

Lord Monck, acting on instruction from the colonial secretary, commuted McMahon’s death sentence, along with those of the other Fenian prisoners, converting them to 20 years hard labour at the Kingston Penitentiary.

JOSEPH HOWE TO BREAK SILENCE

Joseph Howe, leader of the Anti-Confederationists in Nova Scotia will make his first public appearance since the election when he speaks at the Protestant Workingmen’s Concert in Montreal on October 22.

The speech will hopefully answer some of the questions facing the Anti-Confeds as the first meeting of Parliament approaches. Will Joseph Howe accept a cabinet seat if offered? Will the Anti-Confeds take their seats in the Commons? Was the election seen as a referendum on Dr. Tupper’s government or was it an actual vote against Confederation?

We will endeavour to bring you a report.