British dominion in Ireland.  Besides, there appeared to be a strong probability that the line of action in favour of the Southern States which England, notwithstanding her proclamation of neutrality, had adopted from an early stage of the conflict, would speedily involve her in a war with the Federal government.  These things constituted a prospect dazzling to the eyes of the Irishmen who had “gone with a vengeance.”  Their hearts bounded with joy at the opportunities that appeared to be opening on them.  At last the time was near, they believed, when the accumulated hate of seven centuries would burst upon the power of England, not in the shape of an undisciplined peasantry armed with pikes, and scythes, and pitchforks, as in 1798—­not in the shape of a half famished and empty-handed crowd, led to battle by orators and poets, as in 1848, but in the shape of an army, bristling with sharp steel, and flanked with thunderous cannon—­an army skilled in the modern science of war, directed by true military genius, and inspired by that burning valour which in all times was one of the qualities of the Irish race.  Influenced by such hopes and feelings, the Irish of the Northern States poured by thousands into the Federal ranks, and formed themselves into regiments that were at the same time so many Fenian circles.  In the Southern army, too, there were many Irishmen who were not less determined to give to their native land the benefit of their military experience, as soon as the troubles of their adopted country should be brought to an end.  Fenianism, with that glow of light upon it, spread like a prairie-fire through the States.  The ranks of the organization swelled rapidly, and money contributions poured like a tide into its treasury.  The impulse was felt also by the society in Ireland.  It received a rapid development, and soon began to put on a bold front towards the government, and a still more belligerent one towards all Irishmen who, while claiming the character of patriots, declined to take part in the Fenian movement or recommend it to their countrymen.  In November, 1863, the brotherhood started the Irish People newspaper in Dublin, for the double purpose of propagating their doctrines and increasing the revenues of the society.  James Stephens was the author of this most unfortunate project.  The men whom he selected for working it out were Thomas Clarke Luby, John O’Leary, and Charles Joseph Kickham.

From the date of its establishment up to the mouth of September, 1865—­a period of nearly two years—­the Irish People occupied itself in preaching what its editors regarded as the cardinal doctrines of the society, which were:—­That constitutional agitation for the redress of Ireland’s grievances was worse than useless; that every man taking part in such agitation was either a fool or a knave; that in political affairs clergymen should be held of no more account than laymen; and that the only hope for Ireland lay in an armed uprising of the people.