The American Government seems a little perplexed what to do
with Fenians. " General " O'Nie]l and some of his followers have recently attempted a raid upon Manitoba, where they doubtless expected • assistance from the old Riel party. Lord Granville, warned of the conspiracy, telegraphed to Washington ; but the United States' Government had already acted, had de- spatched troops, and had arrested O'Niell and his men. Having done that, however, it let them go again, saying that they were caught within the British boundary-line,—a mere excuse, it is believed, to avoid severities. The President seems, in fact, resolved to carry out his international obligations faithfully, but afraid to risk the defection of the Irish vote. The evil of that course is that it encourages the Fenians, who, if not stopped, shoot a few quiet settlers, and create plenty of excitement among the American Irish ; and if stopped, have only to go back again with free passes.
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