3 JUNE 1865, Page 2

There is rather more foundation for the " Fenian" programme

than people at first believed. It is stated that the notion of a.: revolt to commence with a massacre is really entertained by certain classes in Irelandrthat bands of men in the South are drilled with sticks, that the peasantry believe in non-existent stores of arms, and that vague expectations are entertained of American assistance. The priests are active against the movement, and it would seem. that if Government could but come to some understanding with them the movement might be silently suppressed. The Irish Church, of course stands in the way of any such accommodation, and is becoming a greater nuisance every day. Its Bishops are actually talking of reviving their special convocation. Why not ask for the'penal laws at once'?