THE INVASION OF CANADA.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 32, 6 February 1877, Page 4

THE INVASION OF CANADA.

The "Ottawa Free Press," of November Hth, says: There seems to be but little doubt that there ia actually a movement going on in Fenian circles on the other side of the line looking towards another thieving expedition of American citizens in the direction of the Qansdian borders. Tolerably reliable information corae-a that a roothouse in the vicinity of St. Albans has beeu converted into an arsenal,, and that a load of bay containin g deadly weapons for the use of the Fenian marauders is on its way to the frontier. As an "invasion," the march of the Fenian hosts might be treated with con-tempt-; but the incursions of even small; bands of armed men across the border threaten seriously the peace aod safety of Canadian citizens, accessible to ~t._t.ejse filibusters, and compel us to guard against possible pillage and murder. Ample preparations have been made to meet every emergency tbat might arise in the performance of this duty. That a movement of some kind among the Feniaaa is on the tapis there is no reasonable doubt. American papers profess to disbelieve it, but that was their policy in former Fenian raids. Beiog under political obligations to the •'lrish vole," the Washington authorities, we may depend, wiil remain oonveniently blind to any action by the Fenians until our border has been violated, when a tardy intervention, as in 1866 and 1870, might be espected. Moreover, there are two reasons whicb indicate that the Fenian leaders are both compelled and invited to make the present time a "convenient season " for « rescuing Ireland" by robbery and murder in Canada. In the first place, the leaders of the organization have accumulated a vast amount of funds for the ostensible purpose of " liberating" the Emerald isle, and as no practical application of those funds for lhat object has been made for several years, considerable impatience and curiosity bas been excited among the masses upon whose credulity this, fraudulent levy has been made. Something must be ! done to show the integrity of the movement, and, a. raid on Ireland not being^ safe, a filibhateiv ing expedition to Canada best appears to answer the purpose. The suspension of the extradition treaty makes the present an exceptionally favorable time for auch a movement. Inasmuch as these valiant patriots take good care to keep within reach of leg bail of the United States, there would be no means of punishing any crimes or misdemeanors that might be perpetrated in Canada. The position of .the United States Government toward, the Feoian organisation.is one' that is disgraceful to that country and to. civilization.