TOPIC:

Not as far-fetched as you might think, there were Fenian raids into Canada between 1866 and 1871.
www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/fenian-raids/

Unconfirmed stories have been in circulation here during the past few days of a movement on the part of the Fenians to invade Canada.

The "World" correspondent at Omaha telegraphs as follows: - "The leading Irish-Americans in Nebraska are making preparations with a view to the invasion of Canada. It is positively stated that extensive correspondence is being carried on between the Fenians in the leading cities of the United States, and that a meeting is to be held at Omaha on the 31st inst., as part of a preconcerted and widespread movement to enlist Irish-Americans everywhere in a grand effort to aid the Boers."

A telegram to the "World" from Worcester says that at a meeting of Division 36 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, at which a hundred members were present, a resolution was unanimously passed in favour of the invasion of Canada if the opportune moment arrived.

The "Journal" states that it is understood that Lord Paunceforte has cabled to London emphasising the necessity of guarding the Canadian frontier.

A special dispatch to a Buffalo paper from Dunkirk says: - "The Fenians are stated to be organising here for the invasion of Canada. A man well-informed concerning Fenian affairs at Dunkirk declares that the town has been called upon to raise 600 men of New York's quota of 125,000. Five hundred are known to have been mustered at Dunkirk, and it is reported that the Fenians have two cartloads of munitions concealed in the neighbourhood."

It is denied at the State Department that the attention of the Government authorities has been drawn to the reported attempts in different parts of the country to organise a Fenian raid into Canada, and nothing is known at the Department beyond the newspaper publications. The officials do not give the smallest credence to the alleged movement, and believe that the stories concerning it have been floated for the purpose of frightening the Canadians into keeping their soldiers at home. It is said at the State Department that Lord Paunceforte has not found it necessary to make any remonstrance against the alleged violation of the neutrality of the United States.

The Western Mail, Wednesday 27th December 1899




Toronto, Tuesday. - The alleged plan of the Fenians to invade the Dominion causes no uneasiness. If the invasion were really attempted it could only meet with failure. The Canadian contingents for South Africa have not materially weakened Canada's defences, and she could put about 25,000 men in the field to defend her frontier. - Central News.

South Wales Daily News, Thursday 28th December 1899


New York, Monday. - According to a despatch from Burlington, Vermont, published by the Times, it is reported that the Fenians are storing quantities of dynamite, Lyddite, ammunition, and supplies in remote districts of Vermont and Maine, near the Canadian boundary. It is said a list is being prepared of farmers who can furnish transports. Small railways are being studied, and places which could be easily captured are being located. Other preparations, it is added, are in progress.

South Wales Daily News, Tuesday 2nd January 1900



newspapers.library.wales/view/3468736/3468740/65/

Evening Express, Saturday 28th April 1900


The damage by the great fire amounts now to fifteen or twenty million dollars. Three fires broke out simultaneously, and it is supposed that the fire is the work of Fenians or Boer sympathisers. The superintendent of the fire brigade, and two others have been killed. Others missing.

The Montgomery County Times, Saturday 28th April 1900