Recollections of Fenians and Fenianism Volume 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1896 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XV. FENIAN TESTS AND FENIAN TITLES. Lubt, as I said, had left Paris shortly before I got back there; but, before leaving, had been entrusted by Stephens with the task of remodelling the oath of the I.R.B. This matter does not come strictly within my recollections, as I never took either test, and of course never administered either; and in fact only saw the form as it sometimes turned up conjecturally in the papers; but some account of these tests I must give, to make my narrative intelligible. I go on, then, to give an account of the matter in the words of Luby: --" This Phoenix affair"--(Luby had been giving me many particulars about that small Skibbereen business which I have not found myself inclined, or even able, to hitch into my narrative)--"This Phoenix affair also moved Stephens to cause me to draw up a new and simpler form of test, leaving out the clause of secrecy, but retaining that of obedience to superior officers. Henceforth we denied that we were technically a secret body. We called ourselves a mere military organization, with, so to speak, a legionary oath, like all soldiers." So far in explanation of the change, and of the general nature of both tests; but here are the full forms of both, as subsequently supplied to me by Luby, who with his usual scrupulousness feels bound, to say "that having preserved no copies, and consequently being now thrown wholly on the resources of my memory, I fear I can hardly give you the ipsissima verba. Still, I think I can answer for the substance and a close approach to the very words." Those who know anything about my friend and his phenomenal memory will think that he is putting the case for accuracy rather modestly. But to come to the form as given me: -- ORIGINAL FORM OF TEST....