PROCEEDINGS FOR ALLEGED CONTEMPT.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7257, 17 January 1889, Page 5

PROCEEDINGS FOR ALLEGED CONTEMPT.

MR W. O'BRIEN BEFORE THE COURT.

fPHR PRESS ASSOCIATION.} Received January 16th, 8.10 p.m.

London, January 15,

The Times - Parnell Commission, which adjourned on the 14th December for the Christmas and New Year's holidays, resumed its sittings to-day. Sir Charles Russell, counsel for the Parnellites, drew the attention of the Commission to an article which had been published in the Worcester Daily Times reflecting on the proceedings before the Commission. The learned counsel contended that the remarks of the journal were highly improper, and urged that the publisher of the paper should be punished for contempt. After some discussion, the matter was postponed for further consideration. Mr William O'Brien, M.P. for Cork County, N.E., and Editor of the Home Rule paper United Ireland, who was arrested on the 16th December by order of Sir James Hannen, President of The Times-J?exne\l Commission for publishing an article in the paper above named, stated to have been couched in outrageous language grossly insulting to the Commission, was first dealt with. Upon being asked to explain his conduct Mr O'Brien burst into a passionate harangue, and in the course of his speech claimed the right as a public journalist to criticise the proceedings as well as the decisions of the Commission so far as they referred to political matters. He contended that if this right to comment on the proceedings of the Commission were denied to the public journals in Ireland, it would involve the suspension of all political discussion in that country. Sir James Hannen intimated that the Commission would take time to considerthe question, and would deliver judgment at a future day. The next case dealt with was that of the Hon. G. 0. Broderick, Warden of Merton College, against whom a complaint was made that at the inauguration of the liberal Unionist League at Oxford he had compared Michael Davitt to the Whitechapel murderer. Mr Broderick, when called upon immediately tendered to the Commission a complete and graceful apology for having made the allusion referred to, and was. thanked by S.r. Jas. Hannen for thus at once making the amende honorable and so saving the time of the Commission.

The hearing of evidence was then resumed. Received January 16th, 10.50 p.m. London, January 16. A witness named Jago, a member of the Committee of the Killoe Branch of the League, was examined before the Times-VameU Commission, yesterday. He swore that he and another murdered a grazier named Hooligan, by order of the League, and that the President of the local branch paid them money for the committal of the crime. He also swore that the Killoe Branch received money for this purpose from the Central League, Dublin, on August 10th. Received January 16th, 10.15 p.m. Before TJie Times-Parhell Commission to-day, the Hon. G. C. Broderick, Warden of Merton College, Oxford, was called upon to explain his conduct in comparing Michael Davitt to the Whitecbapel murderer. After hearing his explanation, the Commission dismissed him, without ordering any punishment. Sir K. % Webster, Attorney-General, counsel for lite Times t made a statement as to the course of business. He said that evidence as to the cause and effect of crime in Ireland was neatly concluded, and that in all probability he would be able to proceed with the evidence relating to the letters alleged to have been written by Parnell next week.

William O'Brien, M.P., charged with publishing in United Ireland an article insulting to the Commission, claimed the right to criticise the Commission, and disclaimed any intention of intimidating. Judgment was reserved.