TRIAL OF FATHER O'DONNELL

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 58, 2 December 1919, Page 7

TRIAL OF FATHER O'DONNELL

HIS STORY IN COURT

THAT STRONG LANGUAGE

By Telesriph-Preßi Aseoclatioii-CoDyrizht (Koc. December 1, 5.0 p.m.) London, November 27. At the O'Donnell trial, Lord Kenmiiro gave evidence that ho met U'JJonuell on Ins domain at Killnrney on October 10. The accused referred to his work lor conscription in Australia, and stated that lie. was a personal friend of .Mr. Hushes. O'DoiuicH was pertectly sober. Mr. Marsh, n commercial traveller, slightly deal, gave evidence that ho met O'Douiicll at the hotel and conversed wiUi him at dinned'. O'Donuell deplored tho condition ot the Clanrieardo estate in Ga'.way, as compared with its condition fourteen years ago. Lord Clanriearde and Jiis class were no use to this or any country. Referring to the railway strike, ho said that Mr. Lloyd George hud got a lot of credit lor tho' settlement, but he knew that lung George, and not Lloyd George, deserved tho credit. On Marsh referring to tho Australians, tho accused taid: "We came to' iie-lit for Australia, the Empire, and all the small nations of, the earth. It would have been a bad day for Australia if Germany had won, as she would have done if it had not been for Australia. Lioutonant Chambers at this point interrupted, and O'Donnell replied: '•(Jot away and mind vour own damned business I" Captain Chirko said: "Tins is not a political house." Witness didn t remember O'Donnell's reply. Later, no said to him: "What do you think of that impertinent brat?" Witness said: "J am surprised you did not strike him. Witness retired later, and did not see O'Donnell again until to-day. Marsli denied that o'Don.neU said that the "satellites of Kins George word fillimj their pockets," etc., or that Their Majesties were unpopular in this or amother country, or that ho hoped the (strike would be tho commencement of a revolution, etc.. O'Donnell was quite sober and culm. Cross-examined, tho witness recalled a conversation when ho heard that O'Donnell had been arrested, but he was surprised to learn that the iirre.-st was connected with tho conversation ot which ho had heard every word. O'Donnell, in evidence, stated that he joined the forces in 1917, after earlier rejection on medical grounds. He tool; a keen interest in tho war from the outbreak, and participated iiv all patriotic movements. He was chairman of several committees for raising monev. and supported conscription when he heard from Mr. Hughes the urgency of the situation. Accused produced Australian newspapers with reference to Ins work, and said ho always joined in lie National Anthem, even in church. During the Prince of Wales's visit to France ho had the honour of proposing tho toast, and chatted to the Prince about Australia. Ho attended General Birdwood's farewell dinner. Ho added: "I think we Australians have a good (leal of cheek. I asked the Prince to eisjn my dinner card. Ho complied." Witness did not pretend to be a teetotaller. Ho had a small glass of wine at three o'clock in the afternoon of October 10. walked to Kenmare, and afterwards returned to the hotel and conversed with Harsh across the table. He indignantly denied that he hall used the words alleged. He the conversation as outlined by Marsh. He intended the referenco to the Kinpr regarding the settling of the strike as a compliment for warding off what illicit have been a terrible disaster. Q'Doniiell denied that ho mentioned Sinn l'ein and the condition of its growth in Australia. Otherwise he admitted that he told Chambers to mind his own business. Ho did not remember saying "d.amned busmen," but he ought to have said it. The President of tho Court suppressed the ensuing laughter, and threatened to clear the Court if the outbursts were repeated. Tho accused described the barracks where ho wns imprisoned. Ho had dirlv blankets, which smelt badly, and ho could not use them. There was no fire, despite the cold. The authorities refused to send to the hotel for a bag containing medicine, and r?i.used to communicate with his friends. Sentries with fixed bayonets were posted outside the door of his room. Sir Alfred Bodkin closely cross-exam-ined OUonnell with reference to the alleged seditious statements. T'no accused said he had been an Irish Nationalist ever since he could think. He did not believe- in complete independence, and he did not agree with the .sentiments which tho nrosecution alleged he expressed. implying to the President, ho said he had never been under the influence of liquor in his life. Several witnesses cave evidence in regard to O'Donnell loyally, including Mr, Lucas, Acting-Ageut-Genera! for Tasmania, who said that O'Dounell resigned his. charge and placed .his services at the disposal of the Commonwealth as a soldier, and assisted in the conscription campaign. Ho was loyal in every respect. Lady M'Call described him as a thoroughly' loyal son of tho Emnire. .Lieutenant Marriott, an Australian who had lost his sight in he war, said lie brtieved that O'Donnell got more recruits than any clergyman of any de-nomination.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable ' Assn.

THE VEEDICT. CRei, December 1, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 27. The Court, in the O'Donnell case, deliberated for an hour and three-quar-ters. The crowd lojidly cheered the verdict, and many friends congratulated Father O'Doiniell.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.