FATHER O'DONNELL

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 3889, 2 December 1919, Page 2

FATHER O'DONNELL

EVIDENCE AT THE TRIAL

DEFENDANT'S CASE.

(By Electric Telegraph— right). (Aust.-N.Z. Press Association ) London, November 27. At the O'Donnell trial. Lord Kenilmare evidence that he had met Futhcr O'Donnell on his domain in Killarney on October 10. Accused referred to his work tor conscription in Australia, and stated that he was v Jii-.rponal friend of Mr. Hughes. Father O'Donnell was perfectly sober. Air. Marsh, a commercial traveller, wlio is slighlly deaf, gave evidence that ho met Father O'Donnell at the hotel and conversed with him at dinner. Father O'Donnell deplored the condition of tho Glandicardc Estate, Galwa.y, compared with fourteen years ago. He said : "Lord Clandicardo and his class were of no use to this or any other country." Referring to the railway strike, ho said Lloyd George bad jxot a lot of crodit for the settlement, but ho know King George and not Lloyd George deserved ihe credit. On Marsh referring to the Australia.il> accused had gaid: "We camo to fight for Australia, the Empire, and all small nations. It would have been a bad day for Australia if Germany had won, as it would have done if it were not for Australia."

Lieut. Chambers at this point interrupted, and Father O'Donnell renlied: "Get away and mind your own damned business 1" Clarke said: "This is not a political house." Witness did not remember Father O'Donnell's reply. Later ho said to him: "What do you think of that impertinent brat?"

Witness said surprised: "You did not strike hunY f " Witness retired -ai-er. and did not see Father O'Donnell again until to-day. Mr. Marsh uouied ttiat Father O'Donnell haci said: "Satellites of King George wore tilling tneir pockets," etc., or that their Ata.tesj.ies were unpopular in this oi' any country, or that he hoped the strike would bo the commencement 01 a revolution, etc. Lather O'Doiuieh ivas ouite sober and calm. He recalled tlie conversation when he hearo. that Father O'Donnell had been arrested, but he was surprised to learn that nis arrest was connected with tho conversation, whereof he had heard evory word.

Father O'Donnell in his evidence stated that ho joined the forces in

1917, after an earlier rejection oil medical grounds. Ho took a keen interest in the war.from the outbreak, and had participated in all patriotic movements. He had been chairman of .several committees for raising money, and had supported conscrijvtiou, when he heard from Mr. Hughes the urgency of the situation. Accused produced Australian newspapers with reference to his work, and said bo had always joined in the National Anthem, even jn church, during the Prince of Wales' visit to France, and had had the honour of proposing a toast, and had chatted with the Prince about Australia. He had attended General Birdwood's farewell dinner, and added; "I think we Australians Lave a good deal of cheek, and I asked the Prince to sign the dinner card, and he complied." Witness did not pretend he was a teetotallor. He had had a small glass of wine at three in tho afternoon on October 10. He had walked, with Lord Ken-mai-o afterwards, and then returned to tho hotel and conversed wjth Mr. Marsh across the table. He indignantly denied having used the words alleged. He recalled the conversation as outlined by Mr. Marsh, and had intended the reference to the-King regarding tbe settlement of the strike as a compliment, warding off as it did what might have been a terrible disaster. Father O'Donnell denied having . mentioned Shin Fein condition, and its growth in Australia. Ho admitted lutving told Lieut. Chambers to mind.his own business. He did not remember the words "damned business," but he might havo said it. The President suppressed the laughter, and threatened to clear the Court if it were repeated.

Accused described the barracks whero ho hrf3 been imprisoned. There were dirty'blankets which smelt badly. and were unusable. There was uo fire, despite the cold, and the authorities had refused to send to the hotel for his bag containing medicine, and bad refused to allow communication with his friends. Sentries with fixed bayonets were outside the door of bis room.

_ Mr. Bodkin closely cross-examined lather O'Donnell with reference to the alleged seditious statements. Accused said he had been an Irish Nationalist ever since he could think. He did not -believe-in complete independence, and. did not agree with the sentiments which the prosecution had alleged he had expressed. Ropb'ing to the President, lie said he was never under the influence of liquor in his life.

Several witnesses gave evidence ill regard to Father O'Donnell's loyalty including Mr. Lucas, Acting-Age.it-General for Tasmania, who said that lather O'Donnell had resigned his charge and placed his sen-ices at the disco-sal of the Commonwealth as a soldier, and had assisted in the conscription campaign. He was loyal in every respect.

Lady McCall described him as* a thoroughly loyal son of the Empire. Lieut. Marriott, an Australian, who had lost his sight in the war, believed that Father O'Donnell had got more recruits than any clorgvmaji of any denomination.

London. November 27. Ihe Court in the O'Donnell case, deliberated an hour and three-quarters. Ihe crowded court loudly cheered the verdict, and many friends congratulated O'Donnell.