FATHER O’DONNELL

Gisborne Times, Volume LI, Issue 5343, 2 December 1919, Page 5

FATHER O’DONNELL

FURTHER EVIDENCE AT COURT-MARTIAL.

CASE FOR THE DEFENCE

DISPARAGING REFERENCE TO

KING DENIED.

United. Press Association—Oopyrmtit. (Received Dec. 1, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 27.

At the court-martial on Father O’Donnell, Lord Kenmare gave evidence that he met O’Donnell on his domain in Killarney on October 10. Accused referred to liis tyork for conscription in Australia, and stated he was a personal friendi of the Hon. W. M. Hughes. O’Donnell was perfectly sober. J. Marsh, a commercial traveller, slightly deaf, gave evidence that he met O’Donnell at the hotel and conversed; with him at dinner. O’Donnell deplored the condition of the Clandicarde estate, Galway, compared with fourteen years ago. Lord Clandicarde and his class, he said, were of no use to this or any other country. Referring to the railway strike, he said that Mr. Lloyd George got a lot of credit for the settlement, but he knew that King George and not Mr. Lloyd George deserved the credit. On witness referring to the Australians, accused said: “We came to fight, for Australia, the Empire, and all small nations on th e earth. It would have been a bad day for Australia if Germany had won, as she would have done if it was not for Australia.” Lieut. Chambers at this point interrupted. O’Donnell replied: “Get away and mind your own damned: business.” Capt. Clarke said this was not a political house. Witness did not remember O’Donnell’s reply. Later O’Donnel] said to him, “What do you think of that impertinent brat?” Witness said, “I’m surprised you did not strike him.” Witness retired later, but did not see O’Donnell again until today. Marsh denied that O’Donnell said; the satellites of King George were filling their pockets, etc., or Their Majesties were unpopular in this country, or that he hoped to strike the commencement of a revolution, ole. O’Donnell was quite sober and calm.

Cross-examined. witness xecalled the conversation when ho heard that O’Donnell had been arrested, but he was surprised to learn that the arrest was connected with the conversation whereof lie had heard every word.

O’DONNELL’S EVIDENCE

O’Donnell in evidence stated that lie joined the forces in 1917, after an earlier rejection on medical grounds. He took a keen interest in the war from the outbreak and participated in all patriotic movements. He was chairman of several committees tor raising money. He supported conscription when he heard from Mr. Hughes the urgency of the situation. Accused produced Australian newspapers with reference to his work, and said he had always joined in the National Anthem, even in churen. During the Prince of Wales’ visit to France lie had the honor of proposing the toast of the Royal guest. He chatted with the Prince about Australia. He attended Sir William Birdwood’s farewell dinner. Accused added: “I think we Australians have a good deal of cheek, and I asked the Prince to sign a dinner card.” He complied with the request. Witness did not pretend to be a teetotaller. He had a small glass of wine •at 3 p.m. on October 10 and walked to Kenmare. Afterwards h e returned to the hotel and conversed with Marsh across the table. He indignantly denied the use of the words alleged. He recalled the conversation as outlined by Marsh. He intended the reference to the King regarding the settling of the strike as a compliment and warding off what might have been a terrible disaster. O’Donnell denied that lie mentioned Sinn Fein conditions and the growtli of the movement in Australia. He admitted he told Chambers to mind his own business. He did not remember saying “damned business,” but lie ought to have said it. The President of the Court suppressed the laughter and threatened to clear the court if it were repeated.

Accused described the barracks where he was imprisoned. The dirty blankets smelt badly and were unusable. There wa s no fire, despite the cold. The authorities refused to send to bis hotel for his bag, which contained medicine. He was refused communication with friends. Sentries with fixed bayonets were on guard outside the door of his room. Mr. Bodkin closely cross-examined O’Donnell with reference to the alleged seditious statements. Accused said lie had been an Irish Nationalist ever since he could think. He did not believe in complete independence. He did not agree with the sentiments which the prosecution alleged he had expressed. Replying tq the president, accused said lie was never under the influence of liquor in his life.

EVIDENCE OF ACCUSED’S LOYALTY.

Several witnesses gave evidence in regard to O’Donnell’s loyalty, including Mr. Edward Lucas, Acting AgentGeneral for Tasmania, who said that O’Donnell had resigned his charge and placed his services at the disposal of the Commonwealth as a soldier and had assisted in the conscription campaign. Witness said O’Donnell was loyal in every respect. Lady McCall described O’Donnell as a thoroughly loyal son of the Empire. Lieut. Marriott, an Australian officer who had lost his sight through the war, said he believed that O’Donnell got more recruits than any clergyman of any denomination.— Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn. [As previously announced, O’Donnell lias since been found not guilty.] (Received Dec. 1, 8.10 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 27.

The Court in the O’Donnell case deliberated an hour and three-quar-ters.

A crowded court loudly cheered the verdict of not guilty, and many friends congratulated Father O’Donnell.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Ass'n.