SENTENCE ON THE FENIANS BURKE AND DORAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume IV, Issue 1131, 29 June 1867, Page 6

SENTENCE ON THE FENIANS BURKE AND DORAN.

(From the Times, May 2.)

It seems from the following that something more than the mere recording of death against these prisoners is intended Dublin, May 1. The Lord Chief Justice commenced his charge to the jury at half-past 10 o'clock this morning, in the case of General Burke and Patrick Doran, and concluded at 10 minutes to 3, when the jury retired. At 6 o'clock they returned _ with a verdict of " Guilty" against both the prisoners, accompanied by a recommendation of Doran to the favourable consideration of the Court. The prisoners were then asked whether they had anything to say why sentence of death should not be pronounced upon them. Burke addressed the Court in a clear, firm, powerful voice, and in most impressive language. He denied solemnly the statements of some of the witnesses ; he denounced Massy as a traitor and a perjurer; he had nothing to regret or to blush for, and he was willing to die for his country. The speech had a thrilling effect, and brought tears to many eyes. The judges then retired for a few minutes, when they returned, the Chief Justice pronounced the sentenced. The prisoners, he said, had been found guilty, and the verdict was quite warranted by the evidence. They, had,committed high treason—the'greatest of crimes, and one week s imccesss might have caused loss of life which no one could estimate. The judges had no powef ho alter the sentence of the law, and he warned

Doran not to calculate on mercy. Burke was a ringleader throughout the conspiracy. He was taken red-handed in rebellion, and forfeited his life. The Court could only postpone the day of execution as long as possible. His Lordship then put on the black cap, and pronounced sentence of death on the 29th inst.

Tlio prisoners were tlien removed, ond the Court adjourned, another jury having been sworn for the trial of M'Caft'erty.