Attempted Assassination OF BIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OE EDINBURGH, AT CLONTARF.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1363, 30 March 1868, Page 6

Attempted Assassination OF BIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OE EDINBURGH, AT CLONTARF.

On Satin-day forenoon we published an extra containing an account of this atrocious affair. We subjoin fuller and additional particulars in to-day's issue. (From tho Sydney Morning Herald.) On Thursday the 12th inst., H.H.IT, tho Duke of Kdmbui-yh wont to Clontarf, Middle Harbor, whore it was proposed to erect a Sailor's Home. There was a grand picnic, and the usual manifestations of ioyalty. Everything on pleasantly. The weather was auspicious, a finer morning was never enjoyed in Koff South Wales : and as it was proclaimed and kept a public holiday, all who could make their arrangemenis so that the thorough enjoyment of tho pic-nie might not in any way be interfered with. Hγ 10 a.m. crowds of tho people, were wending their way to the Circular Quay. The Kembla, the lirst steamer chartered by tho committee, left the wharf at that hour, fully freighted with a living cargo, bound to Clontarf. 'I he Kiami, Morpeth, aud other steamers followed, and by mid-day a large gathering of ladies and gentlemen were assembled at the place of rendezvous. The committee had made arrangements of the highest order. Clontarf is romantically situate in a pleasant bay, protected at the back by rugged hills, but presenting at the lauding place, a sandy beach, and a grassy plain, of limited extent. The spot is peculiarly situated for a fete champetre, with all its romantic accompaniments. Upon this plain an immense marquee and several tents had been pitched, in which were concentrated all the skilled extreprenaur could provide. To the right, a tent, over which floated the .Royal Standard of Kngland, had been specially pitched for the accommodation of his Koyal Highness the Duke of Kdinlmrgh and suite, the Karl of and Countess of Belniore, and their attendants. Tingrounds were arranged for all the sport of old 'Kngland—cricket, football, croquet, Aunt Sally, ic' The band of 11.T.1. s'ith Regiment, and the well-known talented German band were stationed in different convenient positions. Every imaginable resources seemed to have been called forth to promote the people's pleasure. By half-past 1 o'clock the last steamer had been discharged,

and an immense concourse of people had assembled to do honor to the long looked-for day. At about two o'clock the steamer ' Fairy,' having on board his Koyal Highness the Duke of Kdinbnnjh, the Kiiri and Countess of Belmore, Miss Gladstone, and Mrs. Lambert, Lieutenant ITaig, H.N., Commodore Lambert, and Comumnder Campbell. H.N., arrived at the landing place provided for them, i hey were welcomed by the greater part of the people on the ground. As soon as the ' Fairy' was alongside the wharf, his Koyal Highness stepped ashore, assisting as he did so the Countess of Belmore, who immediately took his arm, and followed by their suite, the

Koyal party passed along a passage formed by the people, who in a line stood on each side, di'rect to the refreshment booth. Arrived here, the signal was at one given for luncheon. The Prince, Lord Belmore. and their attendants, having been seated, Sir William Manning took the chair. Captain Smith sittiug opposite him as vire-chainmiii. The Prince was seated on the right of the chairman; on the right of the Prince, the Counter of llelmore and Sir Alfred Stephen. I>n left of the chairman were Karl Belmore and M.ss Glanstone. There were besides at the roj-al table Commodore and Mrs. Lambert, the lion. Mr. and Mrs. Murray, Mrs. Billyard, Lady Stephen, Lady Maiming, and a number of the elite.

It is with the deepest sor row that we hare to announce a most determined attempt to assassinate H.U.H. the Duke of Edinburgh. When the Prince left the luncheon tent, at the Sailors' Home Picnic, he escorted the Countess of Belmore to the door of the !<oyal tent, and then turned to converse with His Kxeellency the Governor, the Chief Justice, and Sir William .Manning. They remained talking a few seconds, and then His Hoy til Highness and Sir Manning sauntered across the green towards the clump of trees bordering the beach and under which the Galatea, Band was stationed. The conversation was the Sailors' Home, and his Koyal Highness, to mark his appreciation of the institution, handed Sir William a cheque as a donation to the institution. Sir William made his acknowledgments for the donation, and then asked His hoyal Highness whether he would go round to Cabbage Tree Beach to see the aboriginals, as they were then ready for some sports. Before his Koj-al Highness could reply, a treacherous assailant, who had just left the crowd of persons congregated under the shade of the trees, stole up behind him, and when he had approached to within five or six feet, pulled out a revolver, took deliberate aim, and fired. The shot took effect about the middle of the back of his Royal !:igliness, an inch or two to the right of tiie spine. He fell forward on his hands and knees, exclaiming, " Good God, my back is broken." Sir William Manning hearing the discharge, and seeing his Koyal Highness fall, turned and sprang at the would-be assassin, who then jumped bank and aimed the murderous weapon at Sir William. Seeing the pistol directed towards him, Sir William stooped to evade the shot, and losing his balance fell. Fortunately the charge did not explode ; but as Sir William Manning was in the act of rising the rufljan took aim a third time; just at the moment Mr. Vial (of Castle-reagh-street), who happened to be behind, sprang upon the dastardly assailant, pinioned his arms to his side, and thus the aim of the pistol was diverted from the body of sir William Manning to the ground. The weapon was discharged, however, and the shot entered the foot of Mr. George Thorne, senior, who fainted, and was taken away by Mr. Ha3sall and other friends.

In the meantime a number of pe*ple, attracted by the discharge of firearms, and seeing his Uoyal Highness fall, ran to the spot, and three or four of them, among whom was Mr. T. Hales and a. young gentleman named M'Mahon lifted his Jfoyal Highness to carry him into his tent. It was evident from the demeanour of his Uoyal Highness that ho was suffering great pain, and he asked liis bearers to carry him gently. This was complied with as far as possible, and thus lie was borne into his tent. Here he was taken in charge by Dr. Watson, of H.M.S S. Challenger, who, together with Dr. Wright (of Sydney), Dr. Powell of the Galatea, and assis-tant-surgeon Waugh of the Challenger, were immediately in attendance. The dress of his -Koyal Highness was removed, and upon an examination of the wound it was found that the bullet had penetrated the back, near the middle, and about; two inches from the right side of the spine, traversing the course of the ribs, round by the right to the abdomen, where it lodged, immediately below the surface. JN'o vital organ, fortunately, appeared to be injured, the course of the bullet being, to all appearance, nuke superficial.

While the painful examination was in progress another scene, which almost defies description was going on in another part of the town. JS T o .sooner had Mr." Vial grasped the arms of the man .who had fired the shots than Mr. Benjamin Mortimer (an American gentleman), Mr. Whiting (of the firm of Drynan & Whiting), A. L. Jack-

son, and other gentlemen, seized them; and, had it not been for tho closing in around them of the police and other persons, they would speedily have placed him bflvond the reach of the Law Courts. Tho people shouted " lynch him," "hang him," "stringhim up," and so on, and there wns n general rush to get at him. The Police, headed by Superintendent Orridgc, got hold of the assassin, and they had the greatest difficulty in preventing the infuriated people from tearing him limb from litub. In this the police were ably assisted by the Chid' Justice, Lord Newry, and the men of the Galatea Hand. Both Lord Newry and Sir Alfred Stephen exerted themselves to get the prisoner on board the steamer lying at the wharf, while Mr. Orridge, with herculean strength, kept back the crowd as much as possible. The task of putting the prisoner on board tho ship was not an ensy one, and it was fully ten minutes before thej' could get. him on to the wharf By that time all the clothing from the upper part of his body was torn oil', his eyes, face, and body were much bruised, and blood was flowing from various wounds ; and when he was dragged on to the deck of the Paterson, lie appeared to be utterly unconscious. No sooner was he on board than a number of sailors had a rope ready to string him up, and it was only by the interference of Lord Newry that Ins life was spared. Some of the police were very roughly used, detective Powell getting about the worst of it In the scuflle ho fell over some stones, and hud a chance of being trampled to death. The whole of tho police on the ground were under the command of Mr. Fosbery.

The people, out of whoso hands the prisoner lind been rescued, immediately gave vent to their disappointment and at an indignation meeting summarily convened, determined to bring him back to the steamer and dispatch him at the scene of his crime. A rush was then made for the steamer, which had just hauled off a few feet from the wharf, and they shouted to the captain to haul in. For a moment this officer appeared to waver, but the Hon. John Hay, who was on the bridge, doubtless divining the intentions of tho crowd, peremptorily ordered the captain to haul olf. This he did, and the vessel accordingly proceeded on to Sydney.

The effect of this dastardly attempt at assassinating the Prince, among the immense number of persons congregated at Clontarf, may be more easily imagined than described. A large number of ladies fainted, others were seized with hysterics, and tho whole multitude was convulsed. Suddenly a joyous throng had been converted into a mass of excited people, in whose breasts sympathy for the Royal sufferer, and indignation for his murderous assailant, alternately prevailed; while pallid faces and tearful eyes told of the deep anxiety that was felt in reference to tho extent of the injuries which his Koyal Highness sustained. People crowded by hundreds around the tent in which the sufferer lay, until they were informed that they must keep back, in order to allow free ventilation; they at once fell back tliirtv or forty yards and formed a complete cordon around the tent, and anxiously awaited the examination. Finding the people so anxious about him his .Royal Highness said "Tell the people f am not much hurt, I shall be better presently." His Koy;d Highness, who never lost consciousness, although feeling faint and weak from the shock to his nervous system, and from loss of blood, described to his attendants ihe sensation he experienced when struck by the bullet. He said he felt as though he was being lifted off the ground

At about five o'clock his Royal Highness was placed on a lifter and borne by men of the Galatea to the deck of the Alorpeth, a solemn silence being preserved by the people, who stood on either side while the cortege passed. Among those who wore in immediate attenclnncc on his Royal t! igness were the gentlemen of his suite, namely Lieutenant Hnig, Lord Newry, and the Hon. Rliot Yorke, all of whom were painftdlv , afl'ected by the tragic oceurouci , . f.is lixcelleney the Governor, Commodore Lambert, Captain Bevesford and Mr. Toulmin wen- also most assiduous in Iheir sympathetic attentions, and proceeded to Bydney in tlie same boat. Prior to this the little steamer Fairy hud been sent up to Sydney with a message for the oflicer in charge of the Galatea to be prepared with a boat to convey the Koyal sufl'erer to the shore ; and when the Alorpeth arrived oft" Farm Cove a barge from the Galatea came alongside The prince, who was lying upon a stretcher with a soft mattress under him. and his head supported by pillows, was lowered into hislmrgc which w-as manned by a number of his suitors. On arriving at the landing place he was carefully raised out of the boat. Humours of the occurrence having reached town, large numbers of persons rushed to the jetty in front, ofGovernmeut House, where it was presumed the Prince would land Here a body of police and marines were posted—some of them guarding the approach from the wharf to Government House, and others forming near the landing-place, in order to escort his Royal lTighne.-s. The crowd was forced back to the high ground, aud kept at some distance from the chosen line of route. The Prince was surrounded by a guard of marines, and the sight of his prostrate and helpless condition called forth from the crowd many expressions of symiiath}'.

OTAR.REL THE ASSASSIN. The assassin has, we believe, been identified with a person who called himself Farell, or O'Farrell, and resided for some time at Mr. Tierney's, the Currency Lass Motel, at the corner of Pitt and Hunter streets, whence ho removed to Mr. Powell's, who has recently opened the public-house at the co.-ner of Hunter-street and 3eorge-slreet. J f this is the man, he will be easily reeoguised by the description that he was a smart looking, unobtrusive person, but full of conversation and intelligence when spoken to. He spoke French, and had the manners generally of a gentleman—had n good knowledge of history and had stated that he had been sometime in Paris, lie was not, us generally noticed, Jii the habit of making a grand appearance in dress, but rather seemed disposed to discourage scrutiny. As the whole affair is now in Unhands of the police, and the man has been re cognised, it is not desirable to sav any more on the subject at present.

Another informant slates Unit O'Farrell hns boon hero about five months, from Melbourne. When there lie was employed as a lawyer's clerk. He was brother to a man in Melbourne, who, it is said, robbed the Catholic bishop of about £5000, and bolted to South America. The assassin has lodged latterly at the Clarendon Hotel, at the corner of George md Hunter - streets, where Messrs. Parkes *nd ■Byrnes, accompanied by two detectives, wpnl yesterday afternoon about 5 o'clock, and took possession ofhis lu^jjngp. The Prince of Wales Theatre was closed at, once, and when the news of the attempted murder of the Duke ot Edinburgh wis knrwn the people who attended to see the advertised performances went away sorrowing. Immediately after the adjournment of the House of Assembly, the C olouiul Secretary proceeded to Darlinghurst jjaol, and saw the prisoner, who at once informed him that his name was "11. K. Farrcll." It was also elicited that us place of residence was the Clarendon Hotel, at the corner of and Hunturstrects, and Mr. Parkes procured police and accompiinied them to the hotel, where they took possession ofhis effects, ;md they were forwarded to the office of the Inspector-General of Police. A trunk belonging to the prisoner contained a i few articles of clothing and a large quantity of bullets and percussion caps, and the tible drawer in Ins bedroom contained a considerable quantity of powder, as well as bullet* and shot. In the trunk was found a Doury Bible, with the name "H. P. Farrell" inscribed therein; a Catholic prayer-book, and a rosary. It was

ascertained that the prisoner had lived at the Clarendon Hotel since Christmas last, and that ho had previously lived at Mr. Tiernoy's, the Currency Lass Hotel, at the angle of Pitt and Hunter streets. On visiting the inn it was found that he had left a box there, which was given up to the police, and taken with the other effects of the prisoner to the detective office. This box contained a fevr articles of clothing and some letters and papers, the exact nature of which had not been ascertained at midnight. The landlady of the Clarendon observed that the prisoner was exceedingly anxious to obtain admission to the Fancy Dress Ball, at the Prince of Wales, on Tuesday evening, and went out for that purpose, but was unsuccessful. It was remarked during his sojourn that he always flew into a great rage when he heard the name of the Duke of Edinburgh mentioned; and seemed to have strong feelings of hostility to his lioyal Highness.

We believe that the preliminary examination of the prisoner will commence this forenoon at ' 'arlinghurst, and at its termination, as the cowardly attempt to murder was so much in public view, tho Government have decided to issue a Special Commission so that ho can be immediately put on liis trial.

The prisoner does not appear to be seriously hurt, notwithstanding the rough treatment he received ; but one eye is bunged tip, and his lip much swollen. He . was quite self-possessed when he reached the gaol. He is about 5 feet 11 inches in height, somewhat good-looking, and rather stout, with a moderate beard, His weight i 3 about 11 stone, and his age about 35. He had two pistols about him ; the one he fired was lost in tho confusion, but afterwards picked up and handed to the police. The other weapon with two barrels loaded, was taken to the gaol. When brought in he smelt strongly of sherry. He appears to be a man of firm nerve. It is said he was born in Dublin, but left it when a mere child, and spent much of his life in Liverpool. His manner and speech are those of the Liverpool Irishman. He says he spent ten years on the continent of Europe, chiefly in Prussia and Austria. He also said "He hoped that young man would not die." His name is O'Farrell. He had been only three months in this country. RECEPTION'OF THE NEWS TN SYDNEY The whole city was horrified ai about 4 p.m. by the report that his Koyal Highness the Duke of Kdinburgh had been shot at Middle Harbour, wl ile accepting the invitation offered to join the demonstration on behalf of the Sailor's Home. The report reached tho Assembly while the House was in debate, and caused a thrill of horror, but this was followed by incredulity, the report seemed so monstrous, and the discussion proceeded. Members, however, expressed in their countenances the anxiety they felt, but awaited the return of the Premier, who had been hurriedly called out. In the meantime incredulity was the general feeling until it was announced that the Premier had returned.

Mr. Marlon, on entering the House, said, — "Mr. Speaker, the Government has received informulion that about an hour ago, as his Koyal Highness the Duke of Kdinburgh was about entering the Middle Harbour, some person, whose name is not known, but who is said to be a i'liblin man, dreiv a revolver and .shot his Royal ''ighness in the back. He fired a second shot, which struck a bystander—Mr. Thorne. It is not known whether his Royal Highness is severely wounded. It is supposed that he is not. The would-be assassin has been taken in charge." The House immediately adjourned. STATE OF HIS KOYAL HIGHNESS. 7.30 p.m. TTis 7?oyal Highness is progressing as favourably as can be expected. He is still suffering great pain. Empire Office, 12 p.m., Thursday night. [From our Special Reporter] I have had an interview with His Koyal Highness's medical attendants at Government House, Dr. Young of the Galatea, and Dr. Watson of the Challenger, and am enabled to inform you that the Prince is in no immediate danger. His Hoyal Highness is said to be easy and comfortable, and progressing favourably.

Dr. Young states that the ball must hare entered His Royal Highness' back on the right side, jusl above the loins, and passed round that side without apparently penetrating any vital part, as far as the ahdomen, where it still remains. It is externally perceptible, nnd may be extracted at any. lime. Tt is considered better to wait until Mis' Koyal Higness rallies than to annoy him with the operation at present. In the course of to-morrow (this day) Dr. Young expects to extract the ball. There lias been scarcely any hromorrhage, and it is ascertained (list neither the lungs nor the spine are injured. Bui. as Mis Uoyal Highness has lost the use of his limbs, it is evident that some of the nerres are severed. He has since recovered the power of moving his limbs.

A.DDITION".\L PARTICULARS. (From the Wellington papers of Monday and Tuesday). The Knngitoto is ut Port Chalmers, but brings no Kiigiish mail. Government have discovered that a Fenian conspiracy to some extent exists, and that certain of the numbers drew lots as to who was to be the assassin. The lot fell upon O't larrall Go vernnient have offered £1000 reward for the discovery of each of his confederates. Monster meetings are being held everywhere to express honor at the outrage, and sympathy for the Duke. The Prince bore the operation of extracting the bullet with fortitude and courage. The injuries received are not, though severe, of a dangerous nature, and the recovery of the Prince is only a question of time. The Commodore intends ordering the Galatea direct home. Should a change of air be nec.essnry for the Prince's recovery, he will stay :i fortnight in Tasmania, and from thence proceed to Knglaud direct. Sydney, March 15, 12 a.m. The Dulce is progressing favorably. The Bishop of Grafton, with his second son and a servant, were drowned last evening, through the upsetting of a boat in which they were sailing. The Me ulloc.li Ministry lias resigned in consequence of Home despatches. .-ydncv, March 16, 10 a.m. 'the I ukc of y 'dinburgh has experienced a return of the pain aiong the track which the hall took. On going to bed the necessary remedies were applied, and under their influence he enjoyed a refreshing sleep.

Tn a came nf cauls ft ijood de*l dppende on good plujing a id troo 1 |ili)i:ig on a uood deal. It niteii h:tppen< when the husband fails to be homo to diuiH'i, tlia' it. is on" of hie fust tiays. Wif.i was the H'ihstFusun? — tferod'e -wife ; b cause »he liiid >. head sent her (head centre.) \ crOMs O:d huL'ht-lur saya :.' "'1 ho reason why women do not cm themselves in two by tight hieing i« iieiiiiise they iac« around the. heart, and thut is e<> hard they mnno aflVet it." i Who the wo iiieves Were. —In a very t-enn-e h . k, lluil'e " P.-ir.ieliiul History of Corn wall." puulishul lit Kxetcr in 17-30, meati'm is made of Kdliuivw, th.; celebrated muster ol the revels in the time f ( lia'-li s 11. lie 'olloivmir ancuduto will sh-w rtint he ilesciived ilie appointment. When XIV. showed him his pi turos «t Paris, the King l> .i tr.l out to )>i>n it I i.tu'e of the CruoifUi m |,aIwentwi) porirai'H. "That on the right," added i.i-i mi.josty " 1 tliiink you'f mi'jesly," replied the wit " i»r the , , ieformnlinn ; Ifor though I havo often hemd thut (iUi Loirl was cruciGed between two thieves, i never knsw who they were till now."