DANIEL O'CONNELL AND THE REPORTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8472, 24 January 1891, Page 2 (Supplement)

DANIEL O'CONNELL AND THE REPORTER.

During the repeal agitation in Ireland a gentleman connected with the Times was sent by that journal to report Daniel O'Connell's speeches. One of the first meetings the newspaper man attended was in Kerry. Having heard of O'Connell's polite qualities, ho thought he would ask that gentleman's permission to take a verbatim report of the oration. The "liberator" not only consented, but in his oiliest manner informed the assembled audience that until " that gintleman" was provided with all " writin' convaniences" he would not "spake a word," assuming an extra brogue which was altogether unnecessary. The reporter was delighted. The preparations began and were completed. The reporter was ready. "Are you quite ready ?" asked Dan. "Quite ready." "Now, are you sure you're intirely ready !" "I'm certain, sir—yes." The crowd becoming excited and impatient, Dan said: " Now, 'pon my conscience, I won't begin the speech until the London gintleman is intirely ready." After waiting another moment or so O'Connell advanced. Eyes glistened, ears were all attention, and the reporter's pencil arose. Dan gave one more benignant smile on the reporter, winked at the auditors, and commenced his speech in the Irish language, to the irrepressible horror of the reporter and to the delight of the Kerry men.—From " Memorials of O'Connell."