O'DONNELL ACQUITTED.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1810, 2 December 1919, Page 7

O'DONNELL ACQUITTED.

EVIDENCE FOR DEFENCE. CROWD CHEERS THE VERDICT. By Cable. — Press Association. — Copitriyht. (A. & N.Z.) LONDON, Nov. 27. At the trial by court-martial of the Rev. Father O'Donnell, Lord Kenmarc gave evidence that he met Father O'Donnell in his domain at Killarney, on October 10, 1919. The accused referred to his work for conscription in Australia, and stated that he was a personal friend of Mr Hughes. Father O'Donnell was perfectly sober. Mr Marsh, a commercial traveller, who was slightly deaf, gave evidence that he met Father O'Donnell in the hotel and conversed with him at dinner. Father O'Donnell deplored the condition of the Clanricarde Estate at Galway as compared with 14 years ago. He said that Lord Clanricarde and his class were no use to this or any other country. Referring to the railway strike, the accused said that Mr Lloyd George had got a lot of credit for its settlement, but he knew that King George, not Mr Lloyd George, deserved the credit. On Marsh referring to the Australians, the accused said: "We came to tight for Australia, the Empire, and all the small nations of the earth. It would have been a bad day for Australia if Germany had won, as she would have done if it had not been for Australia."

Lieutenant Chambers at this point in the conversation interrupted Father O'Dpnnell, who replied: "Get away. Mind your own damned business."

Captain Clarke, R.N.R., said the hotel was not a political house, but witness did not remember Father O'Donnell's reply. Later on the accused said to witness: "What do you think of that impertinent brat?" Witness said: "I am surprised you did not strike him." Witness said he retired later and did not see Father O'Donnell again until that day. Witness denied that Father O'Donnell used the words: "Satellites of Kins George, who are filling their pockets, and whose hands are red with the blood of Irish patriots," or that their Majesties were unpopular in this or any other country, or that he hoped that the strike would be the commencement of a revolution, etc. Father O'Donnell was quite sober and calm. Cross-examined, the witness said he recalled the conversation when he heard that Father O'Donnell had been arresred, but was surprised to learn that his arrest was connected with the conversation of which he had heard every word. -

Father O'Donnell, in evidence, stated that he joined the Australian Forces in 1917 after an earlier rejection on medical grounds. He took a keen interest in the War from its outbreak. He participated in all patriotic, movements and was chairman of several committees for raising money for war purposes. He had supported conscription when he heard from Mr Hughes the urgency of the situation. The accused' produced Australian newspapers containing reference to his work. He said be always joined in singing the National Anthem, even in church. During the visit of the Prince of Wales to the Australians in France, he had the honour of proposing his toast. He chatted with the Prince about Australia when he attended General Binlwood's farewell dinner, and added "I think we Australians have a good deal of cheek. I asked the Prince to sign my dinner-card, and he complied." Witness said he did not pretend to be a teetotaller. He had a small glass of wine at 3 o'clock in the afternoon of October 10, and then walked to Kenmare. Afterwards he returned to his hotel and conversed with Mr Marsh across the table. He indignantly denied that he used the words alleged. He recalled the conversation as outlined by Mr Marsh. He intended his reference to the King regarding the settling of the strike as a compliment for warding off what might have been a terrible disaster. Father O'Donnell denied that he mentioned Sinn Fein conditions or its growth in Australia or otherwise. He admitted that he told Lieutenant Chambers to mind his own business. He did not remember using the phrase, "his damned business"; but he ought to have said it. The President of the Court suppressed the'laughter, and threatened to clear the court if it was repeated.

The accused described the barracks where he was imprisoned as dirty. The blankets smelt badly and were unusable. There was no fire, despite the cold. The authorities refused to send to his hotel for a-bag 1 containing medicine, and also refused him communication with his friends. Sentries with fixed bayonets were posted outside the door of his room. Sir Archibald Bodkin closely cross-examined Father O'Donnell with reference to his alleged seditious statements. Accused said he had been an Irish Nationalist ever since he could think. He did not believe in complete Irish independence. He did not agree with the sentiments which the prosecution alleged he had expressed. Replying to the President of the Court, the accused said he had never been under the influence of liquor in his life. Several witnesses gave evidence in regard to Father O'Donnell's loyalty, including Mr Lucas, Acting-Agcnt-General for Tasmania, who said that Father O'Donnell resigned his charge and placed his services at the disposal of the Commonwealth as a soldier, and assisted in the conscription campaign. He was loyal in everv respect. La'dv McCall. widow of the late Sir John McCall. Agent-General for Tasmania, described him as a thoroughly loyal son of the Empire. Lieutenant Marriott, an Australian officer, who lost his sight in the war, said he believed that Father O'Donnell got more recruits in Australia than any clergyman of any denomination. The Court deliberated for an hour and three-quarters. The crowded court loudlv cheered the verdict of "not guilty," and manv friends congratulated Father O'Donnell.

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