FATHER O'DONNELL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19812, 2 December 1919, Page 5

FATHER O'DONNELL.

FURTHER EVIDENCE AT COURT-MARTIAL. LONDON, Nov. 27. At the O'Dounell trial Lord Ken- • 'tiro gave evidence that he mot Falier O'Dounell on Lis domain at Killar•uiy on October 10. Accused referred -o his work tor conscription in Aus--mlia, and stated ho was a personal friend of Mr Hughes. Father O'Donicll was perfectly sober. Mr Marsh, a commercial traveller, .lightly deaf, gave evidence that he net lather ■O'Donncll at the International Hotel at Killarney, and con/crsed with him at dinnor. Father O'Donnell deplored tho condition of the Cliuiricaide Estate in Galway compared with fourteen years ago, and said hold Clanricardc and his class were no use to this or any country, deferring to tho railway strike, he said Mr Lloyd George had got a lot of credit for the .ettlement, but he knew King George, not Lloyd George, deserved the credit. On Marsh roferring to the Australians, accused said, " A\e came to fight for Australia and the Empire, and all small nations on earth. It would have been a bad day lor Australia if Germany had ivon, as she would have done if it had not been for Australia:'" Lieutenant Chambers at this poiut interrupted Father O'Donncll, who replied "Get away and mind your'own damned business." Captain Clarke said that this was not a political house, Witness did not 'remember Father O'Donnell's reply. Later Father O'Upnnell said to witness: "What do you think of that impertinent brat?" Witness said, "I am surprised you did not strike him." "Witness retired later, and did not see Father O'Donnoll again until that day. Mr Marsh denied that Father O'Donncll said the satellites of King George were filling their pockets, etc., or that their Majesties were unpopular in this or any country, or that he hoped the strike would bo the commencement of a revolution, etc. Father O'Dounell was quito sober and calm. Cross-examined, Marsh said he recalled the conversation when he heard Father O'Donnoll had been arrested, but was surprised to learn that tho arrest was connected with tho conversation, whereof he heard every word. Father O'Dounell, in evidence, stated that he joined the forces in 1917, after earlier rejection on medical grounds. He took a keen interest in the war from the outbreak, and participated in all patriotic movements. He waa chairman* of several committees raising mouey, and supported conscription when ho heard from Mr Hughes the urgency of the situation. Accused produced Australian newspapers with reference to his work, and said he always joined in the National Anthem, even in church. During the Prince ot Wales's visit to France he had tho honour of proposing & toast to tho Prince, and chatted with the Prince about Australia when the Prince attended General \ Birdwood's farewell dinner. Father O'Dounell added, "I think wo Australians have a .good deal of cheek, and I asked the Princo to sign a dinner card, and ho complied/' Witness did not pretend to he a teetotaller; He had a small glass of wine at three in tho afternoon on October 10, and walked to Kenmare afterwards. He returned to the hotel and conversed with Marsh across tho table. He indignantly denied that ho used the words alleged. Ho recalled the conversation as outlined by Marsh. He intended the reference to the King regarding settling the strike aB a compliment, warding off what might have .been a terrible disaster. Father O'Donncll denied that he mentioned the Sinn Fein, as to tho condition of its growth in Australia or otherwise. He.admitted he told Lieutenant Chambers to mind his own business. He did not remember saying " damned business," but he ought to have said it. The president suppressed laughter and threatened to clear the Court if it were repeated. Accused described the barracks where he was imprisoned as dirty. The blankets smelt badly and were unusable, There was no lire, despite the cold. Tho j authorities refused to send to the hotel l for a bag containing medicine, and refused to allow communication with ac- i cused's friends. Sentries with fixed bayonets were posted outside the door of his room. Sir Archibald Bodkin closely crossexamined Father O'Donnell with reference to his alleged seditious statements. Accused said h© had been an \ Irish Nationalist ever since he could think. He did not believe in complete independence, and did not agree with the sentiments which the prosecution .alleged he expressed. Replying to the president, he said he was never under ! the influence of liquor in his life. 1 Several witnesses gavo evidence in j regard to Father O'Donnell's loyalty, including Mr Lucas, Acting-Agent-General of Tasmania, who said Father O'Donnell resigned his charge, placed his services at the disposal of the Commonwealth as a soldier, and assisted | the conscription campaign. He waa loyal in every respect. Lady M'Call (wife of the AgentGeneral of Tasmania), described Father O'Donnell as a thoroughly loyal son of the L-mpire. Lieutenant, Marriott, an Australian who had lost his sieht in the war, snid he bolieved Father O'Donnell got more recruits than any clergyman of any denomination.