O'DONNELL COURTMARTIAL.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15987, 2 December 1919, Page 5

O'DONNELL COURTMARTIAL.

FURTHER EVIDENCE FOR THE PROSECUTION. Australian and N.Z Cable Association. LONDON, November 27. At the O’Donnell trial, Lord Kenmare gave evidence that he met O’Donnell on hia domain in Kiilarney on October 10th. Accused referred to his work for conscription in Australia. He stated that he was a personal friend of Mr Hughes. O’Donnell was perfectly sober. Marsh, a commercial traveller, slightly deaf, gave evidence that he met O’Donnell in an hotel and conversed with him at dinner. O’Donnell deplored the condition of the Claudicarde Estate in Galway compared with fourteen years ago. Lord Ciandicardo and his class were no use to this or any other country. Referring to the railway strike, he said Mr Lloyd George got a lot of credit for the settlement, but he knew King George, not Lloyd George, deserved the credit. On Marsh referring to the Australians the accused said: “We came to fight for Australia and the Empire and all small nations. 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.” Chambers at this point interrupted, and O’Donnell replied; “Get away! Mind your own damned business.” Clarke said this was not a political house. Witness didn’t remember o’Donnell’s reply. The latter said to him: “What do you think of that impertinent brat?” Witness, said: “I was surprised you did not strike him.” Witness retired later. , He did not see O’Donnell again until to-day. Marsh denied that O’Donnell said the satellites of King George were filling their pockets, etc., or that their Majesties were unpopoular in this or any country, or that he hoped a strike would be the commencement of a revolution, etc. O’Donnell was quite sober and calm. . THE CASE FOR THE DEFENCE. Cross-examined, witness recalled the conversation when ho heard O’Donnell was arrested, but was surprised to learn that the arrest was connected with the conversation whereof he heard every word O’Donnell, 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 was chairman of several - committees for raising money. He supported conscription when he heard from Mr Hughes of the urgency of the situation. Accused produced Australian newspapers with reference to his work. He said he always joined in the National Anthem, even in church. During the Prince of "Wales’ visit to France he had the honour of proposing a toast. He chatted with the Prince about Australia. He attended Sir W. Birdwood’s farewell dinner. He added: “I think we Australians have a good deal of cheek, and I asked the Prince to sign the dinner card. He complied.” Witness did not pretend to be a teetotaller. He had a small glass of wine at 3 o’clock in the afternoon of October 10th. He walked to Kennaer, and afterwards returned to the hotel and oon-\ versed with Marsh across the table. He indignantly denied that he used the words alleged.' Ho recalled the conversation as outlined by Marsh. He intended the reference to the King regarding the settling of the strike as a compliment, as warding off what might have been a terrible, disaster. O’Donnell denied that he mentioned the Sinn Fein and the condition of its growth in Australia or otherwise. Ho admitted he told Chambers to mind his own business. He didn’t remember “damned business/’ but ought to have said it. The President suppressed laughter, and threatened to clear the Court if it was repeated.

The accused described the barracks ■where he was imprisoned. Dirty blankets smelt badly and were unusable. There was no fire, despite the cold. The authorities refused to send to the hotel for accused’s bag containing medicine. They refused communication with friends. Sentries with fixed bayonets stood outside the door of his room.

Mr Bodkin closely cross-examined O’Donnell with reference to the alleged seditions statements. Accused said bo had been an Irish Nationalist ever since he could think. He did not believe in complete. independence. He did not agree with the sentiments which the prosecution alleged he expressed. Replying to the President, O’Donnell said he was never under the influence of liquor in his life. Several witnesses gave evidence in regard to O’Donnell’s loyalty, including Mr Lucas, Acting Agon 1-General for Tasmania, who said O’Donnell resigned his charge and placed hie services at the disposal of the Commonwealth as a soldier, and assisted in the conscription campaign. He was loyal in every respect. Lady McCall described him as a thoroughly loyal son of the Empire. Lieutenant Marriott, an Australian who lost his sight in the war, believed O’Donnell got more recruits than any cleryman of any denomination. THE VERDICT. LONDON, November 28. The Court in the O’Donnell case deliberated an hour and three-quarters. A crowded Court loudly cheered the verdict, and many friends congratulated O’Donnell.