American Notes.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVII, Issue 44, 21 February 1890, Page 2

American Notes.

The verdict in the Cronin murder case completely absolves the Olan-na-Gael from all participation in the crime, and frees it from suspicion, so far as it was entertained, of being a murder society All this is implied in the acquittal of Beggs, the only one of the accused whose conviction might at all seem to involve the Society, in which he held the offiuial position uf Seuioi Guardian of Camp 20, The innocence of Beggs, however, was apparent throughout, and he ought never to have been indicted. As to the rest, the sentences have been generally condemned. Coughlin. Rurke, and O'Snllivan have been found guilty of murder and yet only condemned to imprisonment for life, while Kunze, convicted of manslaughter receives a sentence of tbree years' imprisonment. But if the three men convicted of murder were guilty they ought to be hanged, and if not guilty they should be discharged. Kunze, again, has been convicted of manslaughter because be was proved to have driven one of the murderers to the scene of the crime on \ the night of its occurrence —no proof being produced of his possessing any knowledge as to the purpose for which he wa9 at the time eDgaged. The whole affair in fact, is suggestive of doubt, and confusion, and tends to bring the administration of justice in'o ridicule. The vindication of the Clan-na-Gael, however, by whicn the possibility of excitin» feeling against the Irish cause is averted furnishes matter for congratulation.

Jefferson Davis, the leader in the rebellion of the Southern States died at New Orleans, on December 6. The Government of the' United States took no official notice of his death or burial although he bad at one time filled high office as Secretary of War. He bad also distinguished himself in the Indian wars and in the war with Mexico. He is understood to have constantly and to the last adhered to the principles that instigated his action in stirring up and carryiug on the war of the rebellion, and to have shown no repentance. The manner in which the victorious republic dealt with him will remain among her gloriouß memories, and the event fully justified its wisdom. Taken in flight after a career that had caused such terrible evils, he was still condemned only to a brief period of imprisonment, and finally received an unconditional pardon. The same spiiit has actuated the authorities in refraining from official notice of his death.

A famous Irish-American has just passed away in the person of the late Henry W. Grady of Georgia. Mr. Grady, who began life very early as a journalist, before he was twenty -one years of age being proprietor and editor of the Rome Commercial, which his talents raised to a bigh rank as a newspaper, was chiefly distinguished for his brilliant el( quence. The place of the foremost American orator of his day was claimed for him. He also took an important part in the legislature of his native State. His memory was honoured on the day following his funeral by a public meeting at Atlanta, where several prominent citizens testified to the worth of their departed friend and the gap that his loss must leave In their community.

The ominous question of the period still continues to be illustrated in the South. Outrages on the coloured population are still of frequent occurrence. Among those recently reported has been the lynching at Barnwell in South Carolina of eight negroes, lodged in gaol as accessories and witnesses to the murder of two white men. The gaol was forced op°n in the early morning by a large crowd of white men who took the negroes out, fastened them to a fence and riddled their bodies with bullets. What makes the matter more serious is that the crime is defended by several citizens of standing and repute. The Governor of the State has offered a reward for the conviction of the guilty parties, but the chances of justice in the case are considered very trifling. Sooner or later the result must be to make the coloured population adopt measures for their own defence and the danger is that they may be driven to overstep the limits. The promising element of disturbance is only too apparent.

A question of coinage is now occupying the attention of politicians. A demand is made for the free coinage of silver. This, however, it is explained, means in the present state of the silver market when the metal has largely fallen in price, the raising of a weight worth 72 cents, to a fictitious value of 100 cents. Bnt this would evidently give a wide opening, at the expense of the State, to en'erprise— even on the part of foreigners. Under the circumstances the more prudent part of the community recommend a postponement of the coinage proposed until silver has regained its former price.

The latest example of smart practice on the part of a newspaper has taken the form of details published by the JV<??v York Herald, of

a great Catholic bank to be established in New York, under the Bpecial benediction of tbe Pope, and with a capital of 100,000,000 collars of Catholic moray. Archbishop Oorrigan, whose name was mentioned in connection with the affair, at once exposed the fraud. The Herald, however, which had accomplished it 3 object in working up a sensation, perfected its enterprise iv taking credit to itself for having made the exposure. The idea seems to have been suggested to the Herald by an adventurer named Sellers who had been for rome tome in the city endeavouring to induce capitalists to invest in ft bank, which he assured them would have the support of the Holy See and the American hierarchy. The chief glory of the sensation, however, so far as there is any glory connected with it, must be set to the score of the New York Herald. This paper, amongst the rest, published a picture of the Pope imparting a special blessing to the enterprise.

A very strong disposition begins to be shown in Canada for the dissolution of the ties that bind the Dominion to Great Britain. Many who are capab'e of judging declare the matter to be one of time only. The doubu, however, exists as to whether an independent confederation will be formed, or annexation to the United States will be decided on. Another source of division in the country is the increasing hostility between the French and English settlers. Altogether the country cannot be regarded at present aa possessing very fixed or peaceful prospects.

The fishery question bids fair once more to come to the front. Tbe modut vivendi agreed on, two or three years ago, when Mr. Chamberlain so egregiously failed in his mission, has now terminated, and a new arrangement becomes necessary. A system of reciprocity ia spoken of as likely to be the result.

The investment of English capital in the United States still continues on a large scale. The influence thus acquired in the country by foreigners is looked upon with some degree of suspicion. Vested interests, however, must also control the foreigners who own them, and engage their support for the welfare of the country. The fears they arouse, therefore, may probably be exaggerated.

A momentous question is now dividing the attention of the world at Washington. Mrs. Harrison, the President's wife, it appears, being herseif unable to be present on the occasion, appointed her daughter to represent her in receiving visitors at the White House on New Year's day. But this proceeding has thrown all the world of fashion and diplomacy into perplexity as to its fitness. Does Miss Harrison, for example, bear a similar relationship towards the citizens of the United States that Her Koyal Highness the Princess of Wales does towards the aristocracy of England. Her Royal Highness holds drawing-rooms for the Queen — can Miss Harrison receive company in place of her mother. Authorities are divided on the subject, and, as there seems to be no tribunal to which it may be referred, the division will probably become perennial.