SENTENCED TO DEATH

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2812, 1 July 1916, Page 9

SENTENCED TO DEATH

JUDGMENT ON CASEMENT THE TRAITOR - THE FINAL SCENE' STATEMENT BY THE PRISONER By Teleirrnpli-Prcss Association-Copyright (Rec. 1 June 30, 8.30 p.m.) London, June 30. As Mr. Sullivan is ill (Casement's counsel), i\h'- Artemus Jones concluded the speech in. Casement's defence. Ho endeavoured to explain Casement's change of opinions, and quoted evidence to show that arms hud been imported. far south as Tralee before the war for protection against the Ulster forces and conscription. This arming was continued after the outbreak of war. The Lord Chief Justice, interposing, said lie would direct the jury that the words "giving aid and : comfort to the King's enemies" meant assisting enemies at war with, us by. any. act tending to strenthen then enemy or weaken the country. The Attorney-General (Sir P. ESmith) contended that it was irrelevant to refer to controversies not connected hvith the present facts. Why did Casement go to Germany, moving about there freely? There was no answer to this consistent with innocence. Sir Frederick Smith concluded by dwelling on the damning effeot of Casement's secret code. Mr. Jones declared that Casement intended that the Irish Brigade was to protect Irishmen against the menaces o* tyranny of armed forces l not controlled by an executive Government. Chief Justice Sums Up. The Chief Justice, slimming up, said that if the' prisoner knew that what he did would help the enemy, then, although- he had another ulterior motive, he was guilty of treason. If he kaew that the landing of men . iu Ireland might produce civil war and 1 embarrass the authorities, he was . assisting the enemy. Much, said His Lordship, .had been said about Irish politics, lie: had <ilways 'l'e'lt: the .-uixiety of .the. introduction of political. passions jeopardising justice. when tjiose, passions were, aroused. The.jury. must deal dispassionately with .the case, and not pay more, attention than .necessary to -what was said of. Ireland's condition. However deep tho gulf might-be'between the North aud South of Ireland when the war came, there was a union of forces to resist the attempt upon Vu&" Empire'."" •'We do not know, how.the,.prisoner, during this gigantic "and .terrible war .came tb bo in Germany, or' ! -for what -purpose ho was allowed to remain th'ercl ■ Statement by the Prisoner, The jury was out fifty minutes.' ■ When the" verdict' was announced, Casement 6miled half sadly, and holding on to the dock rails, read a statement, first in broken tones, and then.'firmly, -which he had written three weeks ago' in prison. 'He declared: "I am being tried by the peers, of a dead past, so--anti-quated is the law that must be used to 6lay an Irishman. Thej; have brought an Act of 1351 to convict me." The prisoner reeled, and looked as if he would collapse. Then he called for water, and proceeded: "Individual 'assassination is reserved only for one type of men—lrishmen. This Court, this jury, and the public, opinions of this country cannot but,be prejudiced against me. I accept no vordict save at the hands of my countrymen." • •. :•• •. Then he produced another paper, explaining that "he wrote it last night. "1 went .the,".way I knew must-lead me to the. dock. I am proud, to stand hero today.'" The prisoner then 'thanked the Chief Justice and' shook hands with ;Sir.,Gavan 'Duffy. • 'The' ffiree'Jtidges then .donned their black capi: : ,. > The -p'risoher-- ; smiled- Nervously l as he was sentenced.' Lord Reading "pronounced the sentence, Lord Justice Avory adding "Amen." Casement then smiled at a friend in.Court, and left the-dock." . Bailey Discharged. When Casement had finished, fcailey was.placed in.the dock, and pleaded-not guilty of treason: ' The Chief Justice directed the jury u> bring in a verdict of not guilty, and Bailey was discharged. PRESS OPINION ON THE SENTENCE RADICAL NEWSPAPER SHIRKS THE EXECUTION. (Rec. June 30, 10.55 p.m.) London, June , 30. ' The "Daily News" says': "It .is doubtful whether it' is true wisdom to' give Casement a crown -of martyrdom. If other rebels have deserved death, he has doubly deserved it, but the authorities may well ask themselves Hrhetlier it would be prudent to add another element of "danger to ■ a perilops situation." THE SHOOTING OF SKEFFINGTON •OFFICER CONCERNED IN LUNATIC ASYLUM. London, June 29. Captain Colthurst, who was found guilty, but insane, on the oharge of mu.'uering Skefiiugton and others during the rebellion in Ireland, has been committed to a criminal lunatic asylum. A CLEAN SWEEP -.DEMAND FOR INTERNMENT. OF ALIENS. By Telcsraph-Press Association-CopyriErht London, June ?9. Tn the House of Commons Mr. Joyr,-son-Hicks urged the internment of all alien enemies; there should be a clean sweep. There were several German restaurants which were dangerous centres. He urged a review of the cases wheto exemption:-, lin-1 been granted on the advice of the police, after consultation with the naval and,military authorities.