ESCAPE OF MR B. OSBORNE, M.P., THROUGH A SKYLIGHT.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 681, 31 May 1870, Page 4

ESCAPE OF MR B. OSBORNE, M.P., THROUGH A SKYLIGHT.

The Waterfowl Standard, in going over the incidents of the late election in that city, says : — Perhaps not the least amusing and interesting feature in connection with the dreadful attack made on Mr Cummin's hotel, was the escape of Mr B. Osborne, M.P., and his friend and supporter, Mr D. Carrigau. When the first attack made on the building had terminated, and the mob had been dispersed, those inside did not feel the least security that they were safe from further molestation, and this fact was to a certain extent verified by the report reaching the hotel that Mr Owen Power's store had been set on fire. The party, without sitting down to finish their dinner, began to consult the possibility of escape. Mr Osborne, followed by Mr D. Carrigan, rushed to the top of the hotel, and, getting out by a skylight, mounted the roof of the building. In the darkness, and amid the frantic yells of some thousands of persons who were longing to have the tearing of them, the two gentlemen scrambled cautiously along the roof, dreading every moment to be precipitated below. Having reached the adjoining building, they mounted the roof, and were cautiously but silently pursuing their upward course, when one of Mr Lock's assistants, who was near the top of the building, heard them, and fearing that they were burglars, raised the alarm. Perceiving that they were recognised, and fearing exposure, Mr Carrigan implored of those within the building to afford him and Mr Osborne protection. Mr Osborne here whispered to his companion, "Are the inmates of this house supporters of mine?" and one of the assistants, overhearing the question, replied, " Yes ; you are safe here." The assistants then exerted themselves, and succeeded in J getting them into the building through a skylight ; but when Mr Osborne was leaping through, he jumped up. to the waist in a large water tank. The two fugitives were then put into a back bed-room. By the time that they had obtained refuge from their perilous flight, the mob had recommenced their attack on the hotel. Finding that if the hotel were broken into and they missing, that suspicion might rest upon their escape into the establishment, the assistants began to fear for their own safety. It was first resolved to put them up in one of the top shelves, but that was abandoned as impracticable, Qwing to the portly dimensions of the two runaways. A large drawer was next

thought of, but the same objection wa3 apparent. The only alternative for them was to keep them until the worst was known. Shortly after twelve o'clock the mob again dispersed, and, the city beginning to assume a tranquil aspect, they were permitted to remain there. After a while, however, it was determined thajt the fugitives should retrace their steps back to the hotel the way they came, and, wrapping an overcoat on Mr Osborne, onie of the assistants helped them again on to the roof. They then journeyed back through the skylight into the hotel. During the time Mr Osborne and his companion were retiring over the roofs of. tile houses, his friends who were more timorous retreated into the stables and out-houses "of the hotel, where they remained in fearful suspense till quietude was restored. The petition against the return of Mr Bernal Osborne was, on March 18, presented to the Court of Common Pleas. The petitioners are Thomas Condon, implement manufacturer, of the Mall, and Michael O'Shea, grocer aud poor-law guardian, of the Quay, in the city of Waterford. The grounds are bribery, treating, and undue influence by respondent's agents; and the petitioners pray that the election may be declared void. Security has been given by recognisance, in the usual manner, and to the statuable amount. According to the rule hitherto observed, this petition would be tried by the Hon. Baron Hughes ; but, as it is understood a petition will ba presented against the return of Mr Heron for Tipperary, nothing definite can be ascertained on the subject at present.