MR JUSTICE KEOGH AND THE ELECTORS OF GAL WAY.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1287, 13 September 1872, Page 2

MR JUSTICE KEOGH AND THE ELECTORS OF GAL WAY.

In the House of Lords, on July 9, Viscount Midleton called attention to a letter in the Freeman's Journal of June 25, purporting to be addressed by the Earl of Granard ? the lieutenant of the County of

Leitrim, to ameeting held in Dublin on June 24, in which the noble Earl had protested against "the scurrilous invective and insulting accusations" which Mr Justice" Kedgh had used in reference to the Roman Catholi? clergy, and asked whether her Majesty's Government considered such language towards one of her Majesty's judges as befitting the head of the magistracy of a -County, arid what steps they intended to take with regard to the lieutenancy., of -the County of LietrimV— Earl Spencer, who declined to enter upon a discussion of the judgment in question, or the opinions expressed therein, said that every precaution had been taken by the Executive in Ireland to protect Mr Justice Keogh from insult and violence.— The Earl of Grauard admitted that he had written the letter referred t<-, but explained that it was penned whilst he was under the ; influence of a feeling of great indignation. He also owned that he had acted prematurely in so doing, but declined saying more until the time had arrived for defending himself. — The Marqui3 of Salisbury taunted the Earl of Qranard with not daring to defend in their 'lordships' House the language ho had used in his letter. The nobloEarl had declined to dikcuss the subject until the proper time had arrived, but surely it was a pity that be bad not witb eqpal caution guarded his ' cursive and cursing "pen.^Earl Graiwille rose with some excitement of manner, and protested against any member of the House referring to another as using' a cursed and cursing pen.— The Marquis of Salisbury explained, amid many indications of mirth, at the construction which the leader of ' the House had put upon his language, that he had been misunderstood by the noble Earl, as what he had said was "cursive" not "cursed," and upon looking at the letter he asked whether there was ever a more cursing letter than that of Lord Granard.— ln answer to the Marquis of Bath Earl Granyille stated that he hoped to be able to indicate the course which the Government meant to pursue on the judgment and evidence before the end of tho session. — =

Cardinal tQullen has held a meeting, the object of which was to condemn Judge Keogh, who, in his recent judgment in the Galway election case, spoke in strong . terms against priestly' influence. Oh this occasion the scene of demonstration was the secular meeting place of Dublin, the - Rotundo. A large number of ecclesiastical dignitaries took part in the. protest, from which laymen of position and influence were conspicuously absent. Great efforts were made to get good lay speakers, but as the Bar naturally do not fay or the attack on . the Bench, the attempt failed. The Roman Catholic papers made marvellous efforts to excite the public, but with a very moderate success. Resolutions were passed in accordance with the object of the meeting, but they are not likely to have the effect of intimidating those who administer justice. The Grand Jury of Leitrim have adopted , the following resolution :— " The Grand Jury of the county of Leitrim having heard with regret and indignation" the manner in which Mr Justice Keogtya' judgment ;n the Galway election jietitioa case has beeri commented upon by certain portions of the press, and by persons opposed to the proper vindication of the laws of tha land, hereby desire to express - our sincere approval of the cool and effectual exposure contained in that judgment of the organised system of intimidation by which the constitutional rights of the electors of Galway were defeated at the last election for that county. We also desire to express our hope that the Executive Government will, without any further delay, take the necessary steps, tq vindicate' the dignify and independence of the judicial bench so grossly assailed in Mr Justice Keogh's person^ and thus evince their determination to uphold the due administration of the law."' The burning of the effigy of Judge Keogh in Dublin has proved rather an expensive enjoyment for some of the perpetrators. They were arrested in four successive nights, forty-five persons in all, of whom one got six months, one four, one three, three two, and one a month's- imprisor ment without the option of a fine ; oh. was fined L 4; seven, 403 each; fifteen, 203 ; [eleven, 5s each ; one 2s 6d, and three cautioned. This summary dpalirjg with the. culprits "has put an end tq-the tar-barrel nuisance. Some,, w feo did nofc> pay the fines, suffered imprisonment in« - stead. On the Bth July a special meeting of the Dublin corporation was held, to consider the motion of Alderman Macswiney, praying for the removal of .Mr -Justice Keogh from the beuch, which he had "so recklessly comprised." The Lord Mayor presided. Alderman Macswiney was proceeding to . propose v his motion when an amendment to adjourn was made. The proposition was rejected, but was again and again repeated, until Councillor Maclean, mover of the adjournment, having expressed his strong condemnation of the language used respecting one of Her Majesty's judges, the resolution of Alderman M'Swiney was carried by 26 votes to 4. Petitions embodying the terms of the resolution were subsequently adopted for presentation to the House of Lords and the House >of Commons. On the 9th July, Mr Justice Keogh, accompanied by his son, left the Broadstone Terminus of the- Midland Great Western" Railway for Longford, itg open the assizes j but no demonstration took place, as a strong force of police were present. As the train was leaving Mulliogar there was some hissing from persons on a bridge beside the town. At a short distance from each station passed there were some police on duty under arms. On arrival at Longford Judges Keogh and Lawson were received by the high and sub-sheriffs. The train was immediately preceded by a. pilot engine arid three carriages filled with soldiers. The station and its approaches were occupied by strong parties of infantry, cavalry, and police, the general public being kept out of the premises. A considerable crowd had collected. When the train drew up groans were given. The judges were escorted to their lodgr ings by a troop of payalry. One or two houses were draped with black hangings ; no disturbaece is up to the present time reported. On the 9th July, at a meeting of the Waterford Town Couucil, a circular was read from a committee of Catholics in Dublin asking the Council to adopt the petition for the removal of Judge Keogh from the bench. On hearing the document read every member of the corporation rose and, without speaking, left * the room. The request accordingly fell through.