THE IRISH QUESTION.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 52, 11 October 1887, Page 2

THE IRISH QUESTION.

TRIAL OF THE MOONLIGHTERS, London, October 9.

The preliminary trial of the twelve Moon-hghtera who were arrested on a charge of being Concerned in the affray in County Clare in September, when Chief Constable Ennis was killed, was concluded yesterday, when the prisoners were committed for trial. In defiance of the law the United Ireland publishes a number of reports of the proceedings of meetings of the National League. Calliman, the informer, has made important revelations to the authorities.

The trial of O’Brien and Mr Sullivan, Mayor of Dublin, created great excitement. In the procession to the Court there was a tussel between the police and the people for the Mayor’s sword, the priests urging the latter on. The disturbance ended without any serious result. A plot by Moonlighters to murder a number of people has been discovered.

COERCION ACT NULLIFIED.

CROWN WITHDRAWING FROM CASE.

TIMIDITY OF THE GOVERNMENT. London, Oct. 10.

The trial of the Mitchelstown rioters was continued yesterday. Owing to Mr Harrington, counsel for the defence, insulting witness, and the Coroner approving and abetting him, the Crown have determined to call no further evidence.

The Dublin Express is of opinion that it would be better to repeal the Crimes Act, as the authorities are unable to enforce it. The Crown authorities hold the decision of the Bench in the Sullivan and O'Brien prosecutions will annihilate the section of the Crimes Act intended to restrain the Press from publishing reports of prohibited meetings. The Irish loyalist newspapers are condemning supineness and timidity of the Government in suppressing the agitators' party who are defying them and urges them to use strong measures for their suppression.