LIBEL ACTION

Hokitika Guardian, 4 February 1927, Page 3

LIBEL ACTION

VERDICT FOR DEFENDANT. MR GLADSTONE VINDICATED. [by telegraph—per press association.] (lieceiveu tins uay at y.au a.ni.> LONDON, February 3. Prominent events of Victorian days were unfolded as an extraordinarily clear ,vision by T. P. O’Connor, as a witness on behalf of Gladstone. He stated:—“l have been a Commoner for forty-seven years and I am familiar with events in England and Ireland from 1880 onwards.” Birkett referred to a passage in O’Connor’s obituary notice of Lord Milner, in which (he attributed to Milner the words: 11 One does not know what Gladstone is going to do, until one knows what seraglio has decided.” Birkett:—“AVright says ‘seraglio’ means harem. What do you think it means? ”

There was a tremor in his voice w hen O’Connor replied:—“There is not the slightest doubt that Milner meant the extraordinary solicitude of -Mrs Gladstone, which was notorious at the time. Often she was in the inner lobby, after ho had made a great speech in order to muffle him up properly for the homeward journey. That’s what Lord Milner meant.’’

Questioned' regarding Gladstone’s alleged connivance at the relationship between Parnell and Mrs O’Shea, O’Connor answered unhesitatingly—- “ Gladstone had no knowledge or conviction of it nor had he even considered it.”

O’Connor withstood a lengthy crossexamination on incidents extending over years and concluded with the observation :—“Even if Milner suspected a wrong relationship between Gladstone and ladies, he was far too great a gentleman to mention it.” Eveleigh Nash (Chairman ol the publishing firm) emphatically asserted he did not see the offending passage which must have been inserted by Wright in the proofs. * LONDON, February 3. The jury in the Gnldstonc case were absent 2} hours, and on returning said they agreed that Gladstone’s letter of July 27th was true. The Judge—“ That is a verdict for defendant.” The public began to applaud. The Judge—“ If anyone attempts to make a noise I shall commit him for contempt of Court.” I The Foreman:—“We wish to add tnnt we are unanimously of tile opinion that the evidence given completely vindicated the high moral character ol Mr Gladstone.” The Judge then entered judgment for defendant with costs. Mr Birkett on behalf of Lord Gladstone added the latter’s deep appreciation to the members of the jury for their verdict. Lord and Lady Gladstone were then the recipients of general congratulations from friends. Interviewed, Lord Gladstone said he was completely satisfied with the verdict, particularly the rider, but the case was too big to talk about.