PADRE ON TRIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 November 1919, Page 5

PADRE ON TRIAL.

THE O'DONNELL CASE. STATEMENT BY THE ACCUSED. DENIAL OF DISLOYALTY. By Telejraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Kecefvetf Nov. 12, 20.30 p.m. London, Nov. 10. The preliminary inquiry in the O'Donnell case lias concluded. The prosecution offered further witnesses. Captain Clarke, principal officer of the Board of Trade in Ireland, stated that he O'Donnell's conversation at the Killarney Hotel. It seemed to be a tirade against the King and the country, but he only heard occasional words. O'Donnell, in a sworn statement, described the part ho had taken in the war.. He explained that he visited Ireland to consult a specialist and to .meet friends. He did not participate in any disloyal meeting, and he denied that he made disloyal references. He said lie had expressed the belief that His Majesty's influence had settled the railway strike, and he admitted that he had condemned Mr Lloyd George in reference to his attitudo in relation to Ireland and other Imperial and local questions. He offered to produce several witnesses in support of his statement. O'Donnell appealed to the Australian authorities to ensure his protection, vbidication and reparation. He Tecognised lie had not a right to demand a courtmartial, but he appealed (o the authorities that his case should be sent to trial, claiming that it was a case contemplated in the King's regulations in which it was imperative that the whole truth should be known, The authorities are considering the evi-dence.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.