PADRE ON TRIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 December 1919, Page 5

PADRE ON TRIAL.

* THE O'DONNELL CASE. DETAILS OF EVIDENCE. By Telegraph.—Press Assb.—Copyright. Received Nov. 30, 11 p.m. London, Nov. 2(1. General McGlenn presided, at the court-martial of Chaplain O'Donnell. The Court consisted of five colonels, a major, [tnd two captains. Captain Eastwood, of the Grenadier Guards, acted as Judge Advocate, and Sir Archibald Bodkin, K.C., represented Lieut. Martin, the nominal prosecutor. Mr. T. Healy, Iv.C.> and Mr. Lynch, K.C., with Mr. John Costello, represented the accused. Sir Archibald Bodkin pointed out that Uie charge was brought under section 35 of the Army Act against persons subject lo military law using traitorous and disloyal words regarding the sovereign, making them liable to trial by court-martial. The incident occurred at the International Hotel, Killarney, on October 10th, in the presence of Lieut. Chambers, of the King's Liverpool Regiment, and Captain Clark, of the Royal Naval Reserve,' with his wife and others'. Mr. Healy said that as one whose relatives had fallen with the Australians, he felt it an honour to appear before a Court composed of Australian . officers. He regretted that the case illustrated the English officers' treatment of men who had crossed the ocean. Mr. Healy complained of O'Donncll's treatment. He had been sent to prison, treated as a felon, and cast into the traitor's cell in the Tower of London. O'Donnell hoped that a man could be a good Irishman and a good Australian, QUESTION OF SOBRIETY. A witness testified to O'Donnell's sobriety. The Judge Advocate remarked that there was no djfect evidence that O'Donnell was under the influence of liquor. Mr. Healy pointed out that this had lieen suggested, and it was an important matter in view of O'Donnell's priesthood. Sir Archibald Bodkin, proceeding, said that O'Donnell was wearing uniform at the time his alleged statement was made. He spoke in a loud voice. Lieut; Chambers approached O'Donnell, and asked him to speak quietly. O'Donnell excitedly replied, "What damned business is it of yours V' Captain Clarke states that O'Donnell's conversation Was of a political character, and amounted to a tirade against the British Government and hatred against the King. Captain Clarke also asked O'Donnell to speak quietly, bu< O'Donnell replied, "Mind your own damned business." Lieut. on the following day, reported the matter to a superior officer, and submitted notes of the conversation, which lie hastily took as he listened. Sir Archibald Bodkin said that O'Donnell's connection with the Australian Army made it clear that he.was heart and soul with Britain against Germany, but his private feelings regarding Ireland appeared to allow him to indulge in language of an improper character under improper circumstances. If the words were uttered, 0 Donnell should not be allowed to wear His Majesty's uniform. AN OFFICER'S STORY. Lieut. Chambers, in evidence, quoted the notes he had taken, alleging that O'Donnell said, among other things: "The Royal Family is no use to this or'any other country. The time is coming, and that very soon, when Ireland will strike I out for herself to gain that glorious independence so lflng dear to every patriot s heart. I will then come over and help the people in their struggle against the tyrannical British Government. We Australians fought for independence and the rights of self-Government, which are being denied the finest and oldest little country in the world, by a few satellites of King George, who are filling their pocket?, and whosS hands are red with the blood of Irish patriots. Lieut. Chambers, continuing, quoted further conversation in reference to the Sinn, Fein movement growing in Australia, and the British railway strike, as previously cabled. Mr. Healy closely cross-examined the Witness, who admitted that ho entered the notes in the sequence in which they were spoken. He did not profess that he took the words down from the accused's lips. BRISK CROSS-EXAMINATION. Mr. Healy asked, "Then the phrase, 'satellites of George King' might have been 'satellites of Lloyd George?' " Witness replied: "There is no such impression in my mind, I could not be mistaken." Mr. Healy: "O'Donnell deliberately insulted His Majesty. Was ho drunk, or under the influence of drink?" Witness: "Absolutely sober." Mr. Healy: Did you not sav to the manageress that he was three ' parts drunk?" Witness: "No." Witness agreed that O'Donnell defamed His Majesty, disgraced the uniform, and disgraced the great Australian Force of which we all were proud. He was shocked and astounded at the language. Mr. Healy: "Yet all you said was, hpeak quietly; you are interrupting our conversation.'" ° 't" oss sa 'd that he was not aware that Mr. Marsh, with whom O'Donnell was conversing, was a Belfast loyalist. CHAPLAIN IN TEARS. Mr. J. S. Wadrell, who sat at the same table with Lieut Chambers, largely confirmed his evidence He added that 0 Donnell said that he did not enter the war on behalf of Britain, but ho was out for the rights of small nationalities. \\ itness did not see Lieut. Chambers usnig a notebook during dinner. ,w r T He \ ly 'J n °P enin ß the defence, said that Lieut. Chambers had jumped to the conclusion that O'Donnell was a Sinn Pernor. O'Donnell scornfully repudiated the charges made. He had not come to Ilie Court to vindicate his own honor, but to tear aside the veil of hypocrisy and terror which hides the conduct of Irish administration. During Mr. Healy's speech, O'Donnell Wept*, The Court then adjourned. O'Donnell has since been found no! guilty.—Aub.-N.Z. Cable Assn. I