PADRE ON TRIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 December 1919, Page 5

PADRE ON TRIAL.

j EVIDENCE FOR DEFENCE. ACCUSED'S VERSION CONFIRMED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 1, 5.5 p.m. .. » _ London, Nov. 27. At ODonnell's trial, Lord Kenraare gave evidence that he met O'Donnell on his domain at Killarney on October 10. Accused referred to his work for conscription in Australia, and stated he was a personal friend of Mr. Hughes, O'Donnell was perfectly sober. Marsh, a commercial traveller, who was slightly deaf, gave evidence that he met O'Donnell at the hotel and conversed with him during dinner. O'Donnell deplored the condition of the Clandicorde estate, Galway, as compared with fourteen years ago, and said that Lloyd George got a lot of credit for its settlement, but he knew that King George, and not Lloyd George, deserved the credit. On Marsh referring to Australians, accused said: "We came to fight for Australia, the Empire, and all the small nations. It would have been a bad day for Australia if Germany had won, as she would have done if it had not been for Australia." Lieutenant Chambers, at this point, interrupted, and O'Donnell replied: "Get away; mind your own damned business." Captain Clarke said that this was not a political house. Witness didn't remember O'Donnell's reply. Later, he said to him: "What do you think of that impertinent brat?" Witness said: "I'm surprised yon did not strike him." Witness retired later, and did not see O'Donnell again until today. Marsh denied that O'Donnell said the satellites of King George were filling their pockets, etc., or Their Majesties were unpopular in this or any country, or that he honed the strike would be the commencement of a revolution, etc. O'Donnell was quite sober and calm. Cross-examined, witness recalled the conversation when he heard that O'Donnell had been arrested, but was surprised to learn that the arrest was connected with the conversation, whereof he heard every word. THE CHAPLAIN'S STATEMENT. O'Donnell, in evidence, stated he joined the forces in 1917. after an earlier rejection on medical grounds. He took a keen interest in the war from the outbreak, and participated in all patriotic movements. He was chairman of several committees for raising money, and supported conscription when he heard from Mr. Hughes of the urgency of the situation. Accused produced Australian newspapers with reference to his work, and said he had always joined in the National Anthem, even in church. During the Prince of Wale:' visit to . France he had the honor of proposing a toast, and he chatted with the Prince about Australia. He attended General I Birdwood's farewell dinner, and added: "I think we Australians have a good deal of cheek, and I asked the Prince to sign a dinner card, with which request h e complied." Witness did not pretend to be a teetotaler. He had a small glass of wine at three o'clock in the afternoon of October 10, and walked to Kenmare. He afterwards returned to the hotel and conversed with Marsh across the table. He indignantly denied that he used the words alleged. He recalled the conversation as outlined by Marsh. He intended the reference to the King regarding the settling of the strike as a compliment to the warding off of what might have been a terrible disaster. O'Donnell denied that he mentioned the Sinn Fein condition, its growth in Australia or otherwise. He admitted' that he told Lieut. Chambers to mind his own business, but he didn't remember saying damned business, though he ought to have said it. The president suppressed the laughter which ensued on this statement, and threatened to clear the court if it were repeated. "LOYAL SON OF EMPIRE," Accused described the barracks where he was imprisoned as dirty; the blan-' kets smelt badly and were unusable, '''here was no fire, despite the cold. The juthorities refused to send to the hotel for his bag containing mc'icine. He was refused communication with his friends. Sentries, with fixed bayonets, were outside the door of his room. Sir A. Bodkin closely cross-examined O'Donnell with reference to the alleged seditious statements. Accused said he had been an Irish Nationalist ever since he could think, but did' not believe in complete independence. He did not agree with the sentiments which the prosecution alleged he expressed. Replying to the President, O'Donnell said he had never been under the influence of liquor in his life. Several witnesses gave evidence with regard to O'Donnell's loyalty, including Mr Lucas, acting-Agent-General for Tasmania, who said that O'Donnell resigned his charge, placed his services at the disposal of the Commorwealth as a soldier, and assisted the conscription campaign. He was loyal in every respect. Lady, McCall described him as a thoroughly loyal son of the Empire. Lieutenant Marriott, an Australian,' who lost his sight in the war, said he believed O'Donnell got more recruits than any clerjvnian of any denomination.— Aus.-N.51. Cable Assn. Received Dec. 1, 8.5 p.m. London, Nov. 27. The court in the O'Donnell case deliberated for an hour and three-quarters. A crowded court loudly cheered the verdict and manv friends congratulated i O'Donnell.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.