IRISH AFFAIRS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1645, 11 October 1887, Page 1

IRISH AFFAIRS.

London, Oct. 6. At the Dublin Police Court to-day Messrs O’Brien and Sullivan appeared to answer a charge of publishing reports of the doings of the suppressed branches of the National League. Mr Sullivan appeared in the Lord Major’s robes, attended by the aldermen. An exciting scene took place in Court owing to the police preventing the city sword bearer and mace bearer from sitting near the Lord Mayor, and relegating them to the gallery, The cage against the accused was summarily dismissed. Notice of appeal against the decision of the Magistrate’s was given by the Crown. It ii reported that , a moonlighter named Oalliman has turned informer, and disclosed to the Government the workings and objects of the National League. Its object is the capture of arms and ammunition, and the frightening of farmers into compliance with the demands of the League. Speaking at Ipswich, Lord Unsebory said the effect of the policy of the Government was to procure rancour and rebellion in Ireland. This had already been discovered by the British people, whose confidence the Government were rapidly forfeiting. Tbs United Ireland published several columns of reports of proceedings of the meetings of the National League which were suppressed under the Crimes Act. Lat»r. Oalliman, the informer, dr dares that the outrage by moonlighters in County Clare, which was attended with fatal consequences, wag undertaken in conquenco of Mr Dillon’s denouncing the land grabbers. The procession accompanying Lord Mayor Sullivan to the Police Court excited immense enthusiasm in the crowd, Sexton, the Lord Mayor’s Secret -ivl others seized the sword, and tussled with the police for it, the aldermen and priests present shouting “ Bravo ! Hold on.” Dr Kenny urged the police to sids with the Mayor, The police finally used persuasion instead of force, and thus succeeded in putting an end to a scene of the greatest excitement. The charge was dismissed, on the ground that fhe Crown had not proved its case. O’Brien was not attended by anyone. The police have discovered that the Kerry moonlighters intended to make a wholesale attempt on the lives of caretakers of farms from which tenants had been evicted. Oct. 7. The moonlight informer admits thftt he is a convicted thief, a deserter from the array, and also a drunkard. The ease against O’Brien has been dropped, pending the result of the appeal. The case is to be argued in November. In referring to this case, the Press severely censures the neglect of counsel lor the Crown. L»ter. Speaking at Middlesborough, the Earl of Dunravcn said that it was impossible for the Liberals to reunite at present. Ha regretted that the 'Uuionsts had not supported the Government, and shared the responsibility of their Irish policy, hie condemned Mr Gladstone for using his influence to paralyse Parliament, and render the task of the Government more difficult, Oct. 9. The preliminary examina'ion into the charge against the moonlighters concerned in the affray in County Clara in September, when Chief Canstable Lewis was killed, was concluded yesterday, Twe've of the prisoners were committed for trial on the capital charge. At the trial of the Mncbulstown rioters, owing to Mr ITarring on, counsel for the defence, insulting witnesses, and the Coroner approving, the Crown will not call further evidence. The Dublin Express is of opinion that it would be belter to rspeal the Crimes Act if the authorities are unable to enforce it.