Rensselaer Republican, Volume 23, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 October 1890 — THAT IRISH TRIAL. [ARTICLE]

THAT IRISH TRIAL.

Much Disorder—Startling Testimony—One of the Attorneys Ruled Out. The hearing in the dase of tho government against Dillon and O’Brien and the other Nationalists who were arrested on the charge of conspiracy, was continued in the magistrate’s court at Tipperary Friday. In the course of the proceedings a question arose as to the time the trials should occupy, and Mr. Ronan, the prosecutor for the crown, declared he was entirely ignorant*Of the time it would take to present the case for the government or for the accused to make their defense, Mr. Healy, of counsel for the defendants, said he was in mortal fear lest the trials, would last for six months. Mr. Healy’s remarks excited the laugh ter of those present at the hearing. ’ Much excitement was occasioned in the courtroom by the evidence of one of the witnesses, a policeman, who testified that he had followed several of the defendants into the vestry of the Catholic church and tried to overhearwhat wassaid. This testimony aroused the indignation of counsel for defense, and be demanded to know if the penal days had returned when the sanctity of tho confessional could be invaded. The court room became a babel of cries, and the confusion was so great that it was impossible to go on with the proceedings. The court was therefore declared adjourned for half an hour. When the court re-opened the policeman witness was cross-examined by Mr. Harrington, who called the witness a “shad, or” The magistrate called upon Mr Harrington to withdraw the expression. Mr, Harrington refused to do so and wa9 ordered to leave the case. An uproar ensued, Messrs. Dillon and O’Brien commenting freely upon the manner in which the case was conducted. Finally another half hour adjournment was ordered. Durng the adjournment Mr. Harrington’s clients decided to defend themselves. When the proceedings were resumed Mr. Dillon had just begun to address the bench when a cheer was raised for Mr. Harrington. This so exasperated the magistrate that he ordered the court cleared, and the proceedings were adjourned abruptly amid the greatest confusion. A large body of police was massed outside the court. There was no rioting.