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Then follows an exact description of the Here, then, is a proof of the falsehood objects. The Colonial Secretary asked of the scandal against the Duke of Edinwhether the object of the Fenian organi- burgh, which has been circulated in zation was the establishment of a re- O'Farrell's name. He says—“I voted public in Ireland alone, but O'Farrell against it and argued against it"-meanreplied—“No," and then he described ing the assassination; and I believe that how England was to be treated as part he spoke the truth. But there is another of a federal Republic, and how there portion of this document containing ruwere to be three States in Ireland, three mours which are said to be unfit for the in Scotland, and seven in England, all attention of Parliament. I know that decided carefully; not merely on a basis for months these rumours" have been of population but with some geographical circulated throughout the country ; to considerations, and O'Farrell avowed the effect that O'Farrell stated that the that the object was to overthrow the Fenians who planned the death of the monarchy, to destroy the dynasty, and Duke of Edinburgh had declared that to overturn the existing state of things they did not care about assassinating the in the United Kingdom. (A movement Prince of Wales, because they thought on the Liberal Benches.) Although hon. he "would disgrace royalty.”

[Oh, Members may think this to be a chi-oh!”] Aye; but these things are circumerical idea, still they must admit that lated abroad, and I repeat that it is it has a hold on these men's minds, or affectation—mere affectation on the part they would never submit to an organiza- of this House to pretend to ignore them. tion which binds them under fear of Sir, these rumours may be very disagree death to the commision of murder. Sir, able to the Prince of Wales. But by we have had experience enough at Man- whom are these rumours circulated ? BF chester, Clerkenwell, and elsewhere, of men who are aiming openly at bringing the desperate enterprizes of which these the monarchy, his inheritance, to an end. men are capable. But I have heard it They have attempted the life of his reported in the Lobby that the real rea- brother; who can doubt that they would son why Her Majesty's Government de- willingly utter calumnies against the cline to produce these Papers is that Prince of Wales himself? Why it is there are some passages in O'Farrell's the most natural—I had almost said the statements as to Fenian opinions the more innocent-weapon of the two. It publication of which would be disagree- is one that for months and months, from able to the Royal Family. One report is other information, I have known tha: that O'Farrell had quarrelled with the these men have used; and my anxious Duke of Edinburgh in an affair of desire is that Parliament should call for gallantry. [“Oh, oh !"] Hon. Members those Papers, have them printed, and cry, “Oh !"

I am going to give give every true and honest subject of O'Farrell's own contradiction of the Her Majesty the opportunity of reading statement. The principal warder said these Fenian calumnies by the light of

the attempt to murder the Duke of Edin“ It is most extraordinary the reports that have circulated about this affair. It is said you had , burgh. That is my wish. Then,

supanimosity against the Prince in consequence of an i posing you could enjoin secresy upon affair with some woman."

these Fenians and their advisers as to

1 -[“Oh, oh!”] Hon. Gentlemen say had better be concealed, would it, think

some act of the Prince of Wales which Oh,” but it is only fair to allow the man

you,

be in safe keeping amongst these to give his contradiction. The prisoner Fenians? I should not think it would said

be in very safe keeping with Dr. "Those are the penny-a-liners' stories ; they Manning, who fraternizes with them ; must make up something."

but would it be in safe keeping with These stories of the "penny-a-liners" them? No, Sir; it were safer placarde have been circulated in the Lobbies of the all round the base of the statue of House to-day, with a view to inducing Charles I. at Charing Cross, than to leare the House not to abide by its own Order. it in their keeping. (Laughter.] Hon. O'Farrell added

Members may laugh ; but you are asked

to ignore facts which are already known “ There is something genial about him. He is a good-natured soul altogether. I voted against throughout the country. And why? it, and argued against it.”

Because there are some passages in those

Papers in which the Fenians reflect upon man who was lying under sentence of the Prince of Wales ! Was ever any- death for participation in a murder conthing so shallow put forward as an ex- nected with the Ribbon system in Ireland. cuse? I can quite understand that an The name of this man was Hodgens. influence has been exercised for the sup- He had been known to Mr. Trench, who pression of these Papers. I have read was persuaded that, if he could be into the House portions of them which duced to give information, the whole contradict the statement said to be system of Ribbonism in his neighbourO'Farrell's last and true confession, hood might be crushed. Accordingly, which has been widely circulated, circu- he succeeded in obtaining from the Lord lated months ago, and which declares as Lieutenant a promise that if this man upon O'Farrell's authority, that he had would give full informatior his life should no accomplices, and that he was not a be spared. The man entertained the Fenian. Now, is it not strange that the proposal, and I will read what took place same man who, day after day, willingly from Mr. Trench’s book. His clerk was furnished the information which these sent to the prisoner's cell to communicate Papers contain, and I have described to this intelligence to him ; that is, that his the House, should then sign a Paper life would probably be spared, and, in contradicting the main points in his pre- answer to the request of the clerk, the vious statements, including those which prisoner said he appears to have made with the view

“Well, may be, I might as well tell it all out. of guarding others and society itself Come to me to-morrow morning, and you shall against the evil of which he had become have all I know; but Mr. Trench must come himthe victim ? Now, it happened that self, as I will not trust anyone else. I must have

it from his own lips, that my life will be surely Archbishop Polding visited him for the

spared! You shall have it from himself,' refirst time on the Sunday prior to his plied the clerk ; but why not to-night? he is execution; so did several Roman Ca- waiting now to see you: let me call him now, and tholic priests, and one a priest of his tell him all you have to say!' Not to-night,' own name, O'Farrell. Up to that time said ho— not to night; I am to see the priest in he had refused to make any statement I see him.

the morning, and I will say nothing to anyone till

· Tell Mr. Trench all about it now,' but those which he had made to the entreated the clerk ; 'let me call him this Colonial Secretary and the warder ; and minute, may be it will be your last chance.' it was not until after the visit of the I can't and I won't,' said Hodgens doggedly;

I must see my clergy first, and there's no use I have mentioned that the Paper in pressing me more. persons

At ten o'clock next was written which was not to be opened morning my clerk obtained access to the conuntil after his death, and which Mr. demned cell of the criminal. The first glance at Parkes refused to produce in the House the prisoner showed that a great change had taken of Assembly. I can easily conceive, place since the interview of the preceding day. therefore, that this unhappy man may, mind, and was at peace within himself.

he saw at a glance that Hodgens had made up bis

Well,' by spiritual influence, have been induced said the clerk, disguising his fears as well as ho to sign a Paper in which, for the sake of could, may I send for Mr. Trench, and will you shielding the Fenian organization, he tell him all you know about what we were talking qualified, up to the point of denying,

of yesterday?' I will tell nothing,' returned everything which he had stated to Mr! Hodgens, calmly, and with a composed and re

signed countenance. “I will tell nothing either to Parkes, and all that the documents taken Mr. Trench, or to anyone else. I have seen my from him contained with respect to his priest, and I'm now prepared to die ; and may be connection with the Fenians and touch. I would never be so well prepared again, so I am ing the Fenian organization. [“ Hear, content to die

, and there is no use in asking me

any more. I will tell nothing except to them hear.”] The hon. Members who cheer that has a right to know it ; and who should that me have the Papers before them, and be but the priest ? So now let me alone, for you they are competent to form a judgment will never get another word out of me.

I am upon them. But I am reminded of an content to die for my country.' He calmly sat account which is given by Mr. Trench in down, and remained in perfect silence, until the that admirable work of his on the state ont effect, was compelled to leave the cell. What

clerk, who had addressed him several times with. of Ireland, entitled Realities of Irish passed between the prisoner and the priest I know Life. That work contains striking illus- not, but Hodgens adhered to his determination, trations of the influence of the Roman and his secret died with him.'” Catholic priests over men condemned to Is there not a parallel between these two death. Mr. Trench describes the facts cases ? Both these men had seen the connected with the imprisonment of a priest; and whilst after having done so,

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one refused to give the information that| O'Farrell's execution. Mr. Parkes, who would have saved his lifet-he other was then the Colonial Secretary of made a statement contradicting the evi- New South Wales—a position that was dence on which he was convicted, and somewhat analogous to our Home Secrethe description he himself had furnished tary-said from his place in the Assemof the Fenian conspiracy and of the bly, not that the prisoner had died withorganization of this conspiracy against out making a confession, but that he had the dynasty and the Crown of England. made a second and most important conThis document, contradicted by such fession. In reply to a Question addressed evidence as I have described to the to him by a member of the Opposition, House, has been widely circulated, and he said that that confession would in & found its way even into books of refer- few days be laid before the Assembly.

Ought not then such futile and several days, however, elapsed, and as a squeamish objections, as have been stated confession was not produced, the Queson the part of Ministers, to give way to tion was repeated. Mr. Parkes then the great purpose of informing the people stated that, on the whole, it was Lot of England of the real nature of this thought advisable that the statement Fenian organization, and of placing in should be published. The hon. Member the hands of the magistracy and of the had quoted the chief of the Sydney Members of this House the means of police. [Mr. NEWDEGATE : I beg par. judging of the machinations of these don; I quoted the words of Mr. Parkes’ conspirators, and the means, as I also Minute.] At all events, the hon. Genbelieve, in many cases of defeating them. tleman used the words “chief of the These, Sir, are the considerations by police.” It was the chief of the police which I have been actuated in suggest- who rose in his place and said he did not ing to the House that it should require share in the delicacy of the Colonial the publication of the documents, which Secretary; and that he did not feel that have been already furnished to the Legis- it was contrary to public policy that the lature of Australia ; there being clear second confession should be produced, evidence that a centre of this conspiracy and he then read the very confession of exists here in England, and that it is which a portion had been read that operative amongst us. For these rea- evening by the hon. Gentleman the sons, I, for one, feel bound to assume Member for North Warwickshire. That that the consent of the Government and confession was not written by O'Farrell the Order of the House for the produc- himself, but it was vouched for by the tion of these Papers will not be trifled priest who attended O'Farrell, in the with.

presence of the Committee of the AssemMR. DILKE desired to address a few bly of New South Wales which was apwords to the House, in the belief that pointed to investigate the question. That hon. Members would like to hear a dif- Committee reported against the truth of ferent version of facts which were, he the first confession. Anyone who read thought, almost one and the same. It that first confession could see that the was the general belief of the people of prisoner had a motive for making it. Sydney at the time of the attempted as- He had, first of all, the motive of vanity; sassination of the Duke of Edinburgh and he had in the next place the motive by O'Farrell that the prisoner was acting of misleading Mr. Parkes, and thus entirely alone, and that he was a man avenging his supposed injury-an object who had been led away by vanity to in which he actually succeeded, because the commission of the crime. That Mr. Parkes lost his Office in consequence opinion was not weakened when it was of the discredit brought upon him by his heard from day to day that the prisoner credulity. The view taken of the matter was making a confession, and that Mr. in Sydney was that the prisoner had all Parkes was seen daily to resort to his along been making game of Mr. Parkes cell with a clerk and a shorthand writer. and of the Government. The fact tas The feeling, indeed, became stronger that not a tittle of evidence had erer every day, until at length it culminated been produced to show that Fenianism in the loss of Office to Mr. Parkes. The had found a resting place in New South hon. Member for North Warwickshire Wales, although it was well known that had not correctly stated what had taken it had extended to the West Coast of New place in the House of Assembly after Zealand. The statements in O'Farrell's

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first confession were considered utterly | the army. Speaking of the army, the incredible in the colony, where they had Roman Catholic soldiers in it, who were been investigated on the spot, and he more or less under the direction of the (Mr. Dilke) believed that a bad prece- priests, were as five to one ; they had dent would be established if such a docu- been increasing of late years; and it ment were circulated with the sanction was a remarkable circumstance—the reof the House of Commons.

sult of deliberate design somewhere-that MR. WHALLEY said, he thought it the Roman Catholics were to be found extremely desirable that they should ob- strongest in the higher services, the Artain every possible information upon tillery and the Engineers. [Mr. Newthat subject. The speech to which they DEGATE: Oh, oh!] From communihad just listened was in itself a justifica- cations with the authorities of the towns tion for the Motion of the hon. Member in the neighbourhood of his residence, for North Warwickshire. The hon. he knew that they doubted the trustGentleman had stated that the confes- worthiness of the Roman Catholic police. sion had led to the expulson of Mr. If there were any truth in his suggestion Parkes and the Government from Office. that Fenian organization was based on There was nothing in Mr. Parkes's con- the same principles as were the risings duct that deserved that punishment, of the Roman Catholics, in 1798 and and the only interpretation of that state- 1641, it was scarcely possible to over-rate ment could be that so much importance the gravity of the question, and the urwas attached to the suppression of this gent necessity for obtaining all available document by the Roman Catholic party information. It was extremely difficult, that they at once organized an opposi- in the absence of any sort of explanation tion to the Government and turned them from the Government, to conceive any out of Office. The argument of the hon. substantial reason why the information Member for Chelsea (Mr. Dilke) was in question should not be afforded. In in itself a confirmation of the necessity New Zealand we had had wars and refor the production of these Papers. He bellions, and a few hundred natives had (Mr. Whalley) first called the attention defeated the regular troops and the coof the House to the Fenian movement lonists; and in vain had he moved for in 1862, and from time to time he ad- the Reports of the Governor, Sir George verted to it, but he was scarcely ever Grey, who, in a speech reported in the permitted by the House to state any- New Zealand papers, had said he found thing at all. In the course of three or that the Roman Catholic priesthood were four years, quite unexpectedly to the at the bottom of the war, that they were House, but not to himself, he was re- organizing it, and that they and they lieved of the duty of noticing the pro- alone were the cause of our troubles ceedings of the Fenians by their actions there. It was admitted by the hon. and the investigations which followed Member for Chelsea that there were them. Fenianism, however, had re- Fenians in New Zealand, and it was due ceived exceptional treatment in this re- to our fellow-subjects there and elsespect, that the Government had endea- where that we should obtain the fullest voured in every way to suppress inquiry information as to the origin, nature, and and information about it. If the House present position of Fenianism. had granted him a Committee he would MR. NEWDEGATE, in explanation, have elicited the history of the organi- said, he had not read from the Report zation; he would have exposed the of the Committee spoken of by the hon. knowledge and complicity of the Roman Member for Chelsea (Mr. Dilke), but Catholic priesthood in America, and he hereafter he should ask for its producwould have shown that in this country | tion. and in Ireland it was co-extensive with Catholicism. He even offered, if he Question put, “That the said Order failed, never to trouble the House on be discharged."-(Mr. Monsell.) the subject again ; but the House would not grant him a Committee. Much of The House divided :-Ayes 123; Noes what he had said had been confirmed. 15: Majority 108. But the Fenians were as quiet as mice now, because they were amenable to discipline as strict as any that prevailed

MILITIA AND RESERVE FORCES

than if they were massed together gency

in some central depôt, and they would SNIDER-ENFIELD RIFLES.

not be exposed to entire destruction by MOTION FOR RETURNS.

fire—a calamity, which befell almost the MAJOR WALKER, in rising to call whole of the old stores in the Tower. attention to the fact that the greater He presumed that the reserve of weapart of the Militia and Militia Reserves pons was desired for a case of emerof Great Britain are still unprovided gency, when a large increase would be with the Snider-Enfield Rifle; and to made in the regular Army. The means move a Resolution on the subject, said for that increase must proceed from the that he would not waste time by dis- Militia, and if the Snider-Enfield rifles cussing the question whether or not the were distributed among them, thera Militia should be supplied with breech- would, upon an emergency, be found the loading Snider and Enfield rifles, for arms in readiness, and, in addition, the after the experience of the Bohemian men to use them. As to the 3,700 men campaign he took it for granted that no forming the Militia Reserve, the force British troops would ever be sent into ac- as thought by some to be a failure; tion armed with the old-fashioned muzzle- but he dissented entirely from that conloader. The only point to be decided clusion. The fact was that the condiwas, whether or not it was practicable tions of the Militia Reserves were pubeither now or shortly to place the Snider- lished so late last year that the men and Enfield rifles in the hands of the Militia officers had no time to satisfy themselves and the Militia Reserve. He believed respecting the terms of service. The that he was not far from the fact when conditions had, however, been modified; he said that, by the end of last March, suspicions had been, or would be re350,000 stand of old English muzzle- moved; and he had no doubt that in the loading rifles were converted into Sni- course of this year the Militia Reserves ders. How, then, should those arms be would swell to 12,000 or 15,000 men. disposed of? In the first place they Under the present system, however, supshould be assigned for the use of Her posing an emergency to arise, you would Majesty's regular Army. As these wea- have to draft them into the depôt compons were only fit for infantry, he should panies, in order that these men might say that, putting aside cavalry, artillery, be taught the use of the breech-loading musicians, &c., 150,000 stand of the rifle; whereas, if his suggestion were Snider-Enfield rifles would be sufficient adopted, they might go at once to swell to arm all the rank and file of the Bri- the service companies. He hoped, theretish Army. A certain portion would be fore, that the Secretary of State would required for Marines and the Navy, and modify the system he had introduced. he believed that, when the position of No doubt this could only now be done affairs in North America was less satis- to a certain extent; but a large proporfactory than at present, it was thought tion of the English Militia, and a still desirable that a certain portion of these larger proportion of the Scotch Militia, arms should be sent out to Canada. did not go into training till next month, Calculating 50,000 for the Royal Ma- and he hoped it would be found possible rines and the Royal Navy, and 20,000 to issue the new arm to a certain profor the Canadian Militia, the total amount portion of those regiments. If the new disposed of would be 220,000 stand of arms were not issued to the regiments arms. It then became a question whe- during their present training, he hoped ther a portion of these aris might not that, at least, the Secretary of Siate be placed in the hands of the Militia and would prevent the scandal of 70,000 or Militia Reserve. He should be told, no 80,000 men learning the use of a weapon doubt, by the Secretary for War, that it which they never could be called on to was necessary that a large reserve of use. The platoon exercise was the most these weapons should be kept within difficult, the most intricate, and the most reach in case of emergency ; but would tiresome part of the soldier's instruction. they not be within reach if placed in the At least one-fourth of the Militiaman's hands of the Militia ? If they were kept twenty-seven days of training must be in the barracks and stores of the different set aside to make him a tolerable master regiments throughout England, they of this antiquated exercise. Now, if it would be more available on an emer- was impossible to arm the Militia with