The Express.
London, England, 1867-12-19 00:00:00

THE DISCOVERY OF A FENIAN PLOT AT

WOLVERHAMITON.

WOLVERHAMPTON, WEDNESDAY.
The document discovered yesterday is found to
be no hoax, its authenticity having been established
by indisputable information obtained to-day con-
firmatory of the planned simultaneous Fenian
attack on the militia armouries throughout Eng-
land. Further communications have taken place
between the mayor, chief constable, and the county
authorities, and the necessary steps have been
taken to render the plot abortive.

1 TILE FENLLN PROSECUTIONS IN DUBLIN.

DUBLIN, WitortmenAy Mawr.
Mr. John Martin, Dr. Waters, and Mr. Lalor
were committed for trial at the next commission,
but admitted to bail in their own recognisance ff of
5001. each.

In the comes of the proceedings yesterday, Mr. Murphy
Q.C., addressing the bench, said—l see Mr. Sullies= here,
and some other gentlemen who were here yesterday, and
complained of being summoned to attend, and I am de-
, sired by the Attorney-General to state that he regrets that
they were served, and that he never gave directions that
any one individual in that procession should be served ;
nor did any one under him give directions either.
The matter occurred in this way. General directions
were given to the police to establish that four gen.
tlemen who were summoned took an 'active part in
the procession. The police have in all these cases
exercised their own discretion as to the wit-
'lessee to be called. They are scarcely ever named to
them, for the parties acting for the crown counsel know
who they are, and the police thought it might be necessary
to summon persons who actually themselves took part in
the procession, but there never was an intention on the
' pert of any one acting on behalf of the crown to produce as
, • witness any person who was in that procession taking a
part in it.
Mr. Dix—So far as the magistrates are concerned, they
know anything about the witnesses who are sum-
moned when signing the summons. In fact if the wit-
messes were in Jamaica he would sign the summons an •
matter of course, on the responsibility of the person put-
ting it before him.
Mr. Sullivan—l thank your worship and Mr. Murphy,
and I think it will be men that but for your forbearance
and courtesy, which allowed me to make a protest, the
Attorney-General would not have had the opportunity of
making a disclaimer, which I think it becomes the dignity
of the government to make in this case. The aspect of
the case yesterday was VOl7 grievous towards Sir John
' Gray, M.P., towards myself, end towards other
men. My brother, who was also summoned, was
the only gentleman who signed the placard
who gave his address in full in the papers,
and he was not summoned as • principal, but aa a wit-
ness, when he desired to stand by Mr. Martin's side in the
dock, if it came to that. (Applause.)
Mr. Allen--I am glad that this satisfackny explanation
I has been made. I am of opinion that if a man has •
ground of complaint the sooner it is out the better, if it is
well founded ; and equally so if it is not well founded, for
then it can be explained. lam the more desirous that
this should be set right, because there was a very strong
popular feeling against the parties being brought here at
aIL ( Het r, hear.)
Mr. Sullivan—Especially as public journalists.

I THREATENED FENIAN ATTACK UPON KIREDALL
GAOL—Captain Gibbs, the governor of Kirkdale Gaol,
Liverpool, has just received a communication to the effect
that the Fenian contemplate an attack upon the gaol, the
means to be employed in the attack being Greek, or
Fenian fire." It is said that the court house and the
governor's house are first to be destroyed. As soon as
Captain Gibbs was informed of the intended attack he at
once made preparations for the defence of the prison.
Officers are appointed to watch the gaol, the guards are
doubled at various points, and every step that prudence
suggests has been taken to insure the safety of the prison
and the inmates. If the information received be genuine
the attack can only be suggested with one object—a reck-
less destruction of life and property, as there are no
Fenlans in the gaol to liberate. In connection with the
proposed Fenian procession at Liverpool last Sunday, at
the usual nightly parade meeting of the Liverpool pollee
on Tuesday night an order was read from the Mayor
thanking the police for the services rendered on the occa-
sion,and intimating that the Watch Committee had ordered
an extra day's pay to every man in the force in apprecia-
tion of their conduct on Sunday.

Fear!Artier.' 1r IRELAND.—It is mentioned by the
Cork Examiner that " General" J. J. O'Connor, the
Cabirciveen Fenian leader, has been again seen in the
neighbourhood of Killarney. Had the procession of last
Sunday at Queenstown not been suppressed, it was
intended to have introduced into it the novel feature of
coffins exposed to view in the mock hearses, and these
coffins were already purchased for the purpose. At the
Devonshiie Arnie Hotel, in Yougbal, a dinner has taken
plow, at which several relatives of the " martyrs" were
entertained, along with the sister of the Fenian farmer
O'Neill Crowley, slain at Kileloooey Wood. The Rev. Mr.
Lynch, catholic curate, occupied the rice chair. At
Macroom the Rey. Mr. Cullinane, P.P., having, in an
address after mar, advised the people not to walk added
that the populace had already achieved a virtual triumph
over the government, which had been obliged to have
recourse to prohibitory measures against free opinion.
THE RICZNT BRIZURR or ARMS AT MANCMFATRR.
—The two men, William Pherson Thompson and William
Hogan, were age brought up on remand at Manchester,
charged with being concerned in the illegal possession of
Ilre-anna, and with having taken part in the attack on the
=z
edn and the murder of Berge's, Brett. Han was
• ; but Thompson was committed for trial at the
'MMUS on Os later sharp.

MR.W.E. GLADSTONE AT OLDHAM.

(TXON OUS OWN COSINSPONDINT.)
OLDHAM, WIDNIUSDAT AFTERNOON.

The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P., visited
Oldham to-day, and met with an enthusiastic reception.
He arrived at the Victoria station, Manchester, on Tues-
d►y afternoon, accompanied by his son, Mr. W. H. Glad-
none, M.P., and was met there by Mr. John Platt, M.P.,
Mr. George Wilson, and Mr. Alderman Mines, President
of the Wameth Mechanics' Institution, the opening of
which was the main purpose of his visit to Oldham. The
right hon..pntlauran proceeded to Oldham the same after-
noon, and is the guest of Mr. Platt, M.P., during his stay
in the neighbourhood. A party of gentlemen of the neigh-
bourhood were invited to meet him at dinner, among
whom were Mr. E. Watkin, M.P., and Mr. Manifold, M.P.
Yesterday morning Mr. Gladstone went to the Hartford
Works, belonging to Platt Brothers and Co. ; and otter-
wards visited the Bun Mill, Middleton, occupied by a co-
operative option manufactory company. The right hon.
gentlemannext visited the cooperative sterna King-street,
where an illumin►ted address was presented to him
jointly by the "Industrial" and " Equitable" Cooperative
societies. The address set forth that the co-operators
viewed labour as the parent of wealth, earl were of opiates
that the happiness of anises depended set upon the
amount, but upon the dbtributlon of wealth. oe-opera-
ell4 artigi.;see were steps to this end. Mutual 00-operation
was as far in glance of unrestricted individual competi-
tion as tbat was in arum of forced or slave labour ; it
was also the mediator hairnet: capital end "beer. The
two es-operative societies is Oldho." began business
December, 1860. During the lief gm years .:.tile Mews
was made. The number of members now was 4,t0k1, iii
presenting a population of 20,000 ; the capital was 65,000/.,
and the sales during the present year had been 200,000/.
They had eight free newsrooms and a library, and a penny
savings bank for the children, 1,200 of whom had 1,0001.
invested. Mr. Gladstone went through the store and the
newsroom, and expressed himself highly gratified at the
success of these self-helping institutions ; they were most
excellent, and everyone must wish them well. Mr. Glad-
stow promised to give his attention to a grievance of the
societies in having to make income tax returns, when the
societies were exempted from payment of the tax.

At one o'clock Mr. Gladstone received an address from
the Mayor and Corporation, in the Town-hall, where he
was welcomed by a large amemblage.
Mr. PONI4ONBT, the town clerk, read the addrens, as
follows :
TO TUI 11011 T HON. 1,37.1A11 ETAT, WANTON; M.T.

file,—We, the mayor, 'Mermen, and burgers* of the borough
of Oldham, beg to offer you a respectful and cordial welcome on
your first visit to this part of your important constituency. We
also desire to express our high appreciation of the distinguished
honour yen have done us by your preset)* here, and of the
graceful and fitting manner in which you, an accomplished
scholar—(hear, hear)--propose to mark your visit, by inaugu-
rating a new educational institute, dasise,il specially for the
working population ; and by dlatribu the prises to the
students In the Science and Art ooL (Cheers.)) We
take this opportunity to record our hint admiration of
the eminent and distinguished services you have rendered
la themotion of many wise and beneficial measures
designedfor the social, commercial, and religious freedom of
**people. Your able and eloquent advocacy, always marked
by conviction and sincerity—;"hear,
d bear," and cheers)—in the
cause of liberty ; In promo enlightened fiscal changes, now
universally recognised as fond
on the trued wisdom ; la ex-
tending commercial intercourse between this country and
France ; In the cause of parliamentary reform ; and In all other
measures having for their object the elevatius of the people,
cannot fail to secure for you the lasting admit-atom and esteem of
a grateful nation. (" Heir," and cheers ) A reformed parliament
wfil speedily be called upon to deal with pies/ tons pressing for
solution, and vital to the interest, of the State. Amongst those
holding the foremost place may be en unierated education. the con-
dition of Ireland, and national expenditure. When the time arrives
for grappling with these questions, we shall look to find you in
the van of those who assume as their motto—" The greatest good
tot the greatest number." (Cheers.) Then we trust may again
be made available In the cause of right those peat powers with
which Providenos has endowed you—an elcepsence powerful to
I away a mmate—an intellectual acumen penetrating as o=
bend*, and a moral force not the less felt beaus a.b
(Hear, hear.) May the Atheism long spare you in health and
bsllDaan (brar, bearl—may you enjoy •
es weer of
t and undiminished essfuhsees, end may yes Tease the
delkity ',Web ever awaits • life devoted as yours kse been to its
*entry's highest interests itChTeses.) Given under our cor-
porate common seal, this el teenth day of December, one
thowiand eight hundred and 40•111. (Loud applause.)

Mr. GLADSTONE, in the 11001114 of his reply, said—l
want now rather to make a charge against the com-
mercial and trading classes of this country. Within
the last twenty years they have got a vast deal richer
than they were before, and having become so much
richer—l cannot but make this charge—they have
become a great deal more indifferent than they were about
economy. (Hear, hear.) Now, Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,
that is wrong. It is wrong because it is our duty not
merely to consider ourselves, but to consider how taxes
affect the great mass of the community. Much as their
condition has been improved of late years, it is not so im-
proved but that it ought to be improved a great deal more.
And, moreover, there are large portions of the population
with respect to whom, although there has been an im-
provement—l don't mean in your district, but elsewhere—
that improvement has been comparatively slight. But if
we were ever so rich, if every man in the country from
the lowest upwards had, at any rate, the humblest idea
of wealth that we can give—an ample sufficiency
for himself and his family—for food, raiment, education,
and the cultivation of his mind—and we are infinitely far
from that point—even if we had attained to that, still
economy of the national expenditure ought to be prose-
cuted and pursued, because public economy is associated
with public virtue, and extravagance in public
establishments is associated with jobbery and
extension of political vices of every kind. (Continued
cheers.) With respect to education we have got other
places to devote to that subject to-day, and therefore I
will not touch upon it here further than to say that I
think you have shown a very sound judgment in giving to
it the prominent place that you have done among
the subjects that demand public attention, and
the attention of the government and the legislature ;
nor can I deny, with the feelings that I entertain, that
you have been right, and I would almost say more than
right—you have only discharged an imperative duty in
referring to the condition of Ireland. We have been re-
minded within the last few months of matters connected
with the condition of Ireland in a manner to which we
were not accustomed. We have had sorrowfully brought
home to our minds this idea—that there is a war being
made by certain misguided men—not upon the govern-
ment, not upon public authorities only, not upon any par-
ticular class, but upon society at large. (Hear,
he►r.) That is the nature of the war which was
indicated by what lately took place in Manchester,
and by what has since taken place in Clerkenweil—that
act, which ought almost to bring a blush upon the cheek
of every man that belongs to our country, in reflecting that
wickedness so atrocious can be practised, and practised by
men so deluded— I won't may it is impossible that they may
believe that they are doing good. Society will discharge its
duty—the law of this country will be maintained. (Loud
and continued applause.) Justice will be administered
firmly and strictly, and I hope calmly. It is very difficult
to koep heat out of the blood when we see pro-
ceedings of this kind going on. And let none of
us forget that the principles of justice—those prin-
ciples which give every accused man fair play—
thaw principles which forbid us to mistake the enormity
of the crime for the clearness of the evidence, those prin-
ciples which bind us to give, in the ease of those actions
aimed at the very life and heart of society, every chance of
escape that is given to • man arraigned for picking a
pocket—all those principles are so sacred and vital that if
in our heat we were to allow them to be compromised,
we should ourselves do much greater permanent mischief
than any that these miscreants ever will be able to do.
(Cheers.) But also, while thus maintaining the l►w
and administering it firmly, upholding its authority,
and finding abundant force—for it is not want of
force in this country—to secure it we must not forget to
ask ourselves whether the condition of Ireland is such
as it ought to be, whether we have put ourselves in the
right, whether we have given to that country the full
begat of equal principles of legislation. And if we find
that we are not able to assert that of ourselves, we must
not be ashamed to put ourselves in the right, we must not
be ashamed to confess it where we have done wrong. We
must not, as it were, " get upon our high horse," and my
we will entertain no question with regard to measures of
relief until what is called F• sus is extinguished.
No, gentlemen, when you want to attack great social
and political evils, don't attack these merely is their maxi-

feetations—attack them in their roots and causes. Thom
roots and PAM Ile deep in human nature. These mon-
strous evils must be met in every way—at the manifests.
tion, and likewise little root. These monstrous evils would
never have existed had we pursued • wiser, a jester course
in the government of Ireland. Therefore, Mr. Mayor, I
thank you, and I thank your coadjutors in this municipal
body, for having pointed to the condition of Ireland es
one of those questions which have the most imperative
claim upon the care and attention, the prudence, the
courage, and the justice of the nation. (Loud cheers.) The
right hon. gentleman ooncluded with • repetition of his
thanks for the good wishes that had been expressed towards
himself, and his reciprocal desire foe the prosperity of the
community of Oldham.
The proceedings then terminated.
OLDHAM, WiDSZSDAY noire.
In opening the Werneth Mechanics' Institute
in the afternoon Mr. Gt.ansroaz spoke on education,
touching especially upon the distinctive features of the
programme of study carried out in the sew institution. He
recommended the study of the English languap and lite-
rature, and said • man who could not speak
his own language correctly Gould mkt no M.
tension to culture. In speaking at the working-
men's institute Mr. Gladstone spoke in favour of •
national system of education, and the right of secular
mhos& to support from the Man Ha asteroid the
necessity al a general system of primary education,
sad afterwards spoke of co-operation and the liquor laws.
He hoped while by means of co-operation labourer, would
become capitalists, the 0411011011 of such a clam would
tend to soften and mitigate whatever there was left of
collision between labour and eepital. He was opposed
to any legislation on the liquor laws which
would create a distinction between c•lasese, and
to s parligzient of gentlemen legislating to restrain
another portion of the eatetatuilty from doing what they
claimed a right to do themselves. He would restrain the
consumption of liquor on the Lord's-day if there was really
• general wish for it, but it was not legislative restraints
that would do most to mitigate the disgrace of won-
wows. Speaking ',of trades unions, he denounced
violence under any circumstances ; but he thought the
association of working men was in itself a good thing if
not misused, and tended to the creation of a healthy public
opinion among the labouring dames.