The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-10-26
IMPORTANT FROM IRELAND.
VERDICT AND SENTENCE ON THE PATRIOTS, oBRIEN
AIsM VIA


took their sests the bench, and Mr.. O'Brien
again placed at the bar For few minutes profound
presently rustic heard at the door of
and the foreman, holding issue paper in his hand,
foreman when ali had taken their seats handed the
verdict to Mr. Pedder Clerk Of the Crow who ON
mencef calling over the names of the jurors While
this formaiIy was proceeding solemn hushlof breath
less intense, almost agonzing expectation prevailed
the entire audie while all eyes intently fixed
on the dauntess and high. souled man whose life aud
liberty, whose hopes and prosp ects whose nobest
pirations and dearest affections, ependeut
the awful fiat which was about to be pronounced.
The CLERK or THE Crown, having finished calling
the names asked, in rather nervous and indstiuct
tome manic silly sensible of the painful effect about to
The FoREMAN.-Yes.
CLERK OF THE CRowN.-How say you! Is William
Smith O'Bren guilty, or not guilty
There was no response and that sickness of the
heart which follows hope deferred instantly came
sad distressing tale; but, after pause
ration, low, half suppressed murmur of guilty from
the foreman fell upon the ear bringing every heart
throb, and a tear to every eye
There was one-and but one-in that sorrow strick
en- assembly who blanched not. His form aud bear
ing bore the dgniiied impress of his manly nature he
stood erect, unmoved, undaunted his eye beaming
with its wonted fire. and his arms folded his
baeast in the full repese of an upright conscience -
He sliehly inclined his head to the jury and again
resumed his erect and firm bearing. A conv dlsive
sob was heard for moment throughout the court and
The Foreman of the jury essayed to say something
but bis self possession seemed to f. him, and he said,
|
MIR Pedder can't you read the rest 20
The Clerk then read from the paper what follows
we earnestly the prisoner to the mercfu
that for many reasons his life should be spared.
RICHARD N. s. MAYsERAGu, Chairman
The CLERK OF the Crown then resumed his seat. and
for about five minutes unbroken silence prevailed
the eyes of all being fixed the calm, self possessed
countenance of the prisoner at length
Chief Justice Backburne said in low voice, "Ad-
iourn the court TO ten o'clock on Monday NOR ming,
Proclamation to this effect was made.
MIR O'Brien then removed from the dock and
the building was soon empty.
In the course of the afternoon Mr. Dalton served
with crown subpoena ION behalf of the prisoner to
attend ana give evidence on the trial of Mr.. Meagher
SENTENCE ON w. s. o'BRIEN ESQ.
CLoSMEL, Oct. 9, 1S4S.
1t being understood that the sentence of the law
was be passed upon Mr. OBrien at the sitting the
court this morning the doors were surrounded from
an early hour by crowds of ladies and gentlemen of
sion to witness that solemn and painful scene As
soon as the doors opened every available place
court was immediately filed and it easily seen
nom the countenances and manner of all how much
sympathy and interest felt in the fate of
him who was about to be called up to hear the
dreadful doom which the law for the offence
OF trea ~Gntil the sitting OF the court, low
hushed conversation was carried on, one question
being anXously asked by all, namely whether it
possible that the would suffer the sentence
ofthe law to be carried into effect, If the points
served In favor of Mr. O'Brien were ruled against
him !!
The judges took their seats on the bench at quar-
ter past ten o'clock, when the most solemn silence at
once prevailed in court The crown counsel were not
In attendance for some time after their lordships
ascended the bench and during the interval the most
intense anxiety prevailed The most painful interest
was felt to ascertain if there could be collected from
the words of the judge who about pass senter &C.
any assurance that the recommendation of the jury
would be attende with the effect which all ardenty
desired SO deathlike was the tines in court that
you could hear pin fall.
At Is minutes after 10 O'clock the Attorney General
entered the court, and. addressing their lordships
said: "A1y lords it becomes my duty in the case
~ the anecn against William Smith Brien, to hum
bly, move the Judgment of the court upon the pr
soner."
CHEF JUSTICE BLAcKBunNr-Is Mr. O.Brien in
court?
The Governor of the gaol replied in the Affirmative
An eyes were now turned towards the dock, and in
few moments OBrien was placed at the bar. Though
after conviction for high treason and though about to
be sentenced to die the death of traitor, his ap
rearance or manner was not in the slightest degree
bearpg-sti displayed the cheerfulness of man
ner His astonishing fortitude of mind aud the testi-
mony Of good conscience which supported him dur.
ing the former part Of this trying ordeal did not desert
him at this awful moment He advanced to the bar
with his usual firm step, and COOL collected ana dig
nee aemeanor Having politely and cheerfully bowed
10 the whom he recognized in court and shaken
hands with such Of them were within reach of him.
ne east proud and dignifed glance about the court
and with the most perfect composure and earessness
awaited the sentence Of the law.
The profound silence that prevailed for several
minutes was broken by the clerk of the crown, say
ing William Smith OBrien, you having heretofore
stood indicted for that you with others
!
cation in arrest of judgment he found by the act
that the proper time to apply to the court to the
servation OF matters that occurred after the
yicton. He, therefore, asked the to reserve
these questionsrst, whether the three speeches deli
vered by ,Mr. o'Brien lin the months of March and
April ought to be admitted in evidence against him
secondly whether the circumstances detailed reativ
to the meeting Of thu 2ls should be admitted against
him-on two grounds, counsel contended that they
ought not, because DobbiD, the informer not
frmed, and as Mr.. Brien absent from the meet
ing and thirdly whether the contents of the port.
| manteau should be n
There was fourth question also which he would state
to the court He moved arrest of judgment, the
| part Of Mr. OBrien, on the grounds stated. Mr..
Whteside then proceeded to enforce his motion in
argume mt Of great ability and considerable length
ton was ultimately refused by the court.
THE SENTENCE
The Clerk of the Crown, having read the indct
die tment you have pleaded not guilty. and nut
yourself upon your country. That country has pro-
nounced you guilty. What have you now to say why
the sentence OF the law should not be passed upon
yeu?
Mr.. OBRnsy in calm and firm voice, addressing
the judges, said -
Ny lords it is my intention any vindicaon
Of my conduct however much might have desired avail my
fef of this opportunity of doing am perfectly satisfied with
the consciousness that performed my duty my country
that have done only that which, my opinion the
duty every Irhman to have done; and prepared
abide the consequences having performed duty native
land Proceed with your sentence.
On the utterance of these words deep purmur.
followed by burst of applause filled the court but it
was at once suppressed. Mr. O'Brien then stepped
back pace from the front Of the dock and folding
his arms across his breast, looked steadily the
judges and made a slight inclination of his head pre.
serving in this trying moment the san,e calm com
posture which has characterized his bearing throu hout
the .ventful progress Of this orable trial
After the lapse of q few moments,
Chief Justice BLAcEBuRNr proceed, with slow aud
impressive accents. and amidst the msst profound
silence to pronounce the awful sentence OF the court
William Smith oBriep after long, raticn, and l,Dorous