The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1865-12-05

and Queenstown dates to the 18th ult., has
arrived at New York. We .objoin some
extracts OF the news. The commercial
intelligence will be found under the proper
head:
dEEAT BRITAIN.
The London Morning Post, in an editorial
on Sir Morton Peto's late speech to his
constituents at Bristol says: "His testi-
mony to the good will Of the American
people generally will be appreciated here,
and We cannot but be glad to be told that
the idea OF war with England il not grave
~ or favorably entertained among rcspon-
sible people. No doubt, they feel strangely
about tho Alabama but their leaders
know Oh we'll As we do that tho challenge,
pay or fight is not the way to settle
dispute which is purely one of international
part to do what is right, and on the other
SIDE to ask nothing that is unreasonable,
therc can be no difficulty in ultimately
finding solution to a problem which need
have no difficult conditions but those which
are thrust into it by false pride or ine1cusa-
bic perversitv."
The investigation into tho charge OF
treason against James Stephens and the
three other prisoners arrested with him,
was concluded on tho 18th, by The commit
tai OF the prisoners for trial. On the
magistrate giving the usual caution, and
asking Stephens whether he had anything
to say as to the charge, Stevens said: ~
feel bound to say, with o view to my own
reputation, that have employed no attor-
ney or lawyer in this case, and that intend
to employ none, because in making a plea
or defence Of any kind, should be re-
cognizing British law in Ireland. Now, 1
deliberately deny the existence Of that law
in Ireland, its right or even it's existence.
| repudiate the right OF its existence in
Ireland, and defy any punishment that can
be inflicted on me. I have spoken
1t was stated that piles of documents,
revealing all the secrets of the organiza-
ton, were found in Stephens residence,
and that Fenianism was an open book at
least, to the administrators Of the law.
Full details of the abOrtive attempt at
lnsurrcction in Jamaica, had been publish
ed i'll England. The Times thinks that
the authorities acted with commcndable
promptltudc.
The Daily Ne~s is indignant with the
tone OF the military dispatches and news
paper correspondents of Jamaica, which
1t thinks proves that the ferocty denounced
i'll savaScs can take possession of British
hearts, and that mercy and justice can be
forgotten by En-; ;li-h officers as thoroughly
as by the Indian or Cossack
TIE FENIANS
The investigation int" the charge against
James Stephens, the Head Centre of
Fcnianisn i'll Ireland, and the three per-
sons who We're arrested in his house at
Sandymount, was resumed at Dublin, be-
fore Mr.. Strongc. The evidence was chiefly
documentary, and did not involve any new
feature Of special interest.
At the close Of the case for tho prosccu-
ton, the magistrate said: Mr. Stephens,
Mr.. Brop!iy and Mr.. Edward Duffy, you
are charged with conicderating and con
spring with others to levy war against the
Queen, to establish republic in this
country, and to separate it from England.
am ready to hear you if you have any
duty, under the statute, to caution you
that If you say anything to criminate
yourselves, it will be taken down and given
IN evidence against you. l may tell you
that you are not bound to say anything.
What do You say, MIR. Stephens? I am
ready to take
Stephens-I am under the impression
that it was only when committed
Mr. StronSe-The case is closed against
you. Previous to my stating what decision
! have arrived at, 1 wish to know if you
desire to say anything before announce
what intend doing. Tho case is so clear,
p'1ma Jucie, that shall be bound to COM
NIT you.
Mr.. Lawless suggested that the prisoner
should abstain from making any state
ment.
Stephens-You look on this matter as
lawyer, but look on it as a patriot.
Air. Stronge-I need not remind you that
there are great many others involved in
this charge.
Stephens-1 am sure to get as much
credit for tho other gentlemen as anything
else; and If say anything at all, feel
bound to say it.
Mr.. Stronge-I shall be bound to take
down what you say in reference to this
charge.
Stephens-C Certainly, take it down. I feel
bound to say, with the view to my own
reputation, that 1 have employed no at
torney or lawyer in this case, and that I
mean to employ none, because in making
recognizing British law in Ireland Now 1
deliberately and conscientiously repudiate
the existence of that law in Ireland, it's
right or even its existence.