Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1869-07-27
The Murderer and Priest.

In the "Realities of Irish Life" by
w. S. Trench, volume of rare inter-
est, published by Roberts Brothers,
we have striking illustration of the
relation of priests to crime in Ireland.
Three men had been arrested, and
one of them named Thornton had in
formed against the others, who were
convicted of conspiracy to murder.
Mr.. Trench was assured by Thornton
that Hodgens under sentence of
death could give important infor-
nation concerning the murders of
agents and bailifs constantly occurr-
ing, and Mr.. Trench having obtained
a promise from the LordLieutenant
that Hodgens' life should be spared
if he would give information of the
other conspirators, goes on to say !:
My first step was to proceed to
Carrickmacoss and there to unfold to
my confidential clerk all that had
passed between his Excellency and
me; and, thinking that Hodgens
would speak more freely to him than
to myself, l directed him to proceed
at once to Monaghan, to get access
through proper credentials to the cell
of Hodgens, and there explain to him,
that if he would really tell all he
knew about the Ribbon Conspiracy,
and those concerned in it, SO as to
enable the Government practically to
get at his accomplices, his life would
surely be spared. But if he declined
this offer, he was dead man, and
that he had not the remotest chance
of pardon.
Nv clerk executed his commission
with all the delicacy | had expected
He found HodgenS calm and firm
little or no change had apparently ta-
ken place in him since his conviction
and sentence. He had braced his
nerves to the worst, and he was pre-
pared to abide the consequences of
his crime.
BY degrees my clerk began to un
fold to him the real nature of his mis-
sion. For a time Hodgens was Who'll
ly unmoved, as if he thought it was
only a plot to get something out of
him which he was determined not t
give.
"Are you aware" said the clerk a
last, 'that Mr.. Trench has your par
don in his pocket, and he has only +
sag the aoord and your life as spared !?
Hodgens leaped up from his sea
as he heard these words.
at is lies you're telling me?" h
exclaimed; "why do you come her
; with lies to me at such a time as this ?
"It's not lies" replied the clerk
! I'm telling you the real trurn. MI
4 Trench went up himself to the Lore
Lieutenant, and got promise of pal
: don for you, if you would only tell a
you know about the Ribbon Conspir;
:, cy, and those who are concerned i
it."
"And what makes Mr.. Trench thin
). !. | know anything at all about it 2" asI
= ed Hodgens.
|, HE knows it right well" answe
:; ed the clerk. ale has got ever
u thing out of Thornton, and he know
y that you, and you only, can give Il
: information he now requires"
!. e A shade passed over Hodgen
! countenance as the name of ThorntC
y was mentioned, but il was only m
memtary.
. II always said l would die hare
= but it's a terrible temptation to
l0 man; and sure, after all, it's no har
y to tell on all them that brought n
y to this end. But how am | certa
y that Mr.. Trench can save my life, eyt
- " if l do peach? ?" he exclaimed, as
~ suddenly recollecting himself.
70 "He will tell you SO himself" sa
~ the clerk. ale is now in Monagha
u and has the promise of your pardC
d from the Lord-Lieutenant in his han
III You know him well. and though y,
tried to take his life often enoug
,o you know he would not deceive you
.. "I'm sure of it," observed Hodge
m thoughtfully, al know he would no
Il but it's terrible disgrace to a nj
n. to go and do what Thornton done,-
n. I'd Almost as soon die hard.
ln ats terrible thing to be hanged
oO remarked the clerk.
-. That's true, too," replied Hoo
N ens and the clerk saw the whole
no his powerful frame beginning graG
n ally to shake and tremble with agi
III tion, and large drops of perspirati
H. to stand out distinctly upon his fot
ot head.
n "Well, maybe | might as well t
ed it all out. Come to me to-morrt
en- morning, and you shall have all
be know; but Mr.. Trench must col
e. himself, as will not trust any 0
Of else. | must have it from his O.
re lips that my life will be surely spared
Is, "You shall have it from himsel
I'd replied the clerk; "why not to-nigh
be he is waiting to see you; let me C
m. him now. and tell him all you ha
e. to say"
,e. Again a dreadful tremor seemed
in shake the whole of the young ma
Sc frame.
We "Not tonight" said he,-"not
ed night; I am to see the priest in
ce, morning, and | will tell nothing
to any one till l see him."
,st "Tell Mr.. Trench all about it MOI
all entreated the clerk "let me call h
as this minute; maybe it will be "
. last chance"
IA ~ can't, and | WON'T" said Ho
lat ems doggedly; II must see my clel
ed first, and there's no use in press