The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1875-10-11

on the contrary, the divisions were pub
lie. and red and black lists were immedi-
ately published ct the voters on every
important occasion. The origin OF this
distinction ! cannot explain, but it was
the most constitutional practice:
One interes sting scene at which | was
present merits especially description, on
many accounts. No other instance of
the kind has occurred in the British en-
pire in my time and as it forms very |
important record with relation to the in
dependent political state OF Ireland at
the period. and has not been made the
subject OF any historical detail. or obser-
walton, it cannot TAIL to be interesting in
every point of view. | allude to the
trial OF :; peer OF the realm of Ireland tor
murder, by the House Of Lords in Dub
lin, alter the acknowledgment OF Irish
independence.
The grand and awful solemnity OF. that
trial made a deep impression on my
memory and, coupled with the rec
objection that it proclaimed indisputably
the sovereignty Of the Irish nation, its
effect on Il contemplating mind was OF a
penetl ating nature.
Robert, Earl of Kingston, stood charg-
ed with the murder OF Colonel Fitz.
gerald, by shooting him in his bed cham
Der. The relation OF the circumstance
of that event would be, in every point of
view, improper, and would only serve
to recall painful recollections long since
sunk into oblivion. SO therefore abstain
from any further alluson to them JUS
tice required the trial of the accused
party at the bar of his peers; but as no
similar case had occurred in Ireland
within the memory OF man, it was requi-
site to consult precedents upon the SUBJ
iect, in order to render his lordship's trial
coniormable to the lee parllnnlenturla
common to beth countries: These pre-
ccdents were accordingly sought by the
proper officers; and as his lordship was
very popular, and his proyocation mad
dening-and as all were ignorant OF the
evidence which was to be brought for
ward-the whole affair was OF most eX-
citing nature 10 every man, more espe-
cally to those individuals who possessed
the noble lords acquaintance.
] Owing to the great number OF attend
ants, the full muster of peers, and the ex-
tensive preparations OF every kind nee
!
the House OF Lords was supposed to be
insutliciently large for the occasion.
The Irish House OF Peers was consider
ed one OF the most beautiful and commo-
dious chambers possible. 1t combined
every appearance Of dignity and comfort;
the walls were covered with tapestry,
representing the battle OF the Boyne, and
the entire coitp-d'oH was grand and inter-
cstng; but being, as have said, consd-
cred too small for all the purposes of the
trial in question, the House OF Commons
was made ready in preference.
Whoever had seen the interior OF the
Irish House OF Commons must have adj
mired it rs one of the most chaste and
classic models OF architecture. a per
feet rotunda. with ionic pilasters, en-
closed Il corridor which ran round the in
terror. The cupola, OF immense height,
bestowed magnilicence. which could
rarely be surpassed while gallery
supported by columns divided into com-
par.ments, ard accommodating seven
hundred spectators, commanded an unin
tgrruptea view OF the chamber.
Tbs gallery, on every important de
bate was filled. not by reporters, but b,
the superior orders oi society the frs
rows being generally occupied by ladie:
of fashion and rank. who dffused a bril-
lance over and excited . .llant decoruu
, in that assembly which the British hous,
certainly does not appear very sedueous
ly to cultivate.
This fine chamber was now fitted up i,
such 4 way as to give it the most solemn
aspect One apartment OF seats in tn
:. body of the house was covered with scar
let cloth, and appropriated to the peer
esses anu their daughters, who range,
themselves according to the table of pre-
cedence The commons, their famil .e
:. and friends, lined the galleries; tn
: whole house was superbly carpeted, an,
) the speakers chair newly adorned for th
: lord chancellor. On the whole. twas b
= far the most impressive and majesti
:, spectacle ever exhibited within thos
= walls.
), At length the peers entered. according
;. to their rank. in full dress and riehl
robed. Each man took his seat in pre-
. found silence; and even the ladies'
:. which was rather extraordinary-wer
:. likewise STILL The chancellor. bearin
; 4 white wand. having taken his chair
i the most interesting moment OF ali wa
. At hand. and lis approach really mad
Il ME shudder.
Sir Chichester .or.escue. king-a,
N arms. in his parti.robe. entered first. Gil
/. rviug the armorial bearings of the a,
, cused nobleman emblazoned on h
! shield; ne placed himself on the left I
r. the bar. Mex, entered Lord kinesto
Il himself. in deep mourning; moving wit
= /. slow and melancholy step. His eys
ii were fixed on the ground: and. walkin
n up to the bar. he was placed next ID Il
N kinc-at arms, who then held his armorl
!. shield on q level with his shoulder.
ut The supposed executioner then a
or preached. bearing large Ratchet wi
be an immense broad blade. Itwas paints
CT black. except within about two inches
lis the edge. which was OF bright. POLISH
to steel. Placing himself q: the bar on Z
right OF the prisoner. he raised the hate
/ boy,t nseyb his l,rx3ShspsS unq