The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-13
an UNHAPPY SPECTACLE
The Condition OF IN ex-Priest who Has
FALLEN HopeIessIY.

An erect old man, with white hair and a
clerical appearance. was arraigned before jus
tice Otterbourg in the Special Sessions yester-
day. lie was soberly and respectfully dressed
and his features we're calm and dignined. There
could be no two opinions. however with respect
to his standing on the temperance question. Tho
old man was in an advanced stage OF drunken
ness. Those who we're habitual attendants Mt
the court at once recognized him as Father
John McGill. who some years ago was the re-
spected priest Of a Roman Catholic church in
this city. but who was sienced by the direction
OF Cardinal McCoskoy. Since his degradation
no has sunk lower and lower. until there is
hardly police court in New York or Brooklyn
before which he has not been arralgncd. aud by
far the greater portion OF his time has been
passed in the penitentiary. On March II he
was charged with having entered the rooms Of
Mrs. Mary O'Connor OF 100 Oliver street and
representing himself Ms n priest. asked hcr to
subscribe TO some fraudulent scheme. She sus-
pcctcd that he was not what ho represented
himself to be. and refused To give him money.
Then he abused her scurrilously. md she had
him arrested. Justice OuerDourS sentenced
him Ia the pententiary for one month and his
term expired on Friday Loss than twcnty-four
hours after his release he was called upon to
answer n charge OF being drunk and dsorderly
in st. Andrews Church. Duane street, yestor-
day morning, while service was In progress
IL appeared from the testimony OF William
Murphy Of Is City Hall place that the ex-pricst
was sezed with desire to celebrate mass once
more. He walked slowly up tho aisle of St
Andrews Church and attempted to- force his way
inside the altar rails. When he WAS restrained
he became violently abusive and cursed and
swore at the priest and congregation IN a
very violent manner. An officer was called In,
and the deposed clergyman was taken to tho
lie had by no means recovered from the
effects ~ his dehauch yesterday morning. He
was violent and abusive and when Officer Mus
grave said that he had arrested him because no
WAS disturbing the service and swearing at the
people in the church. Father McGill exclaimed.
thcy be produced here. l have right to meet
Keep quiet" said Justice Otterbourg. did
not send you 20 the Island month ago2'
-" Now should like TO know said Father
McCil. argumentntively. what that has TO do
with this case? You have no right to ask me
such question. respect the judicial seat that
You occupy. hut | don't caro- a cent Tor YOU.
what want is justice. sir. and justice propose
We'll" said Justice Otterbourg. Il should
Ike To- know when you were discharged from
should you, lndecd?" replied tho old man.
sarcnstically. IL seems TO mo. though. that
,he date OF my discharge from the Island is my
Justice Otterbourg adjourned the oxamina-
ton until the ,aiternooni to give the prisoner
time TO get sober and three hours afterward
logical; 80 .,...,,..,, -, ,-,. -,
attempting TO force your way inside the altar
rails. What have you To- sayf'
Tour llNhof.. f'llleu the prisoner. am
apriest These"-waving his hand around him
-" are lay people You will perceive perhaps.
that there is u difference between priests and
lay people?"
That being granted" continued tho prisoner
telling on his points upon the fingers Of his
left hand 81 1t will be at once apparent that it
was my duty 10 20 into the sanctuary aud cole
brate the mass. II was my clear right 10 20
there. IA 1t is your clear right and daty to take
your seat upon that bench"
Well. never mind those comparisons" in
terrupted the Justice. State your case"
must illustrate my meaning" Mr.. Nc
Gill went on. q" went behind the rails: and |
ask you TO say whether the laws ~ God or man
were infringed upon by my SO doing. Rather
We're they desecraied by those lay psople who
dragged mo forth"
But you are charged also. with hlasphem-
Ing" said Justice Otcrbourg. lodging the
issue
may have used violent language" replied
the prisoner" But / was pulled iRnomin-
iously cut Consider the provocationl Sup.
pose one Of these lay people in this court should
climb upon the bench and attempt TO drag you,
who are not apriest, out. What would YOU say ?"
One month" said the Justice.
bow to YOUR Honor's decision. and will
employ lawyer" replied the degraded old
man. as he was led away.