The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-18
THE MAAMTRASNA CASE.
Mr.. Parnell Moves an Investigation and Ar
raigns Earl Spencer's Government.

LONDON, July 17-Mr Parnell moved this
afternoon, in the House of Commons, that the
government order a special inquiry into the
Maamtrasna murder cases Mr. Parnell made
long speech in support of his motion He
dwelt on the NAL administration of the criminal
law in Ireland, under Earl Spencer, whereby
innocent persons had been, in some cases, con-
demned and executed, and in other cases, had
been sentenced to long terms of penal servitude
He moved, therefore, that in the opinion OF the
House, it was the duty of the government to
institute strict inquiry into the evil
dence ard sentences in the Mann
trasna, the Barbavilla, the Crossmaglen
and the CastleIsland murder cases. Had the
Irish executive" said Mr. Parnell. 'imitated the
customs of the English Home Office in cases
where the guilt Of prisonersis doubtful, in order
ing inquiries, the prisoners who were still living
under the sentences OF unjust sentences, would
long ago have been released from custody: Mr..
George Bolton, crown solicitor Of Dublin, re-
fused to accept a plea of guilty from Michael
Casey, and insisted on forcing four or
five innocent men to plead guilty" Mr.
parnell said: "Speaking of this case as coolly
as can believe that if ever a murderer de-
served to be placed on trial, and sentenced to
death, that man was Bolton" Continuing Mr.
Parnell said that Irish members of Parliament
were never allowed to obtain the dying declara-
tions of innocent men, but they had become
aware of the nature of many of these declara-
tions without mourning any obligations to that
government He then proceeded to analyze
at length the evidence in the Miles
Joyce case, with view to proving that in this
instance the case of the crown coided with the
facts in the possession of tho Irish members Of
Parliament.
Mr.. William Joseph Corhett. Home Rule mem
Der Tor Wicklow county, seconded the motion
made by Mr. Parnell, and said he hoped the
government would take lesson from their pre-
decessors whom the Parnellte vote deprived of
office"
Sir Michael Hicks Beach said that the present
government had nothing to say concerning the
merits of the case. and nothing to say in defense
Of the late government. He was, however,
authorized by the Earl of Carnarvan, present
Lord Lieutenant Of Ireland. to state that the
present Irish executive will make q careful
personal inquiry into the subjects mentioned by
Mr. Parnell for investigation, but must add that
the government felt themselves compelled to ask
the House to resist Mr.. Parnell's motion, which
was derogatory of Earl Spencer, a member of
the late government.
Mr., Parnells motion was negatived without
division.
Mr.. Chamberlain and Sir Charles Dixie with
drew during the debate Mr.. Parnell's motion.
Sir Vernon Harcourt rebuked Sir Michael
Hicks Beach for allowing Mr.. Parnelrs charges
against judges and iuries in Ireland to 90 undis-
ment. and said that, although Sir Michael Hicks
Beach had not discountenanced Mr.. Parnells
suggestions, he hoped the government would not
establish the principle that a change of
government means the opening of prison doors.
The cases in question had been fully inquired
into by Lord Carnaryon, who would do nothing
more.
Lord Randolph Churchill praised Mr.. Parnelrs
calmness of demeanor, and the manner in which
he introduced his motion
Mr. Lewis said it looked like a conlpact be-
tween Mr.. Parnell and the government The
Solicitor general said that as inquiry was
likely to be instituted it was useless to prolong
the discussion.
Lord Harrington said that this unfortunate
lesson would teach Ireland that change
of government meant a change of
judicial administration. Lord Churchlls speech
ne said. was calculated to weaken the respectfor
law in Ireland. The experiment of governing
without coercion was about to be tried under
adverse conditions, as the judges would feel
unable to rely upon Lord Churchills support.
The budget bill passed its second reading.