The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-09-18
PARNELES COMMISSION.
THE FIRST DAY GIVEN UP TO
SPARRING FOR POSITION.

the Proceedings
LONDON, Sept. 1.-THE commission APP
pointed by parliament to examine into the
charges made by the: Times against Mr.. PR
nell and other Irish members of the House
OF Commons, opened its first session at IL
o'clock this morning in the probate court.
Owing to the limited size of the court
room IL was impossible TO admit
more than select few Of the plblic. Ropre-
sentntives of the press occupied the bulk of
the space. two hundred reporters, repre-
scnting provincial, London aud American
newspapers, having obtained tickets OF
admission. After day spcnt in legal
"sparring for position" the commission
adjourned TO Oct. 81 without having gole
into the merits of the case ut all.
Sir Charles Russell and Herbert Heary
Asquth Qiberel for the east division of
Fife, appeared for the Parnelhtes and NJ.
Ruegg watched tho case fer Mr.. O'Neill.
NOVEL CIRCUMSTANCES.
Judge Hannen said the circumstances
under which the commission met wore
novel. He stated briefly the scope and nat
ure of the principles on which tho commits
sion proposed to conduct the inquiry. The
inquire into and report upon charges
made against certain members
of the House of Commons and
other persons in connection with the O'Don-
nell Times action The commission held
that the inquiry should be restricted to the
charges that were made the cause OF that
action. Parliament also gave them, in ad-
diton to their special powers, all the powers
vested in judges of the high courts of JUS
tice. They proposed, in the first instance,
to make the inquiry as though il were an
issue between O'Donnell and the Times, re
serving to themselves power to call anybody
who might be able to throw light on the Is
sues therein involved.
COURT RULES TO GOVERN.
The inquiry would be carried on in ac-
cordance with the rules of ordinary courts.
Before proceeding, Judge Hannen asked
Sir Charles Russell for whom he appeared.
Sir Charles replied that he represented
eghty-four Irish members of parliament.
Mr. Graham said he was retained, with
Attorney General Webster, for the Times.
Sir Charles Russell demanded that he be
allowed TO inspect the letters and photo
graphs bearing on the case, and that the
commission issue all order for the discovery
of documents upon the authority of which
some OF the ISnles charges were made. He
asked that commission be appointed to
that an order be issued releasing Mr.. Dillon
from Jail so that he may give testimony
before the commission. He wanted
especially to see again the Harris letter
which he claimed, was forgery.
ATTITUDE OF THE DEFENSE.
The counsel for the Times agreed to pro-
duce certain letters, but objected to the
commission issuing an order for the discov-
cry of the documents.
Mr. Parnell entered the court room while
the discussion concerning tho production of
the letters was proceeding.
The commission again retired to deliber-
ate. Upon resuming the sitting, Mr.. Hannen
said the commission having considered
the question whether 1t was empow
cred to order discovery of the documents
was of the opinion that it had the power to
direct such discovery. The commission
would take upon itself the right TO consider
what documents it would be right for Mr..
Russell's clients to inspect
The court thought that the details against
the persons the Times accused ought TO be
given The court had determined to onter
thoroughly into the inquiry and follow 1t
out to the end.
SEEKING DILLoN's RELEASE.
Mr. Russell made application for the re-
lease of Mr.. Dillon on bail In order that no
might appear before the commission.
Mr. Graham made no objection to grant
ing the application. He said that two per-
sons now In penal servitude for connection
with the Phoenix park murders would also
have to be brought before the commission.
EVIDENCE FROM THIS COUNTRY
1t would be desirable also to obtain the
evidence of certain persons in the United
States. Mr. Hannen said the application
regarding American evidence, including
that of Patrick Egan, was premature. In
regard to Mr. Dillon, the court would order
his attendance when the inquiry proceeded
on condition that he abstain from taking
part in public matters and entered into
recognizance in the sum OF Gl 900. An
order wes made for an inspection OF the
bankers books containing the accounts of
the national league.
BOTH SIDES SATISFIED.
Both sides profess TO be satisfied with the
preliminary tusse before the commission.
The Parnellites are able to claim an iInpOr-
tant success in enforcing the production OF
the Times letters, including those Of Messrs.
Parnall and Egan, and ono written by Mr.
Campbell, Mr.. Parnells secretary.
Sir Charles Russell demanded the produc-
ton of all the other letters connected with the
inquiry that are in the possession OF the
Times This wide demand has been met by
arranging for an inspection of only those
letters that may be specified by the Par
neilites counsel.
The Parnellites again scored by getting
the court to instruct the Times 70 formulate
definite charges it is prepared TO prove, as
we'll as allegations falling short OF definite
charges.
GAINS FOR THE TIMES.
Tho decision relating to the production
Of the docutu ents, combined with the
courts expression of its determination to
make through inquiry into the whole
matter tends in favor Of tho Times Tho
first result Of he decision wus Mr.. Grahains
getting power Of the access TO tue bank
books Of the league, Involving n right to
inspect the accounts and minutes OF both
the land and national leagues. The courts
declaration that the widest scope will be
given 10 inquiry opens up an interminable
Vista of contention.
Tho question of the appointment OF
commission TO examine Mr.. Re2an and
others in America was only touched upon.
IL viii be raised definitely when the com
mission resumes its sittings.
EGAN MAY GO TO LONDON.
II Is probable that the suggestion Of Mr..
Graham, that Mr.. Egan come to London,
will be approved.
Sir Charles Russell stated that Mr.. Par-
nell deemed Mr.. Egnn's evidence absolutely
nece. sary, and in this view the Times con-
ours. AS soon as the commission reconvenss
both sides will apply TO the court 10 grant
a certificate of Indemnity 10 Mr. Egan and
other rish-AmeJicans under the ban in
II. E.