Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-09-18
FOREIGN iNTELLICENCE:
First Session Of the PafneI- Times Com.
mission.
Both Sides Claim a Victory, and a
Wide Vista OF Investigation is
Opened

1 LONDON, Sept Ia.
| The commission appointed by Parliamen,
to examine into the charges by the London
Times against Parnell and other Parnellite
members of the House of Commons. opened
its first session in London this morning.
Owing tos the limited size of the cour,
room it was impossible to admit more than a
select few of the public. Judges Hannens,
Smith and Day are the commission. Sir
Charles Russell and Herbert Henry Asquith
appeared for the Parnellites, Mr.. Ruegg had
the case for 0'Donnell.
| Justice Hannen said the inquirylwould be
carried on in accordance with the rules of or
dinary courts.
Mr.. Bussell demanded that he be allowed
to inspect the letters and photographs bearing
on the case, and that the commission issue an
order for the documents upon the authority
of which some of the Times charges were
made.
| The counsel for the Times agreed to pro-
duce certain letters, but objected TO the COM
mission issuing an order for the documents.
The commission retired to consider the
question and decided il was empowered to
| order the documents and would take upon
himself the right to consider what documents
| it would be right for Mr.. Russell's clients to
inspect.
Sir Charles Russell made application for
| the release of Mr.. Dillon on bail in order
that he might appear before the commission.
The court said they would order his appear
ance when the inquiry proceeded on condi-
ton that he abstain from taking part in pub
lie affairs and enter into reeognizance in the
sum of one thousand ponnds.
The commission adjourned until Oct. %.
Both sides profess to be satisfied with The
preliminary tussle before thecommissiOn. The
Parnellites are able to claim important sue
cess in enforcing the production of the Times
letters including those of Parnell and Egan
aud one written by Sir Chas. Russell de-
manded productions of all other letters con
nected with the inquiry that are in possession
of the Times. This wide demand has been
met by arranging for inspection only those
letters that may be specified by the Parnell-
ties council. The Parneltes again scored
by getting the court to instruct the Times to
formulate the definite charges it is prepared
to prove, as well as the allegations falling
short of definite charges.
The decision relating to discovery of doc
uments, combined with the courts expression
of its determination to make a thorough in
quiry into the whole matter tends in favor of
the Times. The first result of this decision
was Graham getting power of access to the
bank books of the league, involving the right
to inspect accounts and minutes of both the
land ard national leagues. The courts dec
laration that the widest scope be given to
the inquiry opens up an interminable vista of
contention. The question of the appoint
ment of a commission for examining Egan and
others in America was only touched upon.
Sir Chas. Russell stated that Parnell deemed
Egan's testimony absolutely necessary. As
soon as the commission resumes both sides
will apply to the court TO grant certificates of
indemnity to Egan and other Irish Americans
under ban, that they may be heard as wit
nesses. Parnell appeared in fine health,
face Drowned. and seemed bright and alert.
T. 2. O'Connor, Gill Quinn, Gill, Fox and
Picton, members of Parliament, were pres
ent In view of the limited space allowed
the public Grahame suggested that a larger
court room be secured when the commission
met again. To this Justice Hannen replied
that the press was the best representative of
the public.
The Daily News is jubilant over the Par
nellites' prospects and praises the policy of
limiting the action of commission.