Sacramento daily record-union., 1888-09-18
Commencement of the Parnen-''TImes
Investigation in Fopdoo

Commencement of the Parneu-"Times"
Investigation in ondon.
Copyright, 1ssS, by tie California Associated Fre;si
LONDON, September 17th.-The Special
Judicial Commission for the investigation
of the Times charges against Parneii and
other leaders OF the Irish party, met this
morning. Judge Harmon presided. The
small and gloomy Courtroom was crowded
10 sutfocstion.
Harmen announced that the inquiry
would be confined to the persons accused
and the charges and allegations made in
O'Donnell trial. 1t was decided the Times
should begin the action.
Sir Charles Russell's application for pho
tographs of the letters alleged TO have been
written by Parnell, was granted
Russell further asked the Commissioners
to send a Commission to America to take
evidence. He next requested Dilion's re-
lease that he might be enabled to prepare
his evidence. Referring to the documents
said to be in the hands of the Times, he
said he particularly wished to see the Egan-
Harris letter, which he pronounced for
gerry. The Times attorneys said they were
willing to produce all the letters in their
possession, but objected to an order for the
discovery of documents.
Graham opened the case for the Times.
After review of the history Of the Par
nellism and Crime" articles he said it was
now asked that the Times state whence it
had derived its information, but if it di-
vulged the sources of information the OBJ.
ject OF the Commission might be defeated,
and its iDquisitorial character lost.
Russell insisted that the case should not
proceed until the Commission decided the
question as to the production of all the
documents in possession of The Times.
Judge Hannen asked, assuming that the
Commission thought they had Jurisdiction
to order the discovery of the documents,
what restrictions Russell would claim?
Sir Charles stated be wanted to know if
the Times charged Parnell or his associates
with completely in the Phoenix Park muir
defs.
Graham replied that the Times would
produce evidence to substantiate all the
charges made in the articles on "Parnellism
and Crime"
Hannen said the Commission having
considered the question as to whether it
was empowered to order the discovery OF
the documents, it was of the opinion it had
power to direct such discovery.
The Court thought the details against the
persons the Times accused ought to be
given. The Court had determined to enter
thoroughly into the inquiry and follow it
to the end
Sir Charles Russell's application for
Commission to examine Patrick Egan in
the United States has been refused. If
Patrick Egan testifies in England he will
receive certificate of indemnity Dillon
will be released October 18th, but will not
appear at the public citing of the Court
The order was given for the inspection of
bankers books belonging to the National
League. The Commission decided 10 ad-
journ until October 22d.
BOTH SIDES SCORE POINTS.
LONDON. September 17th.-Both sides
profess not to be satisfied with the prelimi-
nary action before the Commission. The
Parnellites are able TO claim an important
success in enforcing the production of the
Times letters, including those of Parnell
and Egan and the one written bv Camp
bell, Parnelps Secretary.
Sir Charles Russell demanded the pro
duction 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 the inspection of only
those letters that may be specified by the
Parnellites' counsel.
The Parnellites again scored in getting
the Court to instruct the Times 10 formulate
the definite charges it is prepared to prove.
as well as the allegations falling short Of
definite charges.
The decision relating to the discovery
of documents, combined with the Courts
expression of its determination to make a
| thorough inquiry into the whole matter.
tends in favor of the Times.
The first result of the decision was Gra-
hams getting power of access to the bank
books of the League, involving the right to
! inspect the accounts and minutes of both
the Land and National Leagues. The
Courts declaration that the widest scope
will De given to the inquiry opens up an
lnterminable vista of contention.
The question of the appointment of a
Commission 10 examine Egan and others
In America was only touched upon. 1t
will be raised definitely when the Commits
sion resumes. Probably the suggestion of
Graham, that Egan come to London, will
be opposed.
Sir Charles Russell stated that Parnell
deemed Egan's evidence absolutely neces-
sary, and in this view the Times coucurs.
AS soon as the Commission resumes both
sides will apply to the Court 10 grant GER
tificate of indemnify TO Egrn and other
lrish-Americsns under ban, in order that
they may be heard az witnesses.