The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-07-17
PARNELL RETIRES
The Irish Leader Formally Notifies
the Times Commission Of the
Close of His Case.
All the Other Irish Members of Par
lament Likewise Withdraw
from the Hearing.
A Promise from Justice Hannen That this
Case VIII He Concluded This Week
James OK elIy's Testimony.

LONDON, July 16.-Upon the opening OF
the Parnell commission this morning Sii
Charles Russell, counsel for Parnell, stated
that after full consideration of the situa-
ton, Parnell had instructed him to nc
longer represent him before the commits
sion This was virtually a notification
that PsrneIl declined to make any further
presentation of bis case before the commits
sion. Justice Hannen said: 'sParnell will,
of course, remain subject TO the jurisdic-
ton of the court" Counsel for the other
members of parliament against whom
charges were made by the Times then also
withdrew from the case. Parnell made a
personal application to the court, asking If
there was any design tn further continue
the examination that II be proceeded with
without delay. Justice Hannen promised
him the case would be concluded by Thurs
day
After the counsel for PArnell and other
members of parliament had retired Justice
Hannen said the scope of the inquiry could
not be altered. Taking of testimony was
then resumed. James O'kelly. member of
parliament. declared he had no statement
to make. On cross-examination he at
mitted he was a member OF the Irish repub
lican brotherhood from 1866 To 1870. In
July, 1871, an attempt TO arrest him was
made when he was leaving Ireland under
the name of John Smith. Letters were
found in his luggage from an agent who
was shipping arms TO Ireland. Sir Henry
James. counsel for the Times. produced
several letters written by O'kelly, partly
in invisible ink. in which reference was
made 10 the shipment of arms and the do
ings of Fenians. One of the letters re-
ferred to a remittance of S2l, 500 from
America. and contained a passage reading,
1--WE are ready to take the field when the
proper order is issued.''
Witness admitted that the letters were
not authentic. While witness was in
America he Joined the Clan-na-GRel. This
organization sent him TO Ireland as mill
tary officer To reorgaDize the men. He re-
ceIved $4,000 toward his expenses. He
did not effect the object of his mission,
finding the agents in Ireland declined to
cooperate with him. He therefore con-
sidered his mission ended and went TO
France He sent his resignation to Ameri-
ca and returned IS, 600. During his career
in parliament he had received no money
from America.
Mr.. Matthew Harris, member of the
house of commons for East Galway. testi-
fed that he joined the Fenians in 1865. The
death penalty 10 traitors was not an essen
tisl feature of the Fenian constitution. MIR.
Harris instanced the case of Informer
Kickham, and said the society after discus
sion decided that he should not be SHOT.
Presiding Justice HanneD: "The fact that
there was such a discussion implies
much" Continuing, witness said the Fen
ian eouncil of 1881 was held in Paris for
the sake of security. SIR. Davitt had been
arrested and they did not know whose turn
would be next. Ii was therefore thought
better to meet out of Ireland.