The southern argus., 1891-12-03
PARNELL AND WIFE.
A Statement Showing That Their Rela-
tions Were without SIM

DUBLIN, November 29.-The report
OF the settlement of the Wood will case
has caused much talk in this city. The
Parnellites have been confident that
Parnell would clear his name, The ex.
act nature of his exculpation has been
only whispered among the leaders since
his death, but the correspondent has
now secured the story from one of the
late leaders nearest friends.
When Mr.. Parnell first met Mrs.
O'Shea she was far from happy with her
husband, but as the laws of divorce in
Great Britain are very strict, there was
no chance of her getting divorce from
| the captain. She is a most charming
and intellectual woman, and her admi-
ration for the Irish leader gradually
ripened into love. Parnell soon recip-
rocated the affection, but both he and
Mrs. O'Shea had too high sense of in
stlnctlve morality to commit any sin.
For long time this went on, the la
dy not caring for and uncared of her
husband, and loving and loved by Mr..
Parnell. If she had been free or a
widow the Irish leader would at once
have married her, but tied as she was
to Captain O'Shea, strong, healthy
man. there seemed TO be no hope OF her
regaining her freedom. In Great Brit
ain man may be guilty of indiscre.
tlOn, and all the wife can obtain is a iu-
dlclal separation; TO get a divorce she
must also prove either desertion, cruel
ty or drunkenness. These being the
facts, there remained but one thing to
do, which was TO force Captain O'Shea
TO sue for a divorce.
Mr.. Parncll evolved from his brain
scheme by which the desired end should
be obtain d without either himself or
the lady losing his or her own self re-
spcct, whatever the world might say.
and although the method in which the
divorce was evolved might be termed a
miscarriage of justice, caused by con-
spiracy, this is all that it was. The plan
Was as follows:
Mr.. Parnell was to be caught in all
kinds of compromising situations until |
=. plain - Shea's suspicious were arOus-
ed. He was to continue the same until |
the husband sued for a divorce. and |
then refuse to appear as witness, in
which case divorce was almost sure |
to be granted. Everything was carried
out as arranged, and on the occasion
when OShea. who acted in good faith
throughout, challenged Parnell to a
duel in France, the latter and Mrs. |
OSnea were in hopes that the divorce
suit would be instituted.
Captain O'SEea, however. did not
take action, and the plan was continued,
Parneil knowing we'll that the servants
knew him and were acting as spies upon
him. At last the desired end was reach
I'd, and Captain O'Shea sued for di-
7orce, brought up his witnesses, and
obtained decree nisi. In no case, how
'ver, could any witness swear to the
actual committing OF sin, though the
'ctlons and situations of the pair were
utficient in the eyes of the law 10 show
'rlma facie evidence that they were
5ulity OF the accusations. The decree
llsl was granted, and still Parnell. who
would not tell a lie. and therefore re.
used to appear in the witness box, was
llent. Had he told the truth before
he decree was made absolute, the proc
or would have interfered and the de-
rec nisi would have been quashed.
which would have ended the hopes OF
imself and Mrs. O'Shea
He stood all the calumny. knowing
hat as soon as the decree was made alb
elute he could speak out. and no proc
Or could interfere. He may have bro ]
en- the tenth, but he never broke the ,
xth commandment !
1t is rumored that Mrs. O'Shea. who
wed Parnell devotedly. intends that !
ne public shall get the full story in a I.
lore complete shape than it could be :
lvcn in court of law She will be :
rged to follow that course by Parnells
Imily and friends, especially those who
now the inner history of their strange 7
ItriCue. &