The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1915-11-20
The Manchester Martyrs

'ster Martyrs
the very same. My name, sir, might be
wished to be known. 1t is not William
O'Meara Allen. My name is William
Philip Allen. was born and reared
in Bandon, in the county of Cork, and
from that place take my name; and
am proud of my country, and proud
Of my parentage. My lords, have
DONE"
Larkin's Speech.
II have only got word or two to
say concerning Sergeant Brett AS my
friend here said, no one could regret
the mans death as much as l do.
With regard to the charge of pistols
and revolvers, and my using them, 1
call my God as a witness that neither
used pistols, revolvers, nor any in
strument on that day that would de-
prive the life of a child, let alone a
man. Nor did l go there on purpose
to take life away. Certainly, my lords,
l do not want to deny that did go
to give aid and assistance to those
two noble heroes that were confined in
that van-Kelly and Deasey. l did go
to do as much as lay in my power to
extricate them out of their bondage;
but l did not go to take life, nor, my
lords, did anyone else. 1t is a mis-
fortune there was life taken, but if it
was taken it was not done intention
ally, and the man who has taken life
we have not got him. I was at the
scene of action, when there were over,
l dare say, $50 people standing by
there when was. am very sorry I
have to say, my lord but thought l
had some respectable people to come
up as witnesses against me; but l
am sorry to say as my friend said.
will make no more remarks concern
ing that. All have to say, my lords,
and gentlemen, is that so far as my
trial went and the way it was con-
Quoted, 1 believe I have got fair
trial. So far as my noble counsel went,
they done their utmost in the protec-
ton of my life; likewise, my worthy
solicitor, Mr.. Roberts, has done his
best; but l believe as the old saying
is true one, what is decreed a man
In the page of life he has to fulfil,
either on the gallows, drowning, a fair
death in bed, or on the battlefield. So
look to the mercy of God. May God
forgive all who have sworn my life
away. AS am dying man, forgive
them from the bottom of my heart.
God forgive them"
o'Brien's Speech.
Il shall commence by saying that
every witness who has sworn anything
against me has sworn falsely. have
not had stone in my possession since
was boy. had no pistol in my
possession on the day when it is al
legged this outrage was committed.
You call it an outrage, don't. l say
further, my name is Michael O'Brien.
was born in the county of Cork, and
have the honor to be a fellow-parish-
Toner of Peter O'Neal Crowley, who
was fighting against British tyranny in
Ireland. am citizen of the United
States of America, and If Charles
Francis Adams had done his duty to-
wards me, as he ought to do in this
country, would not be in this dock
answering your questions now. Mr..
Adams did not come though I wrote
to him. He did not come to see If I
could not find evidence to disprove
the charge, which I positively could,
If he had taken the trouble of sending
or coming to see what could do.
hope the American people will notice
that part of the business. (The pris-
oner here commenced reading from a
paper he held in his handy The right
OF man Is freedom. The great God has
endowed him with affections that he
may use. not smother them, and a
world that may be enjoyed. Once q
man Is satisfied he is doing right, and
attempts to do anything with that con-
he must be willing to face all
the consequences. Ireland, with its
beautiful scenery, its delightful eli
mate, its rich and productive lands, is
capable of supporting more than ire
BILE its population in ease and comfort.
Yet no man, except paid official of
The British government, can say there
ls a shadow of liberty, that there is q
spark Of glad life amongst its plum
dered and prosecuted Inhabitants. 1t
g to be hoped that its imbecile and
:yrannical rulers will be for ever driv-
m from her soil, amidst the execration
II the world. How beautifully the aris- ,
'ocrats Of England moralise on the