Evening star., 1916-05-07
REBEL SENTENCES
BASED ON FACTS
Mere Suspicion Has No Part in
Trials of Irish Sim
Feiners.
IDEA OF VENGEANCE
NOT IN JUDGES MINDS
Sir John Maxwell Confirms All Ac-
tions in Humane But Firm
Manner.

DUBLIN. May e.-Justice is being
dealt out to the Sinn Feiners on the
pure facts proved by incontestable tes-
timony regarding their active partici
patton in the recent rebellion. Sus-
plcion is not enough for a court-mar-
ttal to conde.hr any man and vengeance
for the killing of soldiers or the de-
struction of property does not enter the
minds of the military judges. There
is no "draeconing to death of the
rebels.
The Associated Press was placed in
position to obtain frst-hand informa-
tion of the entire system of charge
evidence. trial and sentence in the cases
of the men captured during the fighting
or who surrendered after the collapse
of the rising.
As soon as a rebel falls into the hands
Of the authorities his identity is estab
lished and the evidence is recorded of
the circumstances in which he is taken.
The reports of officers and soldiers con-
The prisoner is placed in confinement.
Then preliminary inquiry is held and
lawyers draw up the charge.
Composition of Court
The next process Is the formation of
. field general court-martial. of which
three are sitting to dispose of cases
rapidly. Each court is composed of
three superior army officers. Only one
of the nine judges participated in the
suppression of the rebellion, so it can
NOT be alleged that the officers acting
"a judges will bring prejudice to bear
arising from their personal feelings.
Before the prisoner is brought before
the court the charge against him is
read in full, in order that the accused
may prepare to defend himself when
fender. put should he desire to call
witnesses the court Immediately calls
them to testify in complete freedom.
The court sits in barrack room un-
ceremonial of the usual civil courts.
The frst proceeding is the reading of
the charge. Then comes testimony for
the prosecution. after which the prison
er pleads in defense IL he wishes or ad
mits his guilt
Action In Case Of Execution.
The Judges then consider the facts
and deliver Judgment Should sentence
on 4 rebel be the supreme penalty of
death, As has been the case in a num-
ber Of instances. the prisoner is asked
whether there are any reltives OIL
friends he would like to see. If so they
Immediately are brought to his place
Of confinement He also is permitted tc
have the services of q clergyman, wht
remains with him until Just before the
sentence is carried out.
Meanwhile the Judgment is laid be
fore Sir John Maxwell. the commander
in-chief IN ireland. for confirmation
Cen Maxvel II very humane. but HI
has o strong will combined with
judicial mind and a strict sense of dut!
70 his country. He never has failed Il
peruoa the evidence himself before put
ttn9 tho Anal seal on . sentence. bu
then he deoades quickly. He Is inclined
70 lentency In cases where tho fact
pW1ntt him to exercise II. as IL shown IL
( number Of instances since the trial
eA the rebels commenced.
The confirmed judgment is promul
RAAAd By an army of1cer. and the fol
lowing morning tho condemned prisone
70 shot. Ths execution Is carried ou
IN the same way a. in the field. Tn
pY1oousr u blindfolded and placed 4
heat Of hTing squad whose first vol
ley 10 afWeys fatal