The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-08-03
SIR ROGER EASEMENT
His Life, Charges Again Him, and His
Honors.

Honors.
London, Aug. 3.-On the charge
that he did traitorously contrive and
intend to aid the enemy" Sir Roger
Easement faced jury in his trial for
life in the great London law courts
EngIand's first high treason trial,
with two exceptions. for sixty-five
years drew an enormous vari-peopled
crowd in historic Fleet street and
around the ancient law courts
Not since Parnell Irish party lead
err in parliament, successfully defied
the London Times, in 1887, to prove
charges of traitorous conduct against
him and thus put the party and a great
section of the Irish people on trial.
had such British public interest been
lent to a law proceeding involving Ire
land.
The Easement charge follows:
High treason, in that he did adhere
to the kings enemies elsewhere than
in the kings realm. to-wit, in the en-
pire of Germany, contrary to the
treason act. 1851; also that he did
traitorously contrive and intend to aid
and assist the enemy.
The specifications: Soliciting and
endeavoring to persuade British sub
jects and members of the military
forces of his majesty who were then
prisoners of war at Limberg camp in
Germany to forsake their duty and al
legiance to the king, and to join the
armed forces of the kings enemies
and to fight against the king and his
subjects.
Committing the same act at a later
date and with respect to other persons.
Circulating a pamphlet in prison
camp amongst British subjects with
the object of seducing them from their
allegiance.
"Persuading and procuring certain
persons, amongst others Daniel Julian
Bailey, to forsake their allegiance to
the king and to join the forces fighting
against the king
In April of this year setting out
from Germany as a member of a war
like hostile expedition, equipped by the
enemies of the king. and having for its
object the landing on the coast of Ire
land of arms and ammunition intended
for use in the prosecution of war by
the kings enemies against the king
and his subjects"
,ssl Honored With Knighthood.
Honored with. .knighthood--a title
since taken from him by King Georges
order-for his many years OF service
for Great Britain as consul and consul
general Roger Easement assumed
leadership at a period of his coun-
try's crisis, in the recent Irish rebel
lion, the plans for which were laid
while Easement was in Berlin, where
he was reported to have negotiated
an understanding with the German
imperial authorities.
British naval supremacy brought an
abortive close to Easements plans. The
German tramp steamship on which
there was transported an armed expe-
dition from Germany nearly to the
west coast of Ireland in April of this
year, was blown up by it's own crew
when the latter foresaw that it was
inevitable that the blockading Eng
lish warships would capture it-s The
crew were made prisoners The tramp
had been conveyed from Kiel by
German submarine, from which Case
ment and a companion landed on
Irish soil, where they were taken into
custody before their plans matured-
In May, Easement was given a pre-
liminary hearing and was committed
for trial on the charge of high trea-
son. Late in June the trial was be-
gun, Easement pleading not guilty and
uttering a denial that he had worked
in Germany's interests and that he had
accepted German gold as a bride.
The courts verdict was guilty, and
the sentence of death by hanging was, |
by the court of criminal appeal, late |
in July.
Press Approved Fate.
proved the fate legally fixed for Case |
ment, but in America persistent eff |
forts were made to save the noted |
prisoner from death. In Washington. |
a resolution was introduced in the SEN
ate which would have President Will |
son intercede with the British govern
ment, and numerous petitions received |
at the White House from many |
sources asking that a plea for Glenn !
ency be cabled. The senate resolution |
was not adopted. President Wilson /
took no official action In England, |
the Manchester Guardian and a num-
Der of other papers pleaded for mercy /
and petitions asking for a reprieve /
were circulated in London Adher-
ents of John Redmond forwarded to |
Premier Asquith a petition signed by |
six bishops, twenty-six members of |
parliament and ffty-one other per-
sons, including a number of educators. |
Pope Benedict interceded in Case
ment's behalf. endeavoring to obtain /
grace for him from the British gov
eminent. Influential Irish Nationalist |
having urged upon the pontiff that !
the prisoner was not a traitor but was
inspired by Irish patriotism.
He Was in Z. S.
Roger Easement. prior 70 the war.
esta blished a reputation through his /
of the Congo and South |
rubber dlrOcllleS committed
on natives by Belgian and British rub I
Der hunters. The then Sir Roger
headed a commission of inquiry which /
brought about reforms In 1913 hel
became actively identified with the
OF organization of the Irish national VOL
unteers- He was in the United States /
when the war began and addressed p.
an open letter to the Irish press adyis-
ing Irishmen to remain neutral In
October, 1914. he went to Norway and
thence to Berlin. whence came the /
news that startled the world-Case-
ment was plotting what his country
looked upon as high treason His 1
friends, recalling his years of service /
II Africa and South America claimed 4