The trial of Mr. William O'Brien and Mr. Gilhooly on
the charge of conspiracy was concluded on Monday at Clonakilty. Both Members of Parliament were declared guilty of the offence charged against them,—the former being sentenced to two months without hard labour, and the latter to six months' imprisonment, also without hard labour. In the case of Mr. O'Brien, the prisoner is required, at the expiration of the sentence, to enter into recognisanees himself in 2400, and two sureties of 2200 each, or in default to be imprisoned for another term of two months. Mr. Gilhooly is also ordered to find sureties on similar terms, but for only half the amount ; but in ease of default he will also have to serve two months in gaol Mr. Harrington, acting as counsel for the two Members, refused to make any defence, or to give any "recognition to what he was forced to look upon as the merest semblance of a trial" Anywhere but in Ireland such remarks would have been followed by the advocate resuming his seat. The Nationalist orator, however, proceeded to make a long speech accusing the Crown of conspiracy, in the course of which, on Mr. O'Brien's behalf, he accepted full responsibility for everything that had appeared in United Ireland. After the announcement of the sentence, Mr. O'Brien declined to appeal, though Mr. Gilhooly adopted an opposite course. During the trial, the Magistrates appear to have behaved, though enduring great provocation, with admirable tact and good temper. Mr. O'Brien, it may be remarked, showed at the end of the proceedings his usual lack of good breeding. For instance, he remarked that "it was better to have nothing to do with the loathsome system, full of fraud and perjury, connected with the supposed administration of justice." If Mr. O'Brien ran any risk by his use of superlative vitupera- tion, we might at least admire his pluck. As it is, the spectacle of a man throwing mud from a coign of vantage does not increase one's respect for the thrower.
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