“Every person knows that what I have stated is the fact; and I would represent to the judges, most respectfully, that they, as honourable judges, and as upright citizens, ought to see that the administration of justice in this country is above suspicion.  I have nothing more to say with regard to the trial; but I would be thankful to the court for permission to say a few words after sentence is passed.”

Chief Baron and Baron Pennefather:  “No.  We cannot hear anything from you after sentence is pronounced.”

“Then, my lords, permit me to say, that admitting the narrow and confined constitutional doctrines, which I have heard preached in this court, to be right, I am not guilty of the charge according to this Act! In the article of mine, on which the jury framed their verdict, which was written in prison, and published in the last number of my paper, what I desired to do was this, to advise and encourage my countrymen to keep their arms; because that is their inalienable right, which no Act of Parliament, no proclamation can take away from them.  It is, I repeat, their inalienable right.  I advised them to keep their arms; and further, I advised them to use their arms in their own defence against all assailants—­even assailants that might come to attack them unconstitutionally and improperly, using the Queen’s name as their sanction.

“My object in all my proceeding has been simply to establish the independence of Ireland for the benefit of all the people of Ireland—­noblemen, clergymen, judges, professional men—­in fact, all Irishmen.  I sought that object first, because I thought it was our right; because I thought, and think still, national independence was the right of the people of this country.  And secondly, I admit, that being a man who loves retirement, I never would have engaged in politics did I not think it necessary to do all in my power to make an end of the horrible scenes the country presents—­the pauperism, and starvation, and crime, and vice, and the hatred of all classes against each other.  I thought there should be an end to that horrible system, which while it lasted, gave me no peace of mind, for I could not enjoy anything in my country, so long as I saw my countrymen forced to be vicious, forced to hate each other, and degraded to the level of paupers and brutes.  This is the reason I engaged in politics.

[Illustration:  Kevin Izod O’Doherty]

“I acknowledge, as the Solicitor-General has said, that I was but a weak assailant of the English power.  I am not a good writer, and I am no orator.  I had only two weeks’ experience in conducting a newspaper until I was put into jail.  But I am satisfied to direct the attention of my countrymen to everything I have ever written, and to rest my character on a fair examination of what I have put forward as my opinions.  I shall say nothing in vindication of my motives but this, that every fair and honest man, no matter how prejudiced he may be, if he calmly considers what I have written and said, will be satisfied that my motives were pure and honourable.  I have nothing more to say.”

The Chief Baron, in passing sentence, alluded to the jury’s “recommendation to mercy.”