But it was a vain thing, as far as the jury were
concerned, to indulge in such criticisms of the evidence. There were
times in Irish and in English history, when juries could rise above
the panic of the hour, and refuse to minister to the passion of the
government, but we have fallen upon other times, and, now-a-days, to
be accused of a political crime means to be convicted.
A verdict of "guilty" against Colonel Warren was returned as a
matter of course. On Saturday, November the 16th, he, with two other
prisoners, was brought up for sentence. On the usual interrogatory
being put to him, the following proceedings took place:--
I claim the privilege established by precedent. I have had no
opportunity of making any remarks on my case, and I would now
wish to say a few words.
THE CHIEF BARON--Just state what you have to say; we are ready
to hear you.
WARREN--I desire, in the first place, to explain, while
ignoring the jurisdiction of this court to sentence me,
and while assuming my original position, my reasons for
interfering in this case at all. I can see beyond my present
position, the importance of this case, and I was desirous
to instruct the jury, either directly or indirectly, of
the importance of their decision, while never for a moment
deviating from the position which I assumed.
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