PRISONER--You instructed the jury, at the same time, that
the fact of my holding the position of a colonel in '63 was
sufficient corroboration of the evidence that I belonged to it
in 1867.
THE CHIEF BARON--I told the jury that holding the rank of
colonel was evidence for their consideration, upon which
to determine whether you previously belonged to the Fenian
confederacy. I told them they were at liberty to consider
whether you would have got that rank if you then joined for
the first time.
PRISONER--Precisely the same thing, but in different
phraseology. Am I to understand that I have not liberty to
address the court as to why sentence should not be pronounced
upon me?
THE CHIEF BARON--You are not so to consider. You are at
liberty to address the court, but you are not at liberty to
comment upon the evidence to show that the verdict was wrong.
PRISONER--What can I speak on? To what can I speak, if not to
something connected with my case? I am not here to refer to a
church matter or any political question.
THE CHIEF BARON--I have informed you what we are bound to
rule.
PRISONER--Then I state, my lord, that as an American citizen,
I protest against the whole jurisdiction of this court, from
the commencement of my arraignment down to the end of my
trial.
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