THE GREAT DIVORCE CASE.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 556, 13 January 1891, Page 2

THE GREAT DIVORCE CASE.

PARNELL AND MRS O’SHEA. Full details of tho O’Shea divorce case came to hand by het mail. The following is a condo-fled report sent by a London correspondent :— No .lU e Burprise was manifested when the case was called before Justice Butt. The Court was crowded, of course, but the spectators were not of the variety expected at such a trial. When the announcement was made by Mr Lockwood, who represented Mrs O'Shea, that he would take no part in the case, everybody gasped. They gasped again when the Judge asked if anyone appeared for the co-respondent and the only reply wac dead silence. On every eide the question asked was, What does it mean ? On every side the answer was a shrug of the shoulders, THE OPENING. The Solicitor-General in opening the case said the marriage of the parties was celebrated ■■ 1867, and during h whole of the intervening period up to 1880 the domestic lite was one of unbroken happiness, the husband and wife living on the best and most affectionate terms. In 1880, however, Captain O’Shea invited Mr Parnell to his dinner-table. After the dinner at ths hotel, at which Parnell met Mrs O’Shea, nothing occurred for some little lime to excite the Captain’s suspioionp. In 1881 he wrote to Mr Parnell inviting him to go abroad to fight a duel. However, Mrs O'Shea's fliflrer interfered, and, acting the part of the peace-maker, obtained from Mr Parnell a i. declaration that nothing such as Capiain ' O’Shea suspected had ever occurred, and a promise that he would never visit at her house again. Later on a reconciliation was effected, and Mr Parnell wae again invited to Eltham. While Mr Parnell was in Kilmainham prison Captain O’Shea was very ao ive in Mr Parnell’s affaire. When Mr Parnell : left prison in Mav. and in spite ot his aaaurr ance tn Captain O'Shea, he resumed bis visits to Wonersh lodge The children were, of f course, at that time very young, and did not 1 attribute any importance to the visits ; but evidence would be produced as to Mr Parnell's 5 conduct. In April of 1883, Mra O’Shea, with r the knnwledae of Captain O’Shea, took a house at 39. Bedford square, Brighton, and ■ though Captain O'Shea was not there very ! often, there was another very constant and remarkable visitor, whose name was said to 3 be Smith. There was no doubt, the learned t oonnsel asaerteJ. that that gentleman was Mr Parnsll. In 1883 another house was lakea 1 at No. 8 Milton-terrace. At that bouse, too, ‘ Parnell was a Visitor. He was there known 3 as Mr Stuart, and was very careful not to visit ths honse when Captain O'Shea was 1 there. On one oocssion, indeed, the learned - counsel remarked, amid much laughter, J h» eecaned frnm the baloony in order to avoid Captain o‘Shea, and then came round 1 to the front door, and introduced bimaalf ae f a vl»itor who had juat arrived.. At length r rnmnura concerning the behaviour of Mrs f O'Shea and Mr Parnell reached Captain O’Shea’s sera, and correapondenoe enauad, The Captain wrote to Mr Parnell from the J House of Commone library, aud, in the 1 onnrae nf bi« letter, aaid I— ’’ You have be- : havsd very badly. While I often told you e that vou were welcome to stay at Eltham 3 whenever I was there, I begged of you not to do ao during my absenoe, since it would be t sure to Mine scandal. lam making arrangef ments with a view to taking my family f abroad for a time, and I hope, they will ba t sufficiently advanced to allow of my taking e the Chi'tern Hundreds before the end of December ” Captain O'Shea was prepared to > resign his seat for the sake of his wife and 5 family. To this letter Mr Parnell replied on August 8 " Dear sir,—ln reply to your ’ letter, Ido not know of any scandal, or any f ground for one, and osn only suppose that l you have miflunderstood the drift of some 1 statements which have been made ta you. If f vou decide on vacating your seat, it would, I 3 think, be mast suitable for yon to do so before 1 the present session closes.” On the gams day Captain O'Shea received a letter from his wife, in which she stated that she was not strong enough to travel, and that she did not want to die yet as it would disappoint them of the chance of aunt’s money. Capiain O'Shea's suspicions having been lulled, Mr Parnell and Mra O'Shea seemed to gtow more I confident. Turning to the statements of Mrs O'Shea concerning the Eastbourne visit, Sir Edward Clarke said said that, unfortunately, all these were untrue. • I know nothing,* . said Mrs O’Shea, ‘ about Mr Parnoil’s move- ! ments in reference to Eastbourne. I don't ; sea why you should expect ma to.’ As a matter of fact, Mra O'Shea aud Mr Parnell j had taken houses In F, ,-thnnrne together. , At the neriod to which Captain O'Shea had referred Mr Parnell and Mrs O'Shea were oq , terms of the greatest intimacy. Sometimes , they went right down to Eastbourne together, and snmetimea one got out at Polegate and the other went on afterwards. In June they took a house for eight weeks at 2, St. Jobn’i Boad. There Mr Parnell's room wae vary close to that of Mrs O'Shea. Ha occupied the house with her, they went about togeber, and they came together to town, Subsequently another bouse was taken, and under rather peculiar circumstances. It wac 112, Tressillian Road, Brockley. A gentleman presented himself at the office of the agent of the property, and saying that he wanted to obtain a house, gave the name ot * Mr Fox.’ That gentleman wax Mr Purnell (laughter). An appointment was made for him to see the agent, and whilethey were conversing the agent mentioned the name of Preston. ‘Oh,’ said Mr Parnell, doubtless forgetting that he bad already said his name was Fox, ‘ that is my name.’ Naturally the agent was embarrassed, and pointed out to Mr Parnell bis dilemma, * Fox,’ said Mr Parnsll, * was the name of the gentleman with whom I have been living. My name is Clement Preston.’ With regard to the house which was taken, Mrs O’Shea bought all the furniture and paid for it, and she was subsequently at the house very frequently, sometimes telling people that she was the sister of the occupier, and at others giving different explanations. Again, a little later on. in 1887. another house wae obtained by Mrs Cities, who, when asked for reference gave the names of Clement Preston, Esq., 112, Treasillisn Road, Brockley, and O, S. Parnell, Esq., Member of Parliament, The house was taken, and Mrs O'Shea and Mr Parnell used it from time to time. Mr Parnell wae constantly there, and MraO'Sh a was frequently there for two years, during which the house remained in their occupation, In conclusion, the learns 1 counsel said, iht co-respondent has practically made his owq admission—fir be dare not come Into Cour', as 1 lie criminal law baa terrors for some people whom no moral law can find, and I do not wonder that he shrinks from adding an offence against the criminal law. Captain O'Sea was then called. He said : I was married to the reapontjent, Mies Catherine Wood, on the 24 th of January, 1867. I had known her and family long before. Her brother, Sir Evelyn Wood, was a great friend of mine, and was in the service with me. I made the acquaintance of Mr Parnell in April, 1880, and invited him afterwards to Eltham. In July, 1881, it came to my knowledge that Mr Parnell had been staying at Eltham in my abaenoe, and I spoke to my wife on the subject. I was very angry, and the result was that I walked to London, and saw Mra Steele, my wife's sister, at three o'clock iu the morning. Did you accept Mrs O’Shea's assurances and those of Mrs Steele s—Not then, But iq the end ? -Eventually. And there was re, oonoUiatlon between you I— Yea, eventually, I was convinced by Mrs Steele that there was nothing wrong In the early part of 1884 were you obliged to go to Spain and Portugal ?—Yea, iu March. I want to Lisbon first and then to

Modrifl, and returned to J,Uhon. On your return in July or August, did you hear rumors that Mr Parnell hsd been seen at Eltham!—Yea, vague rumors. In oonaequeuco of that did you write to Mr Parnell on the 4th of August. 1884 ?— Yes. In (he year 1885 you were again in Spain! -Yel. Counsel then read another letter, which bore no date, from Mrs O'Shea to her hutband when he was abroad, iu which she ex'presse4 the desire that ho would send her the qiiues of the persons who had hinted anything tq him about her. She further eaid that she hopeU the childrens pooi'lon would never receive more harm at her hands than it had from his. Children were the onty comfort ot her life. She concluded —* I am ready tn give at any time an answer to those wht, nqvg said anything against me.* In the autumn of 1885 were you an 1 your wife staying together at Margate?—Vsa

And then, I think, later on you were in Ireland ?—Yea. I think you and Mr Parnell were in Ireland together about the eame time ?—Yes. I had tome little conversation with him. Then in November, 1885, there came the general election?—Yee. I first stood for a division of Liverpool, and subsequently contested Ga way. In the course of that election »t G Way were you opposed by Mr Healy and Biggar? Yes. And did you hear statements concerning Mrs O Shea and Mr Pams ?—Yes; there were statements made concerning them Then there is a latter, dated Apri 23, 1886, from yourse f to your wife. The last paragraph is—• With regard io Mr Parnell. I believe your assurances, but I have scores of limes pointed out to you that however innocent in themselves, frequent visits from a man to a woman, during the absence of her husband, mus give rise to scandal.’ How did she take those remonstrances of yours ?—She said that her acquaintance with Mr Parnell was kept up for political purposes. Did she mention to you on one occasion that Mr Parneu was married ?—She said that she knew he Was secretly married. Did you on tome Occasions in 1886 invite Mr Parnell down to Eltham on Sundays dine with you? Yes. Did he come? Yea. Were you and he together ?- Yes, On those occasions did you take your children to chape: ?— i’s» at Chiseihurst. After you left on those Co sions did Mr Parnell go to town with you?— Yes. Had you any knowledge of his returning to Eltham the same evening?— None whatever. Had you any knowledge at that time that he was staying in the house?—Not the slightest. While at Carlsbad in 1886 had you read to you a paragraph from the newspaper wiih reference to Mr Parnell b>ing atElihim?— Yes. Did you write a letter to your wife on the subject?—Yes. Mr Inderwiok read the letter, which staled that, while on a picnic, some American friends opened their post, and a lady, taking up an American newspaper, remarked, ‘ Ob, Captain O'Shea, here's your name in the peper.’ The lady then proceeded to read the paragraph, but suddenly Stammered, broame as red as a peony, and tried to turn it off. He (Captain O’Shea) knew well enough what the paragraph was about. I 1 was about Mr Pameb’s visits to Eltham and hie suburban retreats in the absence of the husband. He pretended to know nothing about the matter. Did you get a tel.gr>m in answer to that letter?— Yes Was its purport this—that there was not a word <■! truth in the allegations, and that it vouta be much better for you to look a"er your health than to think of anything tlMf-Yes. Di you in 1886 see a paragraph stating th. Mr Parnell was staying at Bastbourne,

h .d that you knew where he lived?—Yes. Did you write to your wife on the subject ?— Yes, immediately. Did you get a letter from her to this eSect—That she knew nothing about Mr Parnell’s movements in reference to Eastbourne, and did not see why she should be expected to know anything. The letter also stated that she only knew that Mr Parnell's brother and family had a house in Eastbourne before they left, and that she imagined the rumors had originated from that. In April, 1887, did you receive a Communication from your son Gerald ?—Yes. Up to that time had you beard anything from your son with regard to Mr Parnell’s visits or intimacy at Eltharn ?—No. Mr Inderwick then read the letter :— ‘North Park, Elham, Kent, 13th April, 188".—My dearest father.—Although my news may not be very pleasing to you, yet it must be told. On my feturn from London, this evening, I came in by the back way, and as I came past the window of the new mom that was built last year, I heard the voice of that awful scoundrel, Parnell, talking to a dog— Grouse, I suppose. So I asked my mother if it were he, and she says that he has come to dine, and will be gone presently. Perhaps I ought to have gone in and kicked him. but I am anxious to avoid unpleasant seines with my mother, and I also think it is better for you to know about it before giving him a thrashing, as you, of course, underStand more about these things than I do. However, if you wish me to kick him you have only to say so, and it shall be done on the first opportunity.’ Did Mrs O’Shea telegraph that she would see yon in town on the following day?—Yes. It was on the day that you had the painful interview ?— Yes. Did you point out to her what you conceived to be her duty ?—Yes. And as a result did she go to Mr Pim ?—She said ghe was going. Did Mr Pim write to you saying that he had seen Mrs O’Shea, who indignantly and emphatically denied that you had then or ever had the least ground for the very unworthy suspicion that you had affixed to her conduct ? The particular friend you alluded to was and had been a rare visitor to the bouse, and went first on your introduction. She, therefore, although anxious to do nothing to cause you annoyance, must decline to close her doors on the few and far visits that he was likely to pay her. The letter concluded with a suggestion for some final adjustment of the difficulties between you and your wife ?—Yes, Did you write Mr Pim declining to agree to that ?—Yes. About this time, also, did you write to Mr Parnell in the House of Commons, *lt has come to my knowledge that, in face of the scandal which has been so largely disseminated by your own associates, and which I have no reason to believe you have ever been heard to contradict, that you continue to communicate gnd associate with Mrs O'Shea. I now personally call cn you to discontinue any communications, direct or indirect, with her f’— Yes.

Did your son show you a letter from his mother, dated 87th June, 1887?—Yes ; under my orders he obtained that letter. In that letter she said she was willing to meet the wishes her son had expressed wiih regard to Mr Parnell; she was anxious that everything should be made as pleasant for him as possible, and desired no one io go there who was personally obnoxious to him. She therefore, Willingly agreed that no communications, direct or indirect, should b - made with ber ?— Yes, In the autumn of that year you and your son went to Carlsbad? -Yee, in July. As far as you knew from your eon, had you reason to believe that Mrs O’Shea had broken Off communication with Mr Parnell?—Yes. Did you knpw anything about the house at Brookley ?— Not until I saw the paragraph in the paper to the effect that he was living at Broakley under the name of Preston. Captain O'Shea nest went on to state that in September, 1889, he saw a paragraph in the Evening News commenting upon his wife's relations with Mr Parnell. Subsequently knottier paragraph appeared in the same paper, professing to be inspired by Mu O'Shea, and denying the truth of the story. Meanwhile Captain O’Shea instructed hi» Solicitors He was not aware of the fact that bis wife v as at one time staying at Walkingham Ter ace, in Brighton. Henn tta Bu I staled that when Mrs O'Shea Jived at 89, Bedford.square, Brighton, fix years ago, Mr Parnell visited her there almost every day, and would be wiih her for bonrs in the drawingroom. He slept in the house one night, and on one occasion she b‘»rd hie voice in the bedroom speaking to Mil O’Shea while the dooi waa locked. Carolina Pothers saw Mr Parnell frequently Visit Mrs O'Shea at 8, Medina Terrace, West Brighton, and th’y were nearly Always locked In a room together. Oh one occasion afar a SriVo, they locked themselves in a room for ours ; in fact, the doors were never unlocked Whea he wee tn a H.a. Whenever eh. W

a message to Mrs O’Shea, the witness would have to wait outside the door five or ten minutes. Mrs O’Shea would then come to the door and just open it an inch or two. Captain O’Shea once called when Mr Parnell was in the drawingroom. It was dark, and Mrs G’Sbea would not have the gas lighted, and witness went downstairs. Immediately afteiwards Captain O’Shea rang tbe street door bell and cams in, and a few minutes later Mr Parnell, who had not come down the stairs, knocked at the front door and asked to see Captain O’Shea. There were two rope fire-escape ladders in the house. (Laughter ) On another occasion Mr Parnell sa’ in the drawing room until midnight. He then went up to bed. Mrs O’Snea followed and went into his room. The witness and her husband, standing on a landing above, saw this. They waited some time, but as Mrs O’Shea did not come out, they went to bed. Mr Parnell’s hot water was always taken up to bis room by Mrs O’Shea, who would bring down his orders as to breakfast. Jane Glennister said -I entered the service of Mrs O’Shea at Wonersh Lodge inOctober, 1880, and remained till October, 1882. Very soon after entering In r service I saw Mr Parnell at Eltham. He occupied a room near to the stairs.. Between that room and Mrs O'Shea’s room there was a dressing room, and you could passs from one bedroom to the other through that dressing room without goingon to the landing. - Mr Parnell used to stay while Parliament was sitting until it wag time for him to leave for the House of Commons. After breakfast he would occupy the drawing room. The Solicitor-General— Have you known him to be with Mrs O’Shea in that room with the door locked? Witness—Only on one occasion I noticed it. On that one occasion what happened ? I did not take much notice, because Mrs O’Shea told me the Secret Society was about, and it was necessary for the door to be locked. (Much laughter.) When Mrs O’Shea and Mr Parnell were together in the room?—Yes. Now, you say Mr Parnell used to go up to town in time for the House of Commons. When used he to return ? About halfpast one. What about Mrs O’Shea on those nights ? If she had not any letters to write she used to go to bed about half-past nine o'clock, I sometimes stayed up for Mr Parnell. When Mr Parnell came homo Mrs O’Shea would come down again and join him. And then did you go to bed ? Yes, after I had given him hie supper. Leaving them together ? Yes. Did that happen every night ? Oh yes, every night that he came to Eltham.

Jane Chapman was in the employ of Mrs O’Shea in the months of July and August, 1885, as parlour maid. During that time did Mr Parnell stay at the house P All the time Captain O Shea was not then staying in the house. This was at Wornersh Lodge, At that time there was a new room at the back of the house, which was Mr O’Shea’s private room. Mr Parnell constantly used that room. Have you known the door of the room to bo locked ? Yes. Who were in the room when it was locked ? Mrs O’Shea and Mr Parnell. I have knocked at the door to take messages, and Mrs O’Shea would answer. Did Mrs O’Shea and Mr Parnell walk about the park together? They used to go out together. Have you known thorn out late at night ? Yes, very late. Samuel Luck said, —I am a builder, living at 3, St. John’s Road, Eastbourne. No. 2in that road belongs to me. Ou May 1, 1886, a gentleman came to look at No 2, He arranged to bring a lady to look at the house. They subsequently came together and took the house for eight weeks, but stayed for nineteen. The lady was Mrs O’Shea, the gentleman Mr Parnell. Mr Ernest Vinal, house agent and surveyor, of Eastbourne, said that he received a letter signed “ H. Campbell,” inquiring for particulars of a house to let in the Stavely Road, Eastbourne. [Sir Edward Clark—lt is written by Mrs O Shea.] Witness, continuing, said that after he received the letter, Mrs O’Shea, accompanied by a gentleman, called to sea him. On the 12 h August, 1886, the house was taken at £l5O fen the house and garden for the year, or £2OO for the year tf the stabling were included. Witness saw her and a gentleman together at the house on one occasion. He had previously aeen them together at a house in St. John’s Road. The house was taken for one year. Being shown a photo of Mr Parnell, witness said that was the gentleman he saw with Mrs O’Shea. Mr Gates was called to prove the letting of the house, 34, York Terrace, to Mrs O'Shea, in February, 1887. Reference was given to ‘ Mr Preston <>f Tressilian,’ Brockley, and Mr Charles Stewart Parnell, House of Commons. The house was taken on 23rd March, 1887, and Mrs O’Shea paid tbe rent up to March, 1889. Es’her Harvey said ; I was engaged by Mrs O’Shea as parlor maid. I knew Mrs 0 Shea by the name. A gentleman dime there occasionally, but did not atop there regularly. Did he sleep there pretty frequently ? Yes, nearly always when he came. Did he let himself in? Yes, Did you know his name? No, Did Mrs O'Shea tell you who he was ? No. Look at the likeness (of Mr Parnell). That is the gentleman Mr George Porter said—ln the beginning of January, 1887,1 heard that aMr Fox bad come to see me, and would call on a subsequent day. He did so, and I volunteered to show him as many houses as would enable him to select one. Who was the gentleman ? Mr ParqeU, When passing the house of Mr Preston—a friend of mine—in Tressiliau Road, I said, * Weil, that house might suit you, it belongs to my friend Mr Preston.? He replied, ‘That is my name,’ I said, ‘1 understood your name was JPox.’ He returned, ‘No that is the name of the peisou I am staying with at Henslow Villa, Henslow Road, East Dulwich.’ I let him thia house for twelve months, Susan Honey said—l and my husband were engaged to go to Tressilian Road, Brockley, in 1887. The first telegram, purporting to come from Mr Preston, was for my husband to go to Tressilian Road to meet Mr Preston to be engaged as coachman. My husband went. Shortly after that another telegram came. To the best of my recollection it was as follows ; ‘ My sister will see your wife in the first-class waiting-room, Qannoii street Station, between three and four,’ I went there, and met a lady who represented herself as Mr Preston's sister, I saw her afterwards at 112 1 did not know her name, Do you now?—Yes, I know it by bar photograph. (Photograph handed to witness.) Do you recognise the lady by that or pot ? I recognise her, only that it seems younger. I went to Tressilian Road, and was ther*> five months acting as housekeeper, whilst my husband was coachman, Mr Preston came there, and stayed there on and off. A lady used to meet him there. She did pot sleep in the same bouse, but came from time to time. Her name was never mentioned to ma. Mr Parnell‘a photograph being handed up, she said—This is a photograph of Mr Preston, The My Lord, I da not know whether it is necessary to. call into Court any further evidence. The Judge now proceeded to sum up, holding that the ease had been established, and the jury, without leaving the box, and after consulting for two minutes, stated, in reply to the Clerk, that they found the respondent, Mrs O‘Bhea, had committed adultery with the Mr Parnell, They also found that there had been no counivanue on she pars el Oaptala U'Bh«».