1 JANUARY 1881, Page 9

The trial creates no apparent excitement in Dublin, which,

however, is garrisoned by 6,000 regulars ; and the proceedings hitherto have been dreary, consisting mainly of a lengthy

address by the Attorney-General, full of extracts from the less-

known traversers' speeches. His speech was moderate in form. and mild in manner, but is terrible in meaning ; he asserting most distinctly and repeatedly that the Land League "preached murder,"—a statement he justifies by quotations from their speeches. No oral evidence has yet been produced, and it seems certain that the trial will be exceedingly lengthy. We-regret to add that the opinions of the jury are already com- mented on, and that rumours are published, even in English newspapers, which imply that a verdict of acquittal is pre- ordained. We do not believe one word of such rumours, which are based on an impression that Catholics will not do justice, and are, in their very circulation, fatal alike to Irish confidenco in the Courts, and to English confidence in the use of juries in a country where jurymen are thus expected to disregard their oaths. A jury, once empanelled, cannot be changed, and ought to remain uncriticised until its verdict is delivered. If not, who is to blame the national journalists for

addressing to it impassioned appeals P ,