27 APRIL 1867, Page 2

The Irish Government has grievously affronted Mr. Isaac Butt. He

was named by the Fenian prisoners to conduct their defence, and accepted the office, but the Government only offer him 25/. as a retaining fee, and 31. 3s. as a refresher for each day of the trial. Mr. Butt refuses to accept these fees, as utterly inadequate, and prefers to defend the prisoners at his own cost, which, as the trials will last weeks and his practice is large, will not be slight. We do not see that Government is bound to select the highest members of the Bar to defend men accused of sedition, but if they do select them, they should pay them as they would if retained on their own side. No other Government on earth, except per.. haps the American, would pay sixpence.