29 JUNE 1867, Page 2

Stephen J. Meaney, a Fenian, whose arrest was described by

the Irish Secretary as most important, has been sentenced to 15 years' penal servitude. He made a singularly eloquent speech in his own defence, declaring that Lord Naas's speech had prejudiced him, that he was illegally arrested in England and transferred to Ireland, and that he was in reality being punished for offences committed by him in New York. He also bitterly denounced an attempt which had been made to induce him to turn informer, and declared that he had never directly or indirectly taken part in any treasonable proceeding. It is asserted that he is a man of bad character, but, like almost every Fenian yet punished, he bears himself with a certain dignity which impresses even those who condemn him.