Chapter IV (2)

The protest was overruled. The charges, five in number, filed by John Devoy, of New York, and Luke Dillon, of Philadelphia, set forth that no active work had been performed by the "Triangle" or its agents; that there was nothing to substantiate its claim that it had expended over $87,000 in active work; that it had basely neglected the families of men sent on errands of the Brotherhood; that bogus transfers had been issued to members of the organization as coming from Ireland, and that a district convention had illegally instituted. The trial was a heated one. Each side went to the hall every night backed by desperate followers. Letters threatening them death if a verdict of guilty was rendered were received by Cronin and McCahey. Suspecting treachery; the former took the precaution of making full notes of the testimony for his private information. When the evidence was all in a vote was taken on a motion to acquit. It stood three to three. Next a vote was taken to find Sullivan, Boland and Feeley guilty. This time it stood four to two, one of Cronin's colleagues deserting to the other side, and leaving the Chicago and Philadelphia physicians alone in their opposition to the Triangle. The question then arose as to the disposition of the evidence and a resolution was adopted that every record of the trial should be destroyed. Dr. Cronin demanded that the evidence should be published with the report, and sent to every Camp, but again the majority was against him. Thereupon he refused to surrender his private notes, and after returning to Chicago and consulting his friends, he determined that every man in the Clan-na-Gael should hear the story, and that a statement on the subject should be made at the meeting of the Irish National League of America, which had been called to assemble in Philadelphia in 1889. From this time on to his death, the matter was uppermost in his mind. A minority report, signed by the physician and Dr. McCahey, was filed with the executive, and a demand was made that it should be made public in the order. This was not done, however, simply because the majority of the Executive was attached to the "Triangle element," and, this avenue closed against him, Dr. Cronin contented himself with reading the report in his own Camp. It was this act, according to the subsequent theory of the prosecution, that, more than any thing else, cost him his life. Meanwhile he was industriously engaged upon the preparation of his papers for the prospective conventions of the Clan-na-Gael and Irish National League, his report of the New York trial proving invaluable to him in this connection; while he continued at the same time to periodically insist upon the publication of the minority report of the trial. On the very day upon which he was decoyed from home, the Executive Board was called together; and on the following day, (Sunday) an order was issued that Alexander Sullivan's protest, which branded the physician as a perjurer and a traitor, should be sent to every Camp.

It was hardly to be expected that the adherents and allies of the ex-head-centre of the Triangle would contemplate the vigorous assaults of Dr. Cronin upon the reputation and official conduct of their erstwhile leader with equanimity. The temporary calm that had settled over the organization with the close of the Chicago convention and its treaty of peace, vanished like a fog before the noon-day sun; and strife and bitterness once more reigned supreme. Every camp had its faction that championed the one side or the other. Under the banner of the physician, as well as under the colors of his adversary, were ranged scores and hundreds of men who had left their imprint upon the Irish-American history of the decade. The physician had his Rends, Dillons, Devoys, Hynes, Scanlans, McCaheys; the lawyer his Egans and Fitzgeralds, O'Briens and Bolands. Effort after effort was made to induce Dr. Cronin to abandon his policy. Arguments, pleading, cajolery, threats--all were employed in vain. To one and all he had but one reply: "That he had put his hand to the plow, and that, God helping him, he would never turn back." For months before his disappearance, he believed that he was a marked man, and that, at the first opportunity, he would pay forfeit with his life for what he regarded as his unselfish devotion to the cause of his native land.

Little wonder then, that those of his intimate friends who were familiar with these facts declared, as with one voice, that he had met his death at the hands of his enemies.

Dr. Cronin's report of the trial, and which for weeks prior to the night of his disappearance, he had carried with him for safe keeping, were found in one of his garments in his residence after his failure to return home. The record in full is as follows:

TELEGRAM.

MARCH 13, 1889.--_Dr. P. H. Cronin, No. 468 N. Clark Street:_ Meet
me at Westminster Hotel, New York, Tuesday evening, 15th, 8
o'clock. Peremptorily required on account report of committee to
read. J. D. MCMAHON.

Telegram dated Jan. 19 or 18, 1889, New York:

_Dr. P. H. Cronin, Opera House, Chicago, Ill.:_ Ordered by the
proper board that you send to me without delay your report on the
trial. RONAINE.

Dr. Cronin's reply as follows:

CHICAGO, Jan. 17, 1889.

_T. H. Ronaine, Esq., New York_.--

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER: I am in receipt of telegram, and in reply
would say that I vote as I did at last meeting of committee in New
York; with the recommendation that vote be published and read to
the clubs. McCahey has correct record of my vote. Or, if not,
please inform me. Fraternally,

P. H. CRONIN.

PHILADELPHIA, PA., Jan. 15, 1889.

_To the F. C. of the U. S.--_

DEAR SIRS AND BROTHERS: The Trial Committee appointed at Chicago
was unable to elicit all the facts connected with the charges
placed before it, because of the refusal of several of the
witnesses to answer many of the questions asked, and because of the
inability of others to remember events and figures that might be
supposed to be indelibly impressed on their memories. From the
evidence presented I am obliged to report:

1. That the family of one who lost his life in the service of the
order was scandalously and shamefully neglected, and continued to
be neglected for two years after their destitute condition was
known, and that Alexander Sullivan, Michael Boland, and D. C.
Feeley are responsible and censurable for that neglect.

2. That Gen. C. H. McCarthy, of St. Paul, Minn., was unjustly and
deliberately excluded from the Boston convention, and subsequently
shamefully persecuted and driven from the order, and that Alexander
Sullivan, Michael Boland, and D. C. Feeley are responsible and
censurable for that series of reprehensible acts.

3. That delegate from home organization was excluded from the
Boston convention, and that the same three defendants are
responsible and censurable for that exclusion.

4. That the same defendants issued a deceptive report to the Boston
convention, leading the order to believe that its affairs had been
examined by independent committees, and that the order was $13,000
in debt; that, in fact, Alexander Sullivan and Michael Boland were
on the committee of foreign affairs, and the Treasurer states that
there was a balance in the treasury and not a debt.

5. That prior to the Boston convention one hundred and eleven
thousand ($111,000) dollars was expended without any direct or
indirect benefit to the order, and most of it in a manner that
could not in any way have benefited the order, and that the same
three defendants are censurable and responsible for this enormous
and wasteful expenditure.

6. That this enormous sum was spent without the sanction or
knowledge of the home portion of the R. D.

7. That various persons sent abroad were not supplied with
sufficient funds, and that the agent of the Triangle is responsible
and censurable for that criminal neglect, and not the three
defendants.

8. That Michael Boland and the late Secretary of the I. N. B.
issued fraudulent transfers, for the purpose of deceiving the order
in Philadelphia into believing that the union with the home order
had not been broken.

9. That Michael Boland and D. C. Feeley, the former by acts and the
latter by assent, are guilty of attempting to pack the Pittsburg
convention by, first, excluding the delegate from the Pacific
Slope; second, excluding Mr. McLaughlin, delegate from Dakota;
third, excluding O'Sullivan and Delaney, rightful delegates from
New York; fourth, admitting the Rev. Dr. Betts and John J. Maroney,
on bogus credentials from the bogus districts; fifth, admitting
Boland and Malone, illegal delegates from New York; sixth,
admitting proxies from Iowa, Brooklyn, and Illinois; seventh,
sitting as delegates themselves in direct violation of the
constitution.

10. That the $80,491, reported to the district convention as having
been spent in active work was not spent for any such work, no such
work having been done or contemplated during the eleven months
within which this large amount was drawn from the treasury. The
active work done between the Boston and other district conventions,
was paid for out of the surplus held by the agent of the Triangle
at the time of the Boston convention, and not out of the $87,491
drawn from the treasury months after such active work had ceased.

11. That Michael Boland and D. C. Feeley, the former by acts and
the latter by silence, are responsible for the expenditure of this
large amount of money, and censurable for deceiving the district
convention as to the purpose for which it was spent.

12. That Michael Boland, Alexander Sullivan, and D. C. Feeley, the
former by acts and the two latter by assent, illegally suspended
D's in January, 1885, and that Michael Boland and D. C. Feeley, the
former by acts and the latter by assent, illegally suspended U.
D.'s in New York, in January, 1886.

Yours, respectfully, P. MCCAHEY.

I concur in the within and foregoing report, and would recommend,
in strict fairness to all concerned, and in justice to the entire
organization, that the evidence, from which were deducted the
foregoing, be printed by F. C. and sent to each D. O. and by him
read at the general meeting or district over which he presides.

P. H. CRONIN.

Signed Jan. 19, 1889.

NOTES OF TESTIMONY.

First meeting, Westminster Hotel, New York, July 30.

J. D. McMahon, of Rome, N. Y., in the chair.

Committee met, and after some discussion as to choice of chairman
and secretary the matter was arranged by electing anew J. D.
McMahon as chairman, and P. A. O'Boyle as secretary. Members
present: McMahon, O'Boyle, McCahey, Rogers, Burns and Cronin.

Letters and telegrams were read showing that none of the defendants
were ready, owing to brief notice. Accusers on hand.

On motion, committee adjourned to meet at Buffalo, N. Y., Aug. 20,
1888.

Genesee House, Buffalo, N. Y., Aug. 20, 1888. Committee called to
order. J. D. McMahon, President; P. A. O'Boyle, Secretary.

Present: J. D. McMahon, P. A. O'Boyle, P. McCahey, J. J. Rogers, P.
H. Cronin, C. F. Burns, Sullivan, Feeley, Boland, Ryan, Devoy,
Trude, O'Neill, McCahey.

On announcement by the Chair that the committee was ready for
business, Mr. Sullivan stated that he had an objection to offer to
the constitution of the committee. The chairman asked if it was to
the committee as a whole, or to any particular person.

Sullivan answered that it was to the personnel of the committee;
that one of the committee was a malignant enemy of his
(Sullivan's); that the same party was forever pursuing him with a
design to injure him; that as an expelled member of the order, that
party referred to ought not to sit in any committee. Continuing,
Mr. Sullivan said that the party referred to was Dr. Cronin, who
recently had made statements through a newspaper in regard to him
that he knew to be false; that the newspaper editor (giving name of
paper and editor) had sent him (Sullivan) a letter of explanation,
and that for this and many other reasons he objected to being tried
by the committee as constituted.

Messrs. Feeley and Boland followed, both strongly objecting to Dr.
Cronin. Boland said that though personally he had some objections
to Dr. McCahey he would waive those objections and join with
Messrs. Sullivan and Feeley in asking that Dr. Cronin retire from
the committee, they being willing to accept any one in the room in
preference.

Dr. Cronin replied to this; said he thought it strange that Mr.
Sullivan should speak of him as a malignant enemy. He (Cronin) had
never characterized Sullivan personally as an enemy; anything said
by him (Cronin) was directed toward the men whom he was given to
understand had wrecked the organization. Sullivan was one of them,
he understood, and only in connection with certain developments
pertaining to the order did he say anything of Sullivan. If Mr.
Sullivan believed everything told him by gossips he (the doctor)
could not help it. "Indeed," the doctor continued, "why should I be
the enemy of Mr. Sullivan? What has he done to me that I should, as
he says, single him out for personal enmity?" As to the newspaper
editor matter, the doctor said, that while not believing in
introducing what savored of American politics, he could explain the
newspaper affair by referring to the paper itself. Mr. Sullivan
would certainly not make an affidavit to the statement that the
paper had done what he said, for he (Dr. Cronin) had evidence that
would readily disprove it.

To this Mr. Sullivan replied that he did not want to make
affidavits, but would say that the creature (referring to the
doctor) should not sit as one of his judges; that he (Sullivan)
could prove by a dozen men, who would not believe the doctor under
oath, that he (the doctor) was an expelled member of the
organization. [Then the paper mentions the names of three men.]

Mr. Cronin said, interrupting Mr. Sullivan, that the gentleman
evidently meant to irritate him or intimidate the committee.

Mr. Sullivan said that he did not wish to intimidate the committee.

Dr. Cronin then said: "Then you probably mean to intimidate me.
That you cannot do, sir, and you ought to know it by this time. All
the objections you urge were made at the convention, and by an
almost unanimous vote, as the selection of that convention, I am
the peer of any one here and doing my duty by the body that created
me. I would not, if I could."

Mr. Sullivan took his seat, overruled by that body.

The Chairman asked all but the committee to retire, and, upon a
vote being taken, the objections of the defendants to Dr. Cronin
were overruled by the votes of the Chairman, Messrs. Burns, Rogers,
McCahey, and Cronin, the Secretary not voting. This was announced
to those making the objections, and the trial proceeded.

Before the trial proceeded, Col. Boland said he had a witness whose
expenses he wished to have guaranteed; that the witness resided at
Leadville. On motion it was ordered that the expenses of witness be
guaranteed.

Col. Boland called attention to the fact that many persons present
who were witnesses, etc., should not know what was going on. The
Colonel said that matters of grave importance might come before the
committee, and as it was common report that one witness had given
information to the British Government, that John Devoy had given
information to the British Government, he requested that none but
the attorneys for prosecution and the defendants remain before the
committee, each witness to be examined separately.

Dr. Cronin objected to this, saying, that as Devoy had been singled
out for animadversion by Col. Boland, it was not fair for the
committee to extend support to Boland's unjust attack.

On motion all but the committee retired. The committee then decided
that each prosecutor should remain with the attorney and that
witnesses be introduced separately; the defendants remaining also;
the committee admitting all those entitled to be present, the
charges were presented and specifications as follows:

1. That no active work had been performed by F. C. that had been
claimed by that body and its agents.

2. The men on errands of the brotherhood had been basely neglected
and their families left without support.

3. That bogus transfers to members of the organization had been
issued as coming from Ireland.

4. That the district convention was falsely instituted, etc.

5. That F. C. members sat as delegates in that convention in direct
violation of the constitution.

The proof of charges had shown:

1. That they had claimed that $87,467 had been expended in active
work. No vouchers were presented, no contracts, and no money, no
account explained about.

2. Proof that such explanation was never made.

3. But little money given Mrs. McCahey; small sums given to men
abroad; bogus transfers fabricated by X Y and others.

4. Convention illegally constituted at Pittsburg; proxies present,
Boland and Feeley sitting there. Boland offered position as R. D.
and money sent him that he might make statement that active work
was engaged in.

A witness testifies: Witness called to stand, after being duly
obligated, testified as follows:

Some time previous to the Boston convention I was called on by
certain members of the order in reference to an offer of services
made by me some time previously. After conference in relation to
details I agreed to go to the other side. I went by steerage on
ticket procured for me and received _L_20. After an absence of
seven weeks I returned by steerage passage out of the amount
received. Upon my arrival in America I met Donovan, who acted as
agent for the body, and who paid me $50. Donovan was then in the
employ of Gen. Kerwin. I complained of the small amount given me,
but did not ask for more. Not enough was given me for the work
expected to be done. Later in the same year I was again called on
by Donovan, who asked me if in addition to myself I could furnish
enough men to accomplish a certain amount of active work. He asked
me would I go again I said yes. Looked up the men. It was almost
impossible to find any. Got two men on steamer and one to accompany
me to do work abroad. Everything being ready, I met Donovan at
Green's Hotel, Philadelphia, in company with John J. Maroney.
Donovan told me that Maroney would buy tickets for me by steerage.
They cost $18 apiece and $100 was given me to carry on work. I told
Donovan that on former occasions I had to go on vessel three days
after work was done; that the sum now offered me was too little for
the work looked for. I insisted on getting money enough for the
purpose of safety, else I would not go. Donovan told me that
sufficient funds would be furnished on the other side. He stated
his reason for not giving me more before leaving was that men
engaged in similar work had been arrested on landing on the other
side; that my carrying a large sum might excite suspicion. That was
satisfactory to me, especially as I was given the name of the agent
on the other side who was to furnish funds as needed. I left the
room and sent in ---- (another man), the one that was to accompany
me. Maroney left the room with me. This other man told me he
received the same amount that I did. Maroney then told me he was
glad I refused to accept the sum offered me as total compensation
for the work. He also said he did not believe it was the wish of
the F. C. to do as the S. had said. He promised to see the F. C.
and demand money from them, and should they not give it he would
send me help on the next steamer by a trusty man. On the way over I
had to pay over _L_2 for certain accommodations on steamer. After
being on the other side nine days, taking care not to excite
suspicion, I had but _L_10 left. I then went to Capital City, and
met the man who I was told was the agent and would give me money,
and I told him I wanted some help, as I was short of funds. I asked
him for _L_10. He denied having any money for any such purpose; he
had no more than he required for actual expenses, and hardly that.
He said all he had received upon leaving was $200.

Objected to by Boland, who asked to know how witness knew the man
was agent.

Witness--I was told by Donovan in the presence of Maroney that upon
my arrival on the other side I would get funds from the man
mentioned. The man then went on to say, that owing to the
circumstances he might be obliged to stay for a year. He had worked
at his business for some time, but was doing nothing now. I then
said I would return at once to America. He said he would at once
ask something for me from Ex. I replied that if he did not get
funds I would go back. Before leaving I asked him where would it be
necessary to do the work. He said he did not know; things were
looking queer; that he was sure he had been betrayed by some one.

Question by Mr. Ryan--What became of this man?

Witness--He is now in prison. His reason for thinking he was
betrayed was that two men had called at his lodging asking for him
under his assumed name. I told him to change his lodging. But soon
after I was told he had been followed up by the same individuals,
whom he had suspected were detectives. This alarmed him much. At
his request work was delayed six weeks. I at last told him I would
do the work. There were four of us. At various times I asked him if
he had received any money from Ex. He said no. He seemed so careful
that my men deemed it cowardice. I called his attention to this
before the men, saying we looked for courage at this time. He
repeated before us that he believed he had been betrayed, for,
though he had changed his lodgings several times, the party he
suspected as being a detective had called upon him at each place.

Exception by defendant. To which was said:

I finally induced him to give orders to do the work. This was
Thursday. Saturday we did it. After the work was done I met him
that same evening. He remained in Capital City seven days
afterward. I was so reduced for funds that I prevailed upon him to
give me _L_4 of the _L_16 he had left. On landing in this country
had _L_3-1/2. Had no bed nor bedding on the ship; slept on the top
side of a plank.

This in answer to a question by Dr Cronin:

I at once complained to Donovan and Maroney, and through them to
the executive, or Gen. Kerwin, of the treatment I had received and
the culpable neglect of the F C. About the last of February, 1885,
Donovan furnished me $10 with which to reach home. The man in
charge for the order made me take an oath before leaving to bring
the matter before the order.

I always supposed Kerwin was a member of the executive. Before
leaving America I told Maroney I would take an alias known to me;
my alias was the proper name of a man. The imprisoned one bore the
alias given to me. This was the agent. He was four miles from the
place we worked at. Only three of us did the work.

Question by Mr. Ryan--How much money in all did you receive?

A.--Four persons in all. $500; of this the agent got $200. We were
two months in the country.

Then the witness makes a statement that the other man who went with
him, whose name I did not read the last time--this man came back
six months after. At an expense for material, I should think, of
$7,400 in all to cover the enterprise.

Q.--How many operations did you perform? A.--Three. We always bade
each other good by after each meeting, thinking it might be our
last meeting on earth. I have learned that in order to get back,
the other man who went over with me had to sell his clothes to get
passage money. He came with a sprained ankle. In July or August,
1885, he received $7 from Maroney. I took up Rossa's paper one day
and in it I saw an announcement of a subscription to keep the
mother of Cunningham. I went to Maroney, and after telling him it
was shameful that she should be allowed to suffer so he said he
would see to the matter. Spoke of Gen. Kerwin as being asked to
send some help; said he would not. I said if they didn't I would.
Kerwin then came to my home and said I ought to be expelled; I told
him he ought to send help to the woman; he said he ought not as the
man himself had abundant means; I finally induced Mr. Ryan to get
F. C. to send something. One hundred dollars was sent through D.
18, who sent it through F. C., and I was informed of S. G. of 18. A
few months after I met a lady of Detroit who told me that Capt.
Mackey's wife was in want; he was killed in London and was assured,
I am told, that his family would never want. Lomasney, and his
brother, accompanied by Fleming, went over in 1884. I wrote to
Cochrane, and both assured me that Mrs. Mackey was in want. At once
$1,025 was raised and sent to Detroit, where matters were found to
be even worse than they had been represented.

In the case of Dr. Gallagher, his people were in want. Mr. Delaney
had recovered the money on the doctor's person, but that was only a
small sum, and most of it was being used in his defense.

On consultation, met D. in New York. One hundred dollars was raised
and sent to Mrs. Gallagher. I requested that the men on trial on
the other side should be defended. Gen. Kerwin said that friendless
men were better off in such cases. I raised _L_50 to send to Jack
Delaney's sister.

Witness produced five forms of transfer, purporting to be in
accordance with the rules of the combined order, but which were
shown to be bogus. Witness said: I wrote in the early part of June,
1886, for transfers for certain persons in Philadelphia, who had
been clamoring for admission into D. I said it would do a great
deal of good to be able to show that we were in opinion with the
folks at home. Within four days I received six, of which those five
are a part. McMahon, Burns, Henry, Gallagher, Henry, the witness
testifying. Leonard stated to me--

Objected to by the defendants.

Some time before the Pittsburg convention, witness was called upon
by P. O. Sullivan and J. J. Delaney, who had learned that he was a
delegate to the convention. They said they represented eleven D's,
and that in order to seat Boland and Miller, Sullivan and Delaney
had been thrown out by the suspension of D.

Mr. Boland objects to this.

Mr. Ryan and I protested at the convention and asked that Delaney
and Sullivan be seated. We stated that a good member of the
executive should sit as a delegate in the convention; for the same
objection, we objected to Mr. Feeley and Mr. Gleason. Each of these
men voted to seat the other. We objected to the proxies from
Chicago, Messrs. Tim Crane and Florence Sullivan, the latter proxy
for Father Dorney. The other said he represented Alexander
Sullivan.

It having been stated that district S. represented or had been
represented by virtue of a cablegram sent to Gleason and Sullivan,
Boland requests them to act for Australia, and that John J. Maroney
and Dr. Betts were admitted as proxies. We asked the secretary if
any money had been sent by this district in any communication had
before the receipt of this cablegram. Secretary said he hadn't had
any communication with S. at all. The communication was with
Alexander Sullivan and Michael Boland.

We then asked how the Australian cablegram came here, by which
route. The secretary didn't seem to know. Mr. Ryan then informed
the convention that all cablegrams reaching here from Australia
were recorded in the London post office. For this reason he thought
it highly improbable that any such message came to the gentleman
mentioned.

Here Mr. Sullivan denied having been appointed delegate to the
convention, or that his brother Florence represented him there.

The Witness--I was R. D. at that time in place of Gen. Kerwin.
Before my election as delegate I never acted as R. D. There was no
connection with the home body. I received $500 from Mr. Ryan, which
it was said I was to use as my judgment dictated. I asked Boland if
I should do any active work outside and kept a lookout for it. I
spent money afterwards in trying to right the order.

CROSS-EXAMINED BY ALEXANDER SULLIVAN.

Q--When and to whom did you complain on your return to this
country? A--To Donovan.

Q--You made no complaint to the executive directly. A--No.

By Mr. Boland--How did you get the money, the $500. A--In cash.
This was three months before the convention.

Q--Did I ask you to get the amount right as representing R. D.?
A.--I told you I had them on the ship.

Q.--Has any difficulty since that made you say why you were on R.
D.? A.--No.

Q.--Were you a delegate at the time you got the money? A.--No.

Q.--Were you appointed on foreign relations or finance committee?
A.--No.

Q.--Pending the discussion of the report you left the convention?
A.--I left, claiming it was not a convention of the order.

Q.--You don't know who I appointed? A.--No; I was not in on
permanent organization.

Q.--You don't know of operations outside of your own? A.--No.

To Mr. Rogers--I voted at the convention under a vote taken on
various motions.

By Mr. Ryan--Do you know of any work having been done between Jan.
20, 1885, and the district convention. A.--No.

Q.--How much did it cost for Mackey's work? Objected to by Feeley.

Q.--When did you get that $500. A.--The check sent by Boland and
Ryan will show I got the money from Ryan, but he received it by
check.

Constitution of the order offered in evidence.

Examination of another witness. Obligated, name, etc.

My knowledge when I was elected D. M. to fill vacancy, caused by
resignation of John J. Marony. In July, 1885, his resignation was
demanded by the district. In October I went out as an organizer for
the National League through the west. Nov. 23, I spoke at
Philadelphia. Several seniors mentioned that Dillon was in
straightened circumstances. I promised to see the executive. I saw
Gen. Kerwin, D. M., of New York. He said when I mentioned the
matter to him, that he had no power; that this was not an order to
grant pensions. He would see Boland. I met Boland by arrangement.
He listened to what I had to say, and at first refused to assist
Dillon. Finally he said he would consider the matter. Then he
authorized me to pay $200 of obligations maturing. I advanced this
myself, and got it back in December, 1885, and I saw Gen. Kerwin,
and told him he should send money to Mrs. Cunningham; that the lady
was hurt on the subject of her being neglected by us. He said he
would send it. In December, 1885, it was rumored that our
convention would be held in January, 1886. I was told by Kerwin and
Boland that Egan wanted to retire from the Presidency of the
league. I was asked by them to accept the Secretaryship of the
league. This I refused. It was said considerable trouble might be
looked for in any case; about the last of December I was sent for
to go to New York. I saw Boland and Kerwin together at this time,
as well as in January and February. Had interviews with Kerwin and
Boland on the subject of the convention and like matters. Mr.
Boland asked me why I would not take the Secretaryship. He said the
plan for holding a convention of the order had been abandoned, as
the L. R. then did not take place. Men would get out and I would
not be selected as President of the league.

Some time after this I received the following letter from Kerwin:

"_My Dear Sir:_ (Giving the name.) The Chicago people have asked
for you for the 4th of March. If you will take my advice you will
take no office in the league."

I was led to believe about this time that the organization intended
opposing Parnell, owing to his recognition of others. Boland and
Kerwin both said this.

(Interrupted by Boland.) Is that your recollection of what took
place? A.--Yes.

Various letters were shown. (Exhibit B.)

These exhibits were not found among the physician's papers.

Q.--By Mr. Rogers--What did you give the money to Dillon for?
A.--The money had been given me as a general resource. I did not
want to go into active work, and suggested Dillon. I gave him the
money. Boland authorized this by a letter to me. [Letter read.]
Dillon had convinced me that the F. C. hadn't done fair; in fact, I
felt that Boland was trying to play me, and I wished to return the
compliment.

Q.--Did you want to accept the Presidency of the league? A.--The
slate was Baldwin, Minton and Carroll for F. C., and myself as
President of the league. I knew that my age was a bar to my
acceptance. Then I was going to attack the ones in authority. I
attended the convention. Carroll was temporary Chairman; Reynolds
was elected permanent Chairman.

Convention went into Committee of the Whole. It was reported that
Father Dorney could not come because he had trouble with the
Bishop, and that Alexander Sullivan was absent because British
detectives were shadowing him. I held that no member of the
executive could sit as a delegate; quoted the constitution; no
exception to my doing so; the fact was as stated by me. The last
district called was Q. For R. we were directed to apply to the
Secretary. District S. was named. I objected to this as no mention
had been made of it in our report. I asked "Where is it?" I was
answered, "Australia." Its representatives here are Maroney and
Betts. They said they represented Boland and Sullivan. I asked if
there was any organization in Australia? I was answered there is
one in contemplation. The Secretary said Betts and Maroney were
there by order of the executive and by order of a cablegram sent to
Sullivan and Boland.

Sullivan is said to be not a member of the order and Boland
represents New York. They had earlier said that Sullivan was
shadowed by detectives.

I then showed how the cablegram had come from England. Letters had
been left with the President by Boland. Districts H. and B.
declared they would leave the convention. We refused to take any
part. Did not return. Motion to expel seceding members carried by a
vote of 20 to 5.

Q.--By Mr. Boland--The conversations were in the presence of
Kerwin, were they not? A.--Yes, many of them.

Q.--Did the matter come up in relation to your treatment at
Chicago? Some of it took place before you were elected? A.--Yes. At
district meeting of S. J. Kerwin was present as the representative
of F. C. The district requested me to accept. Had no conversation
with you until months after.

Q.--By Mr. Feeley--Did you present any objection at district
convention as to your statement as to district? A.--No. Because I
knew nothing of any other district.

Q.--Did you present any evidence, other than your statement, in
relation to any of the acts mentioned? A.--No. Because I was not
aware of any man elected.

Q.--Do you recollect that a vote was taken in regard to District
A.? A.--Yes; if you have any doubt I can refer you to mem.

Q.--Do you recollect my opposing the representation of Australia by
any person in that body? A.--No; you spoke to me, however, and said
to me that I should not oppose it; that you were as anxious as I,
for you had been ignored or not consulted for eighteen months. You
voted to seat Australia.

Q.--You charged that the executive used the funds of the
organization to pay Maroney's debts, did you? A.--No. In August,
1884, Maroney was a porter in a store on Market street. Soon after
he was D. M. of three counties surrounding Philadelphia. He went
into the gents' furnishing goods at No. 2400 Kensington avenue. He
got $400 from the executive; check on the Continental Bank,
exchanged to his credit. Afterwards he went into debt $600 to
McDermott (Black Jim). This amount the executive paid to McDermott.
I saw the $600 paid him. I made the fact known to the convention.
[Mr. O'Boyle interrupts.]

Q.--What was the relation between Maroney and the executive? A.--I
don't know.

Mr. Rogers--What did Maroney say when you gave him the money?
[There is no answer to that question.]

Mr. O'Boyle--Upon whom was the check drawn? A.--All checks were
signed by Kerwin for the executive.

Mr. Rogers--Had this not been a prior date? A. No.

Mr. Feeley--Was your charge denied by Maroney? A.--No, he said the
money was furnished by the executive for work until he should earn
enough to pay it back.

Mr. Feeley--When was Maroney's debt paid? A.--Some time in
December.

Q.--Did Maroney do any work after that? A.--He acted as detective
in Iowa. He went with Sullivan and Boland to St. Paul.

Dr. Cronin--Did the term report show any loss to Maroney? A.--I
could not say; the time was from August, 1885, to August, 1886.

Examination of another witness, a member since the beginning of the
old organization.

Q.--Did you know Capt. Lomasney? A.--Yes.

Q.--Do you know of his having left on a certain motive? A.--Yes,
three or four times since his imprisonment as Mr. O'Sullivan in
1867.

Q.--Do you remember the last time he went? A.--Yes; in August,
1884.

Q.--What did he say to you on the subject of his work? A.--I was
closer than a brother to him. Our families had constant
intercourse. I offered him my hand the day he told me of his
project; had little help. Wife saved a bed.

Q.--What family had he? A.--A wife and four children and an aged
father.

Q.--Who were with him? A.--His brother Jim and Mr. So-and-so.

Q.--Have they been seen since? [No answer to this.]

Q.--What was Mrs. Lomasney's condition before his going? A.--A most
outrageous case of neglect. Flemming's mother died in the
poorhouse.

Q.--Did you ask for help? A.--Yes; in 1885 I went to New Haven. We
had no directors. I called upon Dr. Wallace. He was D. Saw Mulvaney
and Condon. The latter went with me to Carroll. He professed utter
ignorance of the whole affair. I said: "By God, you must see her;"
her, Mrs. L. He decided to. Mulvaney said: "Why don't you see
Boland?" Found him on Fifth avenue. He denied all responsibility.
He would have nothing to do with it. Finally he claimed she had
received much money. I said she did not. He was non-committal. His
acknowledgment made him responsible.

Q.--Did you see Carroll at New York? A.--Yes. We met him at Vesey
street. He left me to go into the _Herald_ building and brought me
$100. I refused this. I told him I didn't come for money. I said:
"You know how to send this, as you have the others; if you respect
the memory of the dead and the widow and the orphan, made so by
your act, do your duty by all."

Q.--Until August, 1886, what was her condition?
A.--Poverty-stricken; no coal, no clothing; nothing left her but
misery and her pride. Our S. G. would not give the channel of
communication. He read our resolutions; whether he ever forwarded
them or not I did never know. He is dead. He told the committee of
D. that the organization was not responsible.

Mr. Rogers--You swear you called the attention of Boland and
Carroll to her condition? A.--Yes; and not until somebody came to
us with $1,025 did the poor woman have any adequate support.

By Dr. Cronin--Did Lomasney attend the district convention held in
Chicago in 1884? A.--No; he was not elected.

Q.--Was any one elected from your D.? A.--No; we noticed it much.
We could not account for our D. having no representation.

Q.--Would Lomasney tell you if he had been selected a delegate by
any one outside of D.? A.--Yes, and we would have been aware of his
absence.

Q.--Would he have gone there, if not elected a delegate?

A.--No; he was the soul of honor, and despised trickery; he did not
care for office; never held any in his life except in danger.

Mr. Boland--Did you see him at Boston? A.--Walsh told me he had no
control. S. G. contended that the organization had no
responsibility. In 1885 John Maroney called; said he had been
especially sent. They had come for a little money; gave $10;
Lomasney had nothing. N. Y. D. S. raised and sent $150. More was
raised and suppressed. In 1887 the sheriff put Mrs. L. out on the
street. No home was ever bought for her.

Question by Mr. Dillon--Do you know that Mrs. L. is an economical
woman? A.--Yes. People began to talk of her and sent an
organization to me to say that she was extravagant; talked of her
husband's taking off, which prejudiced many, and her rent was
raised. She had been paying $30 a month; no general increase; the
landlord wanted her put out.

Mrs. Lomasney examined. [Upon Alexander Sullivan's request not
sworn.] Husband went away in August, 1884.

Q.--How much money have you received from the organization since?
A.--A thousand dollars altogether.

Q.--How much since? A.--In the summer of 1885 I visited Alexander
Sullivan. I went to inquire after my husband, as I was led to
believe he was in possession of certain funds; he did not know my
condition, nor did he relieve me. He did send for a ticket to
Detroit with which I returned home.

Q.--When again did you call upon Mr. Sullivan? A.--In August, 1886,
I made known my condition, and after advising me to sell my little
store, he asked me a schedule of my liabilities: $200; he would
attend to the matter. He gave me no money, nor offered me any. He
seemed anxious that I should not communicate with any one in the
city. He asked me if I was acquainted with any one. I told him of
James Q. Mr. S. said I should not mention his (Sullivan's) name to
any one, etc. Called on Q. He talked to me about Father Dorney. No
help.

Met Col. Richard Burke, and he, with some friends, assisted me, I
know that Mr. Sullivan was the one that had a right to attend to
this. Was afterward amazed that he did not. The dress I wore was a
borrowed one. John Hickey was S. G. Several weeks after I went to
Mr. Sullivan and asked him a loan of $100; this he sent me; nothing
since. I could not give up the store, as that would confirm the
belief that husband was dead or in the business. Thomas Tuttle was
the first to relieve my necessities.

CROSS-EXAMINED BY ALEXANDER SULLIVAN.

Q.--You saw me in 1886, was it not? A.--Yes, certain. Another $500
came from Brooklyn. I had a letter sent by my husband when he was
in Europe, inclosing one from Mr. Alexander Sullivan, in which he
said, in my letter, he asked for money. I afterwards received a
note from my husband saying he had received money from Mr.
Sullivan; I don't know the amount.

Here Mr. S. admitted that Lomasney was sent by the organization.

The last letter from husband was in 1884; anxious to go home. His
age 44.

Examination of another witness. Evidence corroborates that of the
first witness taken. Received _L_20 and one steerage passage six
weeks after the first witness. No shoes. Sold clothes and trunk to
get home. No bed.

Here the notes abruptly ended.