Speeches from the Dock; Or, Protests of Irish Patriotism. Part I: Speeches delivered after conviction by Theobald Wolfe Tone, William Orr, the brothers Sheares, Robert Emmet, John Martin, William Smith O'Brien, Thomas Francis Meagher, Terence Bellew McManus, John Mitchel, Thomas C. Luby, John O'Leary, Charles J. Kickham, Colonel Thomas F. Burke, and Captain Mackay
History
Speeches from the Dock; Or, Protests of Irish Patriotism. Part I: Speeches delivered after conviction by Theobald Wolfe Tone, William Orr, the brothers Sheares, Robert Emmet, John Martin, William Smith O'Brien, Thomas Francis Meagher, Terence Bellew McManus, John Mitchel, Thomas C. Luby, John O'Leary, Charles J. Kickham, Colonel Thomas F. Burke, and Captain Mackay
Ireland -- Biography; Ireland -- Politics and government -- 19th century; Ireland -- Politics and government -- 20th century
the dock, and spoke in a clear, firm tone of voice, as follows:--
"Before I address myself to this audience, I return my sincere thanks
to my learned counsel for the exertions they have made, in which they
displayed so much talent. I return my thanks to the gentlemen on the
part of the crown, for the accommodation and indulgence I have
received during my confinement. I return my thanks to the gentlemen
of the jury, for the patient investigation they have afforded my
case; and I return my thanks to the court, for the attention and
politeness they have shown me during my trial. As to my political
sentiments, I shall, in as brief a manner as possible (for I do not
wish to engross the time of the court), say a few words. I look back
to the last thirteen years of my life, the period with which I have
interfered with the transactions of Ireland, with entire
satisfaction; though for my share in them I am now about to die--the
gentlemen of the jury having, by their verdict, put the seal of truth
on the evidence against me. Whether, at this time, and the country
being situated as it is, it be safe to inflict the punishment of
death upon me for the offence I am charged with, I leave to the
gentlemen who conduct the prosecution. My death, perhaps, may be
useful in deterring others from following my example. It may serve,
on the other hand, as a memorial to others, and on trying occasions
it may inspire them with courage. I can now say, as far as my
judgment enabled me, I acted for the good of my country and of the
world. It may be presumptuous for me to deliver my opinions here as
a statesman, but as the government have singled me out as a leader,
and given me the appellation of 'General,' I am in some degree
entitled to do so. To me it is plain that all things are verging
towards a change, when all shall be of one opinion. In ancient times,
we read of great empires having their rise and their fall, and yet do
the old governments proceed as if all were immutable. From the time I
could observe and reflect, I perceived that there were two kinds of
laws--the laws of the State and the laws of God--frequently clashing
with each other; by the latter kind, I have always endeavoured to
regulate my conduct; but that laws of the former kind do exist in
Ireland I believe no one who hears me can deny. That such laws have
existed in former times many and various examples clearly evince. The
Saviour of the world suffered by the Roman laws--by the same laws His
Apostles were put to the torture, and deprived of their lives in His
cause. By my conduct I do not consider that I have incurred any moral
guilt. I have committed no moral evil. I do not want the many and
bright examples of those gone before me; but did I want this
encouragement, the recent example of a youthful hero--a martyr in the
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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