ANGLO-CELT DECEMBER 22, 1848 CAVAN UNION. ADJOURNED INVESTIGATION ON THE LATE VICE-GUARDIANS Some weeks ago, as our readers will recollect, this investigation was first commenced at Kilnaleck, before Captain HOTHAM, P.L.I., pro tem. for this union. The only charge then gone into--namely, reckless extravagance in administering out-door relief in that division, was fully proved. William SMITH, Esq., Drumheel, acting on behalf of the ratepayers, demanded a further inquiry into several other charges; but Captain HOTHAM declined entering into them until he would commun- icate with the Commissioners. He therefore adjourned the inquiry, and reported on it as far as it had proceeded. Mr. SMITH and the gentlemen acting with him continued to press their demand for a further investigation, objecting, at the same time, to the whole case. A lengthy correspondence ensued, the major part of which has already appeared in this journal.... [Transcriber's note: The following article/editorial summarizes the investigation/trial.] Thus terminated the most important investigation ever held in Ireland on the working of the poor law. ================================================= CAVAN UNION--THE INVESTIGATION We report at great length, the important investigation held in Cavan workhouse on Friday and Saturday last. Mr. SMITH conducted the case on behalf of the ratepayers, with great skill and judgment, efficiently aided by Mr. VERNON. The charges preferred against the Vice-Guardians were four:--absence and neglect of duty; extravagance in travelling charges and in the management of Ballymachugh fever hospital; partiality in the distribution of contracts; and collusion in the repairs of the Swellan hospital. The first charge dwindled down into thirteen day's absence; the neglect of duty was not proved. The sums drawn for travelling expenses form almost the only debateable point, and when we take into account impossibility of a gentleman recollecting the multitudinous little items he expended during a period of eight months, we cannot worder at the disparity which exists betwwen the present APPARENT outlay and the BONA FIDA one THEN. At all events, we should not contort that noble principle of the law which awards the accused the benefit of a doubt. The charges of partiality, or rather wasteful neglect, in contracting for frieze was boldly advanced; and as the characters of several respectable people are concerned we decline saying whether in our opinion the charge was sustained or not. The evidence, with Mr. MOORE's explana- tory declaration, is now before the public, and they can form their own opinion of it. The charges respecting the Ballymachugh and Swellan hosptials signally failed. The latter was a mistake arising out of an error of the clerk's which our worthy and enterprising townsman, Mr. HAGUE clearly and satisfactorily explained. Ballymachugh hospital was not under the control of the Vice-Guardians while Mr. BATES held office here, consequently he stood acquitted of the extravagance (supposed or real) of that institution. By the way, we publish to-day a letter from W. B. JENNINGS, Esq., M.D., on that subject, in answer to a former one which appeared in our columns. Mr. SMITH and Mr. VERNON disclaimed frequently during the trial the idea of victimising Mr. BATES--they only warred with the system and not the man; and they warred well. The chairman, by his clear-sighted- ness and impartiality, won the admiration of all present. MR. BATES was collected and dignified, and defended himself with the calm con- fidence of an innocent man. Altogether, the scene was imposing, and the parties immediately interested momentous. There was one species of evidence we were sorry to see advanced, for if it obtained countenance we might exclaim REQUIESCAT IN PACE to all social intercourse. The charman, however, very judiciously rejected it. One point was brought out deserving of particular notice. Guardians and Vice-Guardians will henceforth remember that if not illegal, it is IRREGULAR to issue contracts for anything connected with the union, amounting to the sum of £10 and upwards, without advertising. We may remark, PAR PARENTHESE, that we differ with Mr. CRAWFORD's definition of ILLEGALITY. If an act BE CONTRARY TO LAW, it must manifestly be ILLEGAL, and therefore irregularity is too mild a term to apply to it. ================================================== CAVAN SESSIONS The following is a calendar of the prisoners to be tried at the Cavan sessions on the 27th inst.:-- Anne M'CABE, Mary LIDDY, sealing five turkeys from Margaret M'CABE; Mary KELLY, Anne KELLY, robbing John PRATT of the sum of nineteen pounds; T. SHERIDAN, aiding and assisting in the robbery; James TONER, deserting and stealing clothes from the workhouse of Cavan; Michael BRADY, Owen BRADY, rescuing a cow seized for rent due Nathl. MONTGOMERY, Esq.; James BRADY, Anne BRADY, Judith BRADY, having a quantity of goods in their possession that was stolen from James M'COVY; James CORRIGAN, disorderly conduct in Ballyconnell bridewell; Hugh M'CAFFREY, stealing a mare, the property of Edward YOURELL; Anne KANE, stealing a one pound note from Patrick SMITH; Rose DUKE, receiving stolen geese from Peter FAY--bench warrant; Michael CONLIN, stealing a cask and five gallons of spirits from Edwd. THOMPSON; Mary FINLAY, stealing from MR. MURPHY three pounds; Thomas MURRAY, stealing a cask of spirits from Edward THOMPSON; Charles CLARKE, deserting from, and stealing clothes from the Cavan workhouse; Daniel MULSTY, rescue and assault on James ADDY--bench warrant; Bridget DOONAN, having geese in her possession that was stolen from R. ROYCRAFT; Thomas KOGIN, having unlicensed arms in his possession; William CLARKE, Anne MAGUIRE, deserting and stealing clothes from the Cavan workhouse; Patrick MURRAY, stealing a silver watch from John MURRAY; Francis THORNTON, JOhn SHERIDAN George THORNTON, throwing down a house, and cutting timber the property of Lord Annesley,; Bernard REILLY, having meal in his possession that was stolen from R. LEVINGSTON; Bridget MAGUIRE, stealing a goose from Elizabeth STRONG; James MASTERSON, stealing meal from Jos. LEVINGSTON; Thomas COLLINS, stealing a shift from Bernard FOY; Thos. REILLY, stealing seven turkeys from Owen MAGOVERIN; Thos FITZPATRICK, an approver, against Thomas REILLY; Hugh REILLY, rescuing a cow seized under a decree; Dominick MAGERTY, having heiffers in his possession that was stolen from Patrick M'GOLDRATH; Thomas FARRELLY, Bartley GAFFNEY, stealing two heiffers from Thomas FINMEGAN; Anne FURY, Jane MOORE, stealing and having in possession a number of caps that was stolen from Thomas BURNS; Dennis MAGUIRE, stealing wheat, the property of Hugh DOLAN; Thos M'KENNA, Bridget M'KENNA, violently assaulting John CURREN; Ellen FREEHILLY, Mary FREEHILLY, stealing out of the shop of Robert HAYES, a purse containing five pounds and some silver; John COLLINS, having six ducks in his possession that was stolen from Robert M'DONALD; Bridget TUMMIN, having in her possession a shawl that was stolen from the Cavan workhouse; James BRIODY, attempting to steal fowl from William MEE; Terence SHERIDAN, stealing a goose from MIchael SMITH; Thos. BOYLE, riot, assault, &c. ================================================== ARREST FOR ROBBERY--A well known character, named FAGAN, was arrested some days ago, by that efficient police officer, constable HEFFERNAN of Grousehall station, on a charge of having been engaged in a series of robberies. FAGAN is now in Cavan gaol abiding his trial. OUTRAGE--An occurrence that had very nearly eventuated fatally, took place in the townland of Tullinchin, parish of Larah, on the evening of Saturday the 16th ult. As a number of young men from the townland of Carrickacrummin, were returning from a funeral, they were overtaken by another young man, some angry words passed between them, and the latter, who was a stranger, pulled a pistol from his breast and fired, happily without effect. A hot pursuit ensued, and luckily, he made his escape, dropping his hat. Had he been overtaken, nothing could save him from their vengeance. The case was regularly reported to Sergeant HEFFERNAN, of the above station, and a cue to his discovery has been obtained. A fat bullock, the property of Mr. James BRENNON, was killed on the lands of Newtown, near Moynalty, on the night of Tuesday last; the flesh all cut off and carried away, leaving the skin and bones behind. Four heifers, the property of Mr. Simon REILLY, were stolen from his premises at Arduamagh, on the night of Friday the 15th instant. ___________________________________________________________ BIRTHS December 18, at Cara House, county Fermanagh, the lady of Henry JACKSON, Esq., of a son. December 18, at Annaville, Ranalagh, Dublin, the lady of Thomas D'Arcy M'GEE, of a daughter. __________________________________________________________ MARRIAGES December 14, at St. Peter's Church, George Clayton COWELL, to Charlotte, eldest daughter of William HODGES, J.P., of Miltown House, county Dublin. __________________________________________________________ DEATHS December 17, William James WARD, Esq., late of Sackville-st., Dublin for many years an eminent Dentist in that city. December 17, in Upper Rutland-street, Dublin, Miss Lucy WALKER. =================================================== ADVERTISEMENT CHEAP AND DURABLE ROOFING Manufactured by Francis RTCHIE and Sons, Belfast Local Agents: Bailieborough Henry MAXWELL Ballyjamesduff Robert MORROW Cavan Robert FITZGERALD Drogheda Peter VERDON, West-street Enniskillen James CREDEN, Architect Killeshandra Wm. CLEMENGER Monaghan James Alexander ROSS Oldcastle Thomas C. GOFF __________________________________________________________ PROVINCIAL BANK James SYME, Esq., has been appointed manager of the Monaghan branch of the Provincial Bank, vice Wm. SLATE, Esq., resigned in consequence of ill health. Walter LUCAS, Esq., manager of the Cootehill branch of the Provincial Bank, has been promoted to the Drogheda branch, and promoted to the management of Cootehill.-- Monaghan Standard. _________________________________________________________ County Cavan Newspaper Transcription Project