The president said he would receive his defense in the morning, and adjourned the further hearing of the case in order to give the prisoner time to prepare it.
The trial of Martin Hogan was resumed.
Mr. Lawless was present, and handed in a written statement to the president.
The President. Before reading this, I am anxious to say, that I most emphatically disclaim any intention whatever of having said anything disrespectful, or that I intended annoying the prisoner's counsel; and I wish to say that if I should at any time—
Mr. Lawless. The prisoner's counsel is outside sir. Will you allow him to be present?
President. Certainly.
Mr. McMechan then entered the room, when the president said, "I will repeat the words I have just said, which were these: That I desire most emphatically to disclaim any intention whatever of saying anything disrespectful to the prisoner's counsel, or any other person engaged in this court. If at any time I imagined I did so, I should be very sorry for it. I would be the last to offend any one."
Mr. McMechan. I am perfectly satisfied, sir.
Mr. Lawless. We will withdraw that statement, sir.
The statement was handed back, and Mr. McMechan, instructed by Mr. Lawless, remained to defend the prisoner.
The prosecution was then closed.
