'The Parnell Commission, 1880-89'
Compiled by H. Montgomery Hyde ,
D.Litt.
In 1887 The Times printed a facsimile letter that appeared to involve the Irish leader Charles Stewart Parnell in the assassination of Lord Frederick Cavendish and Thomas Henry Burke in Phoenix Park, Dublin. The letter led to the appointment of a special Commission by Parliament to inquire into the accusations made against Parnell. The accused was represented by Sir Charles Russell (later Lord Russell of Killowen), one of the greatest advocates of his day, who, in a cross-examination that must rank as a legal classic, proved the forgery of the letter and the innocence of Parnell.