Arrest of Smith O'Brien on Charge of Sedition !!!

Galway Vindicator, 22nd March, 1848

Evening Freeman Office,

Half—past Five o'Clock.

We stop press to announce that Smith O'Brien has been arrested !!
This is the means the English Government takes to conciliate Ireland.
Other despotisms yield to the voice of public opinion and concede rights to their people.
England arrests the friends of liberty and starves the people..
These are her concessions!!
Shall it be so for ever !
Mr. O'Brien was in the act of packing his port—manteau to sail for France to present the address of the citizens to the French people, when (just at five o'clock) Mr. F. T. Porter called at his residence and placed the following document in his hands:—
Head Office, March 21, 1848
Sir — Information having been sworn before me this day against you for speaking a seditious speech at the Music Hall, on the evening of the 15th instant, I have to request that you will attend here to—morrow, at twelve o'clock, and give ball for your appearance in the Queen's Bench next term.
Your compliance will save me the disagreeable duty of issuing a warrant for your apprehension.
I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant.
F.T. Porter,
Magistrate, Head Police Office.
Wm. S. O'Brien Esq., M.P.

Immediately the news spread, and Mr. O'Brien was waited upon by several gentlemen, who heretofore did not take his views in politics.
Courage ! courage ! and prudence !
This is the first step towards awakening a spirit that will strike down the domination of England.
Let us use the occasion aright.
At four o'clock to—day informations were sworn also against Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Meagher, the latter for a "seditious speech" uttered on the 15th the former for seditious writings published in the United Irishman.
Warrants have been issued for Mr. Meagher and Mr. Mitchell's arrests, and we presume the arrests have already taken place.
Patience, prudence and firmness are the virtues of the hour.
Irishmen practice them.