THE O'DONOGHUESir, a rumour having reached me this morning which caused me great alarm, but which, I hope, is not true, I deemed it my duty, early this morning, to give the Secretary of State for the Home Department notice of the following Question:—
As it is rumoured that the Irish Government intend to proclaim Martial Law, to explain fully to the House the nature and effect of the increased powers which the Proclamation of Martial Law will place in the hands of the authorities, Civil and Military?
§ MR. WALPOLEIn answer, Sir, to the Question of the hon. Gentleman, I have to state that there is no intention at present, and I hope, on the part of the Government, there will be no necessity to 1648 proclaim martial law in Ireland. Should any occasion occur for it, the House will be informed of any powers which the Government may think it right to ask for that purpose. As to the necessity of proclaiming martial law, the accounts which I have received from Dublin yesterday and this morning are more favourable than they have been for some days; and I can state to the House that the ordinary law of the land will be had recourse to without delay. A Special Commission will be issued to bring the offenders to speedy trial. I am sure that hon. Members connected with Ireland will be gratified to hear a telegram I have received to-day, and which I know is confirmed by others. The hon. Member for Dublin has, I believe, received a similar one—
Messrs. Malcolmson, Brothers, state that out of 3,000 persons employed by them at Waterford, Carrick, Portlaw, and Clonmel, not one has left his work to join the insurgents.