§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ire- 37 land, Whether it is true that Thomas Connely, of Rosmuck, county Galway, was on the 16th instant arrested under the Coercion Act on a charge of intimidation; whether he is aware that Mr. Connely is an old and feeble man of advanced years, and of good character and peaceable disposition; whether in consequence of his arrest there is no one at home to look after his holding but his son and daughter, who are both deaf and dumb, and their mother, a very old woman; and, whether, as there is no case of intimidation known to have occurred in the neighbourhood of Rosmuck, he will state the real cause for the arrest of a man so far advanced in years as Mr. Connely is?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTER, in reply, said, the person named in the Question was arrested under the Coercion Act at Eos-muck, in the County Galway, on the 15th instant. He was reasonably suspected of having intimidated a certain person for the purpose of compelling him to give up possession of a farm. He was informed that Connolly was only 60 years of age, and was strong and active. He was of a quarrelsome disposition, having been convicted in April last of having used threatening and abusive language. His holding was now managed by his wife, who was a strong, healthy woman, of the same age, and his son and daughter, who were, as stated, both deaf and dumb. They were accustomed to managing the farm. The locality of Rosmuck, he was informed, was one of the most lawless in the Oughterard district.
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORsaid, he was informed the man was over 80 years of age, and he should feel obliged if the right hon. Gentleman would make further inquiries on the subject.