HC Deb 09 June 1881 vol 262 cc114-5
LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

said, he did not know whether, in the absence of the Chief Secretary for Ireland, he might ask the Home Secretary whether there was any truth in the accounts of a very alarming, but, perhaps, exaggerated, character which appeared in the newspapers with regard to the condition of Ireland?

MR. SEXTON

asked whether the Home Secretary could make any communication to the House which would have the effect of allaying the anxiety in West Cork with reference to the intended arrest of Father Murphy?

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

With reference to the Question of the noble Lord, I have received two telegrams from the Irish Executive—one dated yesterday, and the other to-day. The one of yesterday had reference to the alarming rumours—most of which appear to have been unfounded—as to the condition of things in Ireland. The telegram of yesterday was to the following effect:— Newspaper reports of the riot at Schull, Skibbereen, and Ballydehob, much exaggerated. District now quiet." The telegram of to-day from Dublin, dated 2 o'clock, is as follows:— Nothing of significance has occurred since yesterday in County Cork. Two lengths of rails were displaced yesterday near Drimo-league, but have been replaced, and trains run as usual. The wire near Ballydehob has been again broken. Latest reports represent all quiet. No serious outrages reported." With reference to the Question of the hon. Member (Mr. Sexton), I have a letter from the Chief Secretary, in which he says— The riots in West Cork were owing to a perfectly unfounded rumour that we intended arresting a priest. "We had no such intention; but these rumours are tricks to excite the people." That is all that refers to the circumstance to which the hon. Member has alluded. From these two telegrams the House will gather that a great number of those reports which have appeared in the newspapers are, as regards their details, exaggerated—are reports of a highly sensational character; and I only hope that hon. Members will not assume, because they see them in print, that they are founded on fact.

MR. TOTTENHAM

asked whether it was true that General Hamilton, commanding in the district, had asked for a large additional force of Cavalry?

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

I cannot say; but I hope that in saying that it will not be assumed that we are without information. The hon. Member, and others, the other day blamed the Government for not knowing all the circumstances about Lord Dunsandle's son. It is rather hard upon the Government, and, if the lion. Member will excuse me for saying it, rather an Irish proceeding to expect that the Government should be acquainted with all the circumstances of attacks which never occurred. I have stated to the House fully all the information which I have received, and the words of the last telegram which I read show that nothing of serious consequence had occurred in the course of the preceding 24 hours. The noble Lord (Lord Randolph Churchill) seems very anxious that we should know all the circumstances of supposed acts which have not occurred. We assume, when the Government in Ireland informs us that there is nothing serious, that these reports are exaggerated and unfounded.

MR. CARBUTT

said, the Home Secretary had read a telegram intimating that two rails had been pulled up; but it was stated in the morning papers that no rails had been pulled up, and that only some ballast had fallen on to the line and caused an obstruction.