§ VISCOUNT COLEasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether Mr. Thomas Hamilton, E.M., in charge of the Military and Police at Dromore, on 1st January promised Mr. Porter Porter, High Sheriff of Fermanagh, that the stabbing of Giffen would receive a thorough investigation; was any such investigation made; and, if so, when and where, what witnesses were examined, and what notice (if any) was given of it either to the public or to the relations of the injured man?
§ MR. TREVELYANI am informed that Mr. Thomas Hamilton, E.M., did state to Mr. Porter Porter that an investigation would be held into the circumstances connected with the stabbing of Samuel Giffen. After Giffen's death, which occurred some days later, an inquest was held at which the next-of-kin of the deceased were represented by a solicitor, who examined a number of witnesses. This gentleman had asked that a number of officials who were present at Dromore on the 1st of January should be produced at the inquest. In compliance with that request, the Government immediately directed that these officials, as well as all other responsible officials who were present at Dromore on the 1st of January, should attend at the adjourned inquest, which they accordingly did. But the next-of-kin declined to examine any of them. The Government have most carefully inquired into the circumstances connected with the meeting, and are of opinion that no further public investigation beyond that held at the inquest is necessary or judicious.
MR. O'BRIENMight I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether Giffen's party tried to break through the troops at Dromore under the command of Mr. Alexander, a magistrate; and whether any action has been taken with regard to Mr. Alexander's course of action?
§ MR. TREVELYANI will ask the hon. Gentleman to give Notice of the Question.