§ MR. SEXTONasked the Secretary of State for War, with regard to complaints from Downpatrick on the subject of the billeting of men of the 5th Battalion in a number of houses in the town, Whether he is aware that, on the night of the 30th ult., a number of men, about forty, of the Battalion, accompanied by a few privates of the Devonshire Regiment, marched through the town yelling, and making use of provocative party cries, breaking the windows of houses occupied by Catholics along the line of route, and finally rushing into the licensed premises of Mr. John Gilmore, a Catholic, made a deadly attack with their waist-belts on the waiters and other persons there, knocked down and trampled on some persons, and broke the glass of the windows before retiring; whether the commander, Colonel Waring, has recently taken part as a prominent member of the Orange Society in party demonstrations in the North of Ireland; and, what steps will now be taken to re-establish Military discipline in the 5th Battalion?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe training of the 5th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles has not yet commenced; but the recruits have been up at Downpatrick for preliminary drill. They are stated generally to have behaved well. I have called for, but have not yet received, detailed Reports of the events on the 30th of April; but I have had telegrams on the subject, in which the 128 particular outrages cited in the Question are categorically denied. It appears that on the previous day two civilians had been arrested by the police for unprovoked assault on the soldiers and militiamen. Hence, I have no doubt, arose ill-feeling between the civilian and military elements. As to what followed, I will read the telegram from the General Officer commanding at Belfast:—
About 8.30 evening of the 30th some Militia and men of Devonshire Regiment walking about town were hooted by civilians, who used threatening, abusive, and seditious language. Shortly afterwards, by request of police, extra picket was despatched, but everyone had rapidly disappeared. All present at 8.45 roll call. During evening pickets were frequently abused by civilians. There was no disorderly marching by soldiers or Militia, nor were party cries raised by them; no windows appear to have been broken, nor can Gilmore identify anybody, though facilities offered him to do so. It is known that Colonel Waring recently attended Orange meetings. Pickets patrol town nightly. Militia encamped now one mile from town.From this it would appear that the information regarding the attendance of Colonel Waring at Orange meetings is contradictory.
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONAs I have stated, the regiment is not at present in training, and if Mr. Waring attends meetings I am not aware that any notice can be taken of it.