§ MAJOR GAVINsaid, he would beg to ask why the Proclamation under the Peace Preservation Act had been extended to the City of Limerick. he was aware that a most foul murder had been committed in a remote part of the county; but the City of Limerick was, he believed, free from crime, and the people there had suffered a great deal from the distress which prevailed during the past winter and spring; but they had borne their sufferings with admirable patience. Under these circumstances he felt obliged to ask, Why the City of Limerick had been placed under such a severe measure as the Peace Preservation Act?
§ SIR ROBERT PEELsaid, the Proclamation of the county was adopted almost unanimously by the county magistrates. The hon. and gallant Member would remember that the City of Limerick extended more than six miles into the county, and the municipal boundary of the city was very wide. Under these circumstances it was thought that the Proclamation would have no operation if it did not include the City of Limerick.
§ MR. HENNESSYsaid, he wished to ask whether the Government had not received from the bench of Magistrates of the City of Limerick an unanimous protest against the Proclamation of the county magistrates?
§ SIR ROBERT PEELsaid, he was not aware of any such protest.
§ MR. HENNESSYI have seen it.
§ MR. MONSELLWill the right hon. Gentleman the Home Secretary say whether he has received such a protest?
§ SIR GEORGE GREYsaid, he had only received a letter from Mr. Spring Rice expressing dissatisfaction that his property had been included in the Proclamation, and in reply he had informed that gentleman that the Proclamation of the county had been agreed to almost unanimously at a meeting of County Magistrates. The Government had received no official remonstrance or protest.