§ MR. VANCEsaid, he wished to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland, If information has reached the Irish Government of a murderous attack on the Rev. W. G. Campbell, a Wesleyan Missionary stationed at Athlone; if he has not been severely injured and his life endangered by having been stoned in the village of Granard; and, whether any steps have been taken to bring the perpetrators of this outrage to justice?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. CHATTERTON)said, in the absence of the noble Lord the Chief Secretary for Ireland, he had to state that information had been received in due course of a violent attack having been made on the Rev. Mr. Campbell, who received several severe blows from stones, though he was happy to say that his life was not endangered. The constabulary repaired at once to the spot, but could not at the time afford adequate protection to Mr. Campbell. The names of the parties implicated in the affair were taken down, and they were summoned to appear at the Petty Sessions held at Granard on the 8th instant; but it unfortunately happened that on that day, in consequence of a severe domestic affliction, the local magistrate was not in attendance. The cases were accordingly postponed to the next Session, which would be held on the 22nd instant, and instructions had been given to two of the resident magistrates to attend, in order that no further delay should take place. The Sessional Crown Solicitor had also been instructed to attend and investigate the case.