§ MR. WHALLEYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Deparment, with reference to the recent Fenian alarm at Chester, Whether any inquiry will be made as to the extent to which the Fenians had reason to rely on finding accomplices amongst the soldiers, police, or others in authority; whether the Government have considered the risk of any such parties failing in their duty if called upon to act in such cases; and, generally, for such information as to the nature, extent, and organization of this conspiracy as may, in case of necessity, enable the public to provide for their own protection?
§ MR. WALPOLEI do not think the House will expect me to go into "the nature, extent, and organization" of the Fenian conspiracy. The only part of the Question requiring a distinct answer is that as to the existence of Fenianism among the troops. My right hon. and gallant Friend the Secretary of State for War has already given a substantial answer to that question; but I may add that in the report which I have read this morning from Captain Edwards, who commanded the 54th at Chester, he expresses his opinion strongly that the rumours of Fenianism in that body of men are entirely without foundation.