COLONEL GREVILLEsaid, he wished to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether he has any further information to impart to the House with regard to the Fenian movement in Kerry?
LORD NAASSir, I have no further information to give beyond this, that I received a telegram two hours ago stating that everything was perfectly quiet, and that there was no appearance of any attempt being made to revive the insurrectionary movement in the county of Kerry. I may add, that from the information which the Government has received it appears that there was not at any one time more than 120 or 130 engaged in the outbreak.
§ MR. BRUENsaid, he wished to ask the noble Lord, whether he can confirm the published reports of the gallant conduct of Police Constable Duggan, who was attacked by the rioters while carrying despatches? He would also beg to inquire 470 whether the noble Lord can confirm the report of the loyal conduct of the Rev. Mr. Maginn, a Roman Catholic priest, who, it is stated, gave notice to the Police of the intentions of the rioters, endeavoured to dissuade the party from their mad enter-prize, and, on being charged by their leader with having given information against them, boldly and loyally acknowledged that he had done so.
LORD NAASI am happy to be able to say that the statement which appeared in The Times of this morning with regard to Police Constable Duggan is entirely correct. He showed the greatest possible gallantry and devotion to his duty. After being wounded, and after falling from his horse, he still endeavoured to struggle on as best he could in order to perform his duty. He was, unfortunately, unable to accomplish this, and was obliged to take refuge in a house, whither he was followed by some of his assailants. With respect to the conduct of the Rev. Mr. Maginn, the information in the hands of the Government leads us to believe that the statement which has been published is perfectly correct. Shortly after the attack on the policeman the same party designed to attack the police barrack at Ross Bay, not very far off. On meeting Mr. Maginn they stopped, and he addressed them. He warned them of the perilous and wicked course they were pursuing, and endeavoured to dissuade them from carrying into effect the project which he had been led to believe they entertained. They advanced, however, some little distance further, but wiser counsels ultimately prevailed, and when they had got to within 200 yards of the barracks they turned off the road and made for the mountains. The rev. gentleman then proceeded to the help of the wounded man, and I believe remained with him a considerable time, until further assistance arrived.