§ MR. MONSELLSir, information has reached me, within the last few minutes, that an outbreak of the Fenians has taken place in Ireland; and I wish, to ask my noble Friend the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether the Government has re- 1419 ceived any information upon the subject; and, if so, whether he will state to the House what it is?
LORD NAASAt a quarter before eleven o'clock this morning, I received the following telegram from Dublin Castle, from the Under Secretary, Sir Thomas Larcom. I have received no further information; and therefore I think I had better read the telegram to the House, and the House will then be in possession of all the information which the Government themselves have upon the subject. There is also a second telegram, which has been received at the Admiralty, from Commander Williams, stationed at Youghal. This is the telegram received from Sir Thomas Larcom—
Wires cut early in the night between Dublin and Cork, and between Dublin and Limerick, and later in the night between Dublin and Limerick Junction. Up mails late; engine despatched from Thurles to discover the cause; found line blocked up with sleepers, and rails torn up one mile south of Thurles. All communication with Cork, Limerick, and Tipperary therefore denied to us, and we are ignorant as yet of what has taken place there. The rising around Dublin, from Drogheda round to Dundrum, generally, but not as numerous as the Fenians expected. In the dark impossible to estimate numbers; estimates vary from 1,000 to 4,000. No serious outrage on persons or property. At Drogheda police barrack attacked, assailants driven off and followed, some shot, and some prisoners taken. Metropolitan police stations at Kilmainham and Crumlin attacked without success. The city, emptied of its troublesome class, remained perfectly tranquil. Troops very skilfully disposed. One of the men taken had Greek fire, as well as arms and ammunition. Many now returning in twos and threes.This is the telegram received at the Admiralty—Fenians, number unknown, rose and attacked the police station at Castlemartyr, twelve miles from here, at 2.30 this morning. One man, an American, said to be shot, and several wounded. Troops gone from here to assist civil force. Telegraph wires cut between this and Cork.I may say, further, that I am perfectly convinced that most ample preparations have been made, and that the military authorities throughout the country are fully prepared to meet the emergency.