§ MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUEsaid, he desired to take this opportunity of asking the attention of the House to a letter he had received relating to a subject to which reference had lately been made in debate. The letter is from a Roman Catholic clergyman in Ireland, whose name has been painfully connected, on the strength of some rumour or other, with a dreadful murder which occurred some months ago. I know nothing of this gentleman; but he writes to me as follows, and I think it is due to him that what he says should be known to the House—
I hear my name has been brought before the House of Commons as haying denounced O'Brien, who was murdered, on the Sunday before that sad occurrence. Never was statement more unfounded. I never had recourse to altar denunciations in a long career on the mission. I have been on the most intimate terms with deceased and his family up to his death, so much so that I had him proposed as guardian of the poor last year. The intimacy with the family continues still as ever. A respected J. P., John O'Brien, their relative, in the immediate locality, can certify this. It pains me to be thus calumniated after so much pains all my life to prevent crime or outrage, and to promote peace and charity between all creeds and classes.
§ SIR GEORGE GREYWhat is the name?
§ MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUEThe Rev. Mr. Evers, the parish priest, Mohill, county Leitrim.