LORD CLAUD HAMILTONasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether the effigy of Mr. Justice Keogh was on a recent occasion carried in procession through certain streets in Derry, preceded by musicians playing a rebel tune; whether this effigy was not afterwards immersed in the Foyle without any opposition on the part of the Government or of the police force under their orders; 952 whether speeches were not delivered during the said proceedings calculated to promote animosity between different classes of Her Majesty's subjects; and, whether at the time he stated that this effigy of the going Judge of assize had not been burnt in Derry he was aware that it had been ignominiously immersed in the Foyle?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONsaid, he would, with the permission of the House, answer the Question. From the information which had reached the Government from the resident magistrates of Londonderry and the constabulary, it appeared that no effigy had been burnt there. Information had been received by the constabulary to the effect that there was an intention to burn an effigy. They at once communicated with the Mayor, and such steps as were deemed necessary were taken to prevent the burning of the effigy. On the same occasion a procession left the town with a band playing a rebel air, but they dispersed very quietly. The report of the constabulary officers distinctly stated that it was untrue that the effigy had been burnt and immersed in the Foyle. Having given all the information in his possession to the noble Lord, he hoped he would allow him to ask from what sources he had derived his information, in order that he might make inquiries as to which information was correct.
LORD CLAUD HAMILTONTomorrow I shall be glad to give the noble Marquess the source of my information.
§ MR. MITCHELL HENRYWill the Chief Secretary for Ireland be good enough to tell the House what are "rebel airs?"