HC Deb 17 June 1872 vol 211 cc1861-2
SIR ROBERT PEEL

I wish, Sir, to ask the right hon. Gentleman at the head of the Government, Whether any and what steps have been taken at the instance of the Lord Chancellor, or the Government of Ireland, in vindication of the dignity of the judicial Bench, on account of the outrages to which it has been subjected in the person of Mr. Justice Keogh for his recent judgment in support of freedom of election?

MR. GLADSTONE

Sir, I have had no communication from the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, Mr. Justice Keogh, or any one connected with the Government of Ireland on the subject, and I apprehend possibly that those who are interested in it will look to the circulation of the Judgment and Evidence in the Galway Petition Case among the Members of this House as the proper time for entering upon the question.

Afterwards—

COLONEL STUART KNOX

, in reference to the answer just given by the Prime Minister to the Question of the right hon. Baronet (Sir Robert Peel), said he desired to learn, Whether the Government of this country were not interested in the treatment accorded to the Judges in Ireland, and whether they viewed with indifference such conduct as burning them in effigy and otherwise insulting them? He should be glad to know to whom the right hon. Gentleman referred as "those who are interested in it," and whether an opportunity would be afforded to the House of discussing the matter.

MR. GLADSTONE

Sir, in saying what I did upon the subject, I referred to the natural interest which my right hon. Friend behind me, and other hon. Members, no doubt, take in a subject of so much importance. The hon. and gallant Gentleman opposite would scarcely suppose I am to proceed upon the assumption that it is the business of the Cabinet to punish persons who burn Judges in effigy. For such offences I believe the ordinary process of law will be found sufficient.

COLONEL STUART KNOX

Will the right hon. Gentleman direct that process of law to be put into force?

MR. GLADSTONE

I understand that has already been done without any directions being necessary, and that the persons who took the liberty of burning a Judge in effigy have been proceeded against according to law.