§ MR. BUTTasked the Secretary of State for War, If he has received any intelligence of a serious disturbance between the soldiers of the 90th Regiment, now stationed in Limerick, and the people of the town and, whether any steps have been taken by the Military authorities, by confining the soldiers in barracks or otherwise, to prevent the exasperation of the popular feeling?
MR. GATHORNE HARDYThe hon. and learned Gentleman came to me yesterday evening and stated that he had heard that a disturbance had occurred at Limerick between the military and the population. I at once ordered a telegram to be sent requesting details of any such disturbance, and during the evening I received an answer, which I communicated to the Colleague of the hon. and learned Gentleman, and which, unfortunately, he did not return to me. I have, however, procured another copy, which will give the information as well as I have got it. The answer I received last night was from Lieutenant Colonel Palmer, commanding the 90th Regiment, who also commands the troops there. He says—
Disturbances have taken place between the soldiers and the roughs of the population here. All quiet now. No one seriously hurt. The regiment has been confined to barracks. Full particulars reported to the General Officer commanding the district.We telegraphed to the General Commanding-in-Chief the Forces in Ireland. He says—Disturbances took place at Limerick last night (that is Sunday night) between some civilians and men of the 90th Regiment. Police reports received, but no military reports yet. Immediate report called for from the commanding officer. No report of any disturbance today.This morning we have received another communication from the Commander of the Forces, in which he says— 842The officer commanding the troops at Limerick reports last night no renewal of the disturbances between the troops and the civilians since the 8th instant. The regiment has been confined to barracks.
§ MR. BUTTI should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will direct an inquiry to be made into the causes which led to the bad feeling between the troops and the civilians.
MR. GATHORNE HARDYI have been promised full information by post. Of course, we shall receive an account of the whole transaction, and I shall be ready to answer any Question on Monday. What I have read was received by telegraph.