HC Deb 21 February 1881 vol 258 c1381
MR. T. D. SULLIVAN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If his attention, has been called to the following words reported in the "Freeman's Journal" as having been used by the resident magistrate, on Monday last, at Drumlish Petty Sessions, where some persons were being tried on a charge of riot:— He did not want to threaten, but he would allow no man to go through the country while he was in charge of it creating ill-will between the people and Her Majesty's Government. Any man Who in future attempted to do so, or addressed any meetings in such terms, he would at once have him arrested. Then let them bring on their case to the Queen's Bench, and get out of it if they could; and, if such language were used, whether Her Majesty's Government intend to express any disapprovel of the use, from the bench of justice, of such language? I may add that I am not responsible for the terms in which the latter clause of the Question is printed on the Paper. It has been eviscerated, Mr. Speaker, and the operation has been badly performed.

MR. W. E. FORSTER

I have seen a report of the matter in The Freeman! & Journal, and I have also seen a note from the gentleman concerned stating that the report was incorrect. The note was published in the same journal.

MR. T. D. SULLIVAN

Did the gentleman state what he did say?

MR. W. E. FORSTER

I dare say the hon. Member reads The Freeman's Journal, and can inform himself on the matter. The gentleman stated simply that the report was "incorrect."