§ MR. GILL (for Mr. T. D. SULLIVAN)asked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, If the Colonel Hillier, who is the nominal author of the Circular recently issued to the Irish police, is the same Colonel Hillier who a few years ago was tried at Dublin before the late Chief Justice Whiteside for a gross assault on a Belfast solicitor, and was sentenced to pay a penalty of £100 for the offence; and, whether, if he be the same person, the Irish Executive consider it proper to retain that officer in command of the Irish constabulary at so critical a juncture in Irish affairs as the present?
§ MR. TOTTENHAM,before the right hon. and learned Gentleman answered this Question, wished to ask, Whether in the case referred to the conduct of Colonel Hillier had not been approved by the Government, and the fine paid by the Crown?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. LAW)I presume the hon. Member alludes to the action brought by the late Mr. John Rea nearly 10 years ago against Colonel Hillier for illegal arrest. Mr. Rea was addressing a large and excited mob in inflammatory language, and, after being repeatedly cautioned by Colonel Hillier and requested to desist, continued his harangue, defying the officer to order his arrest. Colonel Hillier at last, fearing that a riot would be the result, thought it his duty to direct Mr. Rea's arrest, and for this the action was brought. I do not think the circumstances of that case afford any ground for supposing that Colonel Hillier—who is an excellent public officer—is in any way unfitted to continue Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary. Colonel Hillier's conduct was approved; and, I believe, his expenses were paid by the Government.