HC Deb 08 August 1882 vol 273 cc1145-6
COLONEL NOLAN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If his attention has been drawn to the following resolution signed by all the seven local magistrates present at the committal for trial of the proprietor of the "Tuam Herald,"— We, the undersigned local justices of the peace for the county of Galway, assembled in petty sessions in Tuam, having heard the case of the Queen v. Richard J. Kelly, although feeling that we have no other course open to us but to send forward the case, yet we desire to express very strongly our opinion that the declaration of the defendant is true; that the letter complained of, purporting to he a transcript of a letter hearing the name of James Redpath, was printed by misadventure during the defendant's absence from home, and that he repudiates same, and expresses his intense regret that it should have appeared; and we wish to state that we have, known the defendant for many years, and to our knowledge the 'Tuam Herald' has been at all times a supporter of law and order, and we respectfully suggest under such circumstances that this prosecution be dropped; and, if, in consequence of this strong expression of opinion from the bench, he will direct all further proceedings against Mr. Kelly to be dropped?

MR. TREVELYAN

Sir, the resolution of the magistrates referred to in the Question of the hon. and gallant Member has not been officially brought under the notice of the Government; but, nevertheless, I will take care that the matter is referred to my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney General for Ireland, whose function it is to decide whether or not the prosecution should be proceeded with.

COLONEL NOLAN

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman the Attorney General for Ireland answer the Question now?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. W. M. JOHNSON)

I think I had better get the document before me before I answer the Question.

COLONEL NOLAN

Then I will repeat the Question.