§ MR. REDMONDasked, Whether it is a fact that a constable at Hacketstown recently ordered the men under his command to fire upon any persons who should attempt, on the part of the owners, to remove a wooden house which had been lent to an evicted tenant, who had since redeemed his farm; and, if so, whether he had any right to take such a course, and if he acted in accordance with instructions5 from the authorities?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. W. M. JOHNSON)Sir, the constable referred to in the Question did not order his men to fire on persons who should attempt to remove the wooden house. What occurred was this—a large crowd on the 16th of last month assembled to remove a wooden hut; the persons on whose land it was refused to allow its removal until some demands of theirs wore satisfied. A riotous conflict seemed likely to result, and the constable, who was there to preserve the peace with a party of five men only, considered it right to order his men to load, in order to be prepared for any emergency in quelling the riot. His determined attitude prevented a riot taking place, and his superior officer approves his conduct.
§ MR. REDMONDasked, if a constable had any right to decide a question of the kind?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. W. M. JOHNSON)It is his duty to preserve the peace at all hazards, and to prevent a riot, if he thinks one is likely to occur, and quell it if it takes place.