§ MR. DAWSONasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been drawn to the action of sub-inspector O'Callaghan, who, at the meeting of the Corporation of Drogheda on the 8th March, interposed in the proceedings 1286 and said "he would not allow the word coercion to be used," and that, at the same meeting, head constable Moffatt said "that the language was not permissible;" and, whether such interference on the part of the constabulary with the proceedings of a municipal body has the sanction of the Government?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERsaid, that offensive epithets had been applied to the Sub-Inspector, who had addressed the Chairman; but what he had said did not appear to be very alarming. He had said that if such language were used he should feel it his duty to withdraw from the meeting. ["Hear, hear!" from Irish Members.] Hon. Members cheered; but that did not seem to be a very formidable threat. The Chairman then caused the word to be withdrawn. The head constable did not address any observations to the meeting.