§ MR. BIGGARasked the Lord Advocate, If his attention has been drawn to a case tried at Tain a few days ago, in which two persons were put on their trial for sending a threatening letter, when one of them pleaded guilty and was sentenced, while the case against the other, who pleaded not guilty, has been postponed; whether he is aware that the person who pleaded not guilty cannot either read or write; and, whether, under the circumstances, proceedings against him will be withdrawn?
THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. B. BALFOUR)Sir, the charge referred to by the hon. Member was made against two persons, named Munroe and Mackenzie, for writing or causing to be written, and sending or causing to be sent, a threatening letter of a very gross description to the Inspector of the Poor at Tain. Munroe pleaded guilty, and Mackenzie not guilty. I believe it is true that Mackenzie cannot write, and that he can only read print; but from the evidence in possession of the authorities it appears that the letter was written by Munroe at the dictation of Mackenzie, and, if this is so, Mackenzie is the more guilty of the two. Consequently, his trial will be proceeded with.