§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILLasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he can inform the House of the reasons why the man Westgate, who confessed to having participated in the assassination of Lord Frederick Cavendish and Mr. Burke, has not yet been brought to this Country for trial; and, what course Her Majesty's Government intends to take regarding him?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir HENRY JAMES), in reply, said, that there had been some delay in the matter of bringing this man Westgate to England. He was taken in custody at Jamaica, and before he could be brought to Dublin, it was necessary to obtain a warrant from Dublin, and also evidence to identify him. That evidence could only be obtained from the crew of the vessel in which he sailed from Dublin. The vessel did not arrive home till the middle of October, but the necessary evidence was then obtained. Having obtained the evidence of identification, a policeman was despatched to Jamaica to bring the prisoner to this country, and he hoped that no further delay would occur. Every possible investigation would be made to ascertain if there was any foundation for the man's statements.
§ MR. HEALYasked whether the hon. and learned Gentleman's attention had been drawn to statements in the Dublin papers to the effect that Westgate was a harmless lunatic?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir HENRY JAMES)No, Sir; I never read a Dublin newspaper.