HC Deb 02 April 1883 vol 277 cc1164-6
MR. TOTTENHAM

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If his attention has been directed to a report in the "People's Advocate," (a newspaper published at Monaghan) of January 1st, 1881, of the proceedings at a Land League meeting at Aug- hamullen West, county Monaghan, which, among other statements, contained the following:— On Tuesday a large and imposing demonstration of tenant farmers was held at the Five Crosses, Aughamullen West, to endorse the principles of the National Land League, and to establish a branch of the league in that part of the county Monaghan: Among those on the platform we observed Peter Fitzpatrick, Cormeen (with others): Mr. Peter Fitzpatrick, who proposed the next resolution, was well received," "he was certain that they were all willing to co-operate with the Land League and obtain justice for themselves (cheers). This could only be obtained by combination, and it behoved them not in any way to fall back. Union was strength, and without it they could not go on with this great cause, or adhere to the principles of the Land League (cheers); and, whether he adheres to his statement that Mr. Peter Fitzpatrick, of Cormeen, who has been appointed a Sub-Commissioner under the Land Act, is not the same person as is here referred to?

MR. SEXTON

inquired whether the meeting referred to was not held a considerable time prior to the date of the meeting at which a Cabinet Minister declared that the agitation of the Land League had led to the passing of the Land Act?

MR. TREVELYAN

I stated, in reply to the former Question, that the Government had received the assurance of Mr. Fitzpatrick that he never was an active, passive, or sleeping member of the Land League. I do not think he should be called upon to repeat that assurance. I have, however, just been informed by telegram from the Land Commissioners that they have this day received from Mr. Fitzpatrick affidavits sworn respectively by the Chairman and Secretary of the late Land League branch at Aughamullan West, the district named in this Question, and by the Rev. Mr. M'Kenna, the priest of the parish, all testifying that Mr. Fitzpatrick is personally well known to them, and that he never was a member of that branch of the League, or attended any of its meetings.

MR. TOTTENHAM

Am I given to understand that the report in the papers is absolutely inaccurate and untrue?

MR. TREVELYAN

I have put the matter before the House as I received it from the Land Commissioners. Mr. Fitzpatrick was appointed a Sub-Com- missioner, and I presume that the Land Commissioners, in forwarding these affidavits, are satisfied on the point.

MR. TOTTENHAM

I wish to ask, further, whether it is not a fact that the appointment of this gentleman, and some others, was objected to by at least one member of the Land Commission?

MR. TREVELYAN

I will not positively say that every one of the Sub-Commissioners are agreed to by all the Chief Commissioners; but I can say that they are consulted on every appointment, and their advice taken before that of anyone else; and my own impression of those consultations is that a decided and supported objection on the part of a Land Commissioner was sufficient to erase the name of a candidate. With regard to this gentleman, the question of the Land League was discussed at the time, I think, and the Commissioners are satisfied that he had no connection with it.

MR. TOTTENHAM

said, he would repeat the Question on a later day.