MR. O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he is aware that Mr. John Cullen, of Manorhamilton, denounces as a calumny the statement that he wrote a letter suggesting to the police the searches made in his own and his friends' premises; whether he is aware that Mr. Cullen, by his active part in the Land League agitation, has incurred the enmity of landlords, bailiffs, and policemen in North Leitrim; and that he has been in a special manner brought into collision with a bailiff named James M'Cullagh, who is in possession of specimens of Mr. Cullen's handwriting; and, what opportunity Mr. Cullen will be afforded of vindicating his character from an odious imputation or of satisfying the public of the nature of evidence on which the imputation was based?
§ MR. TREVELYANI am aware, Sir, that Cullen has made the denial referred to; but this does not influence the opinion of the authorities, which is very well-founded. I am also aware of the position once occupied by Cullen in connection with the Land League. The particular circumstances referred to in connection with a bailiff named M'Cullagh are not before me, nor do I think them material, though I suppose it is intended to imply that the bailiff having specimens of Cullen's handwriting in his possession imitated it so successfully as to deceive experienced officials and a professional expert. The Government has no intention of taking any stops in the direction suggested by the last paragraph of the Question. If there is any sense of grievance on account of the publicity given to the views of the authorities on this case, I must remind the hon. Member that that publicity has arisen from the action of Mr. Cullen's friends, and not through any desire of the authorities to give prominence to the matter.
MR. O'BRIENIs a grievance never to be exposed for fear it would be 525 utilized to make anonymous charges against the person aggrieved?
§ MR. TREVELYANIf in every case in which the police took action in England and Scotland Questions were put to the Home Secretary, explanations would have to be made which would be unpleasant and uncomplimentary to some persons concerned. I think that is the real state of the case. The authorities arrived at conclusions on certain grounds which satisfy them that they are well-founded, and if Questions are asked those grounds may be stated.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORDoes the right hon. Gentleman adhere to or withdraw the statement that Mr. Cullen wrote the letter which caused the police to search his premises?
§ [No answer was given.]