§ MR. O'DONNELLasked the Chief-Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of 1172 Ireland, If it is a fact, as reported in The Derry Journal of the 8th instant, that one John Gallagher of Cardonagh who had been charged with "discharging firearms on the public street of Carndonagh" on the 27th January, was at petty sessions held on 6th instant in Carndonagh, fined only ten shillings, though three witnesses on oath testified that they believed the revolver contained a bullet, and though at the time said shot was discharged (7 o'clock p.m.) the streets were thronged with boys and children; does Gallagher possess a revolver licence; and, if so, on what grounds was it granted, and have any steps been taken to have it revoked; and, has an investigation been held to show why the police took no steps in the matter, beyond summoning the defendant seven days after the occurrence; and why they did not arrest the defendant and examine his revolver to know whether it contained bullets or blank cartridges, though it was admitted in court they heard the report of the shot?
§ MR. TREVELYAN, in reply, said, Gallagher was fined 10s., because it was considered that the evidence was not sufficient to establish the fact that the revolver contained a bullet. The street was not crowded at the time, and the four persons could not say whether the revolver contained a bullet. The prisoner was allowed a licence for fire-arms because it was considered necessary for his protection, and because he was subjected to persecution and intimidation during the recent times of agitation.
§ LORD CLAUD HAMILTONAt whose hands was he persecuted?
§ MR. O'DONNELLasked whether the Chief Secretary was aware that every member of the Bench of Magistrates, with one exception, who allowed Gallagher off so extremely easy, signed a Memorial expressing approval of Lord Rossmore's conduct; and, whether he would take steps to secure the impartial administration of justice in that part of the country?
§ [No reply was given.]