MR. O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, What was the nature of the informal inquiries instituted by Colonel Bruce respecting the charges against County Inspector French; is it true that three District Inspectors of Constabulary were questioned on the subject, and that their evidence established a primæ facie presumption of guilt; if so, why was not a prosecution for felony instituted in conformity with section 407 of the Code; and, what was the report as to French's mental condition of the medical Commission appointed by the Government to examine him?
§ MR. TREVELYANI do not feel myself bound to state the details of an inquiry which I have already described as informal. The result was that, having learnt that Mr. French was about to institute proceedings with the object of vindicating his character, the authorities determined to await the issue of those proceedings. The report as to Mr. French's mental condition is that he is suffering from mental disease described as softening of the brain.
§ MR. HEALYI wish to ask the Chief Secretary whether he himself said Mr. French insisted on his bringing these proceedings?
§ MR. HEALYWas he obliged to do so by the right hon. Gentleman's distinct instructions and orders, and subject to his leaving the service?
§ MR. TREVELYANWhat took place passed between the Inspector General and Mr. French.
MR. O'BRIENOn this day month I hope to have the opportunity of calling attention to the conduct of the Govern- 176 ment in screening this felon for the purpose of injuring a political opponent.