§ MR. O'SULLIVANasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If he is aware that the two tenants (Murphy and O'Connell) who were evicted off the property of Mr. C. John Coote, in the barony of Costlea, and county of Limerick, have proposed to Mr. Coote to pay for the farms they lately held whatever rent the Land Commissioners would fix on same, and to settle the arrears due on same terms; and, if so, why it is, under these circumstances, that six police are allowed to continue in charge of those farms, at the expense of the Country?
§ MR. TREVELYANI understand that O'Connell made no such proposition, and that Murphy's offer was to pay one year's rent—not all arrears—and that his landlord has not replied to him. The District Inspector is satisfied that the presence of the police is necessary for the protection of the caretakers on the evicted farms.
§ MR. O'SULLIVANasked the Chief Secretary, if the only evicted tenants were three on the property of Mr. Coote; and if such a force of police was, under these circumstances, necessary?
§ MR. TREVELYANI do not know, except that the hon. Member has informed me so. From what I have learned of this case, the size of the farms would appear to render this number necessary.