MR. O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, having regard to the verdict in the case of Cornwall and Kirwan, that "the Crown did not produce sufficient evidence," and having regard to the fact that, of thirteen persons charged by the Crown with connection with the felonious conspiracy in Dublin, only 1218 three have been brought to justice, the Government will utilise the secret inquiry Clause of the Crimes Act for the discovery of evidence; and, whether any steps have been taken to follow up the evidence elicited at the investigation into Mr. French's conduct held by Colonel Hillier in September 1883?
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALKER)The first paragraph in this Question suggests inferences which are by no means admitted to be correct. The Government sees no reason for applying now the 16th section of the Crimes Act to the cases referred to. All the evidence that existed was obtained and produced. The second paragraph of the Question seems to assume that at an investigation evidence tending to establish guilt was elicited. No evidence was obtained which could establish guilt in French, or be used for that purpose.