§ MR. JOHN REDMOND (Wexford, N.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in view of his statement that the authorities "believed all along that Marshall had employed M'Garrigle" to burn his (Marshall's) house, in Derry, on St. Patrick's Day 1885, How the authorities explain the fact that Marshall, though remaining in Derry for twelve months, was never arrested; how it was that he was allowed to leave the Country, while the lesser criminal, M'Garrigle, was brought to justice; what steps are being taken to bring Marshall to justice; and, whether it is a fact that Marshall was a prominent registration agent of the Orange party?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. JOHN MORLEY) (Newcastle-on-Tyne)There was no sufficient legal evidence to connect Marshall with the burning referred to; and, therefore, no steps could be taken to have him arrested at the time. The hon. Member will know that mere suspicion would not have justified the arrest of Marshall, who has so far evaded justice. I really am not able to say whether he is or is not connected with the Orange Society.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDI would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the suspicion attaching to Marshall was not sufficient to warrant the authorities in keeping an eye upon him?
§ MR. JOHN MORLEYI am not at all sure that the authorities did not keep an eye upon him. I rather think they did; but the evidence was not sufficient to warrant his arrest.
§ MR. SEXTON (Sligo, S.)Why did they not apply the Crimes Act at the time?
§ [No reply.]