§ MR. SHEEHY (Galway, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether County Inspector O'Brien, who commands the Police Forces at the evictions in Woodford, has threatened the shopkeepers of Portumna to quarter the Military on them; whether he has any authority or power to do so; and, whether General Buller has got authority to do so in any similar case that may arise?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)The forces on duty at Woodford having been extensively "Boycotted," the County Inspector thought it right to warn some of the licensed traders as to the risk of having their licences opposed which they ran in refusing to supply the 885 police, and also as to the state of the law with regard to billeting. The County Inspector does not seem to me to have exceeded his duty, or acted otherwise than in a considerate manner, in giving this warning. Of course, General Buller, if necessary, could do the same.