§ MR. ALEXANDER BLAINEasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, at the foot of Scotch Street, Armagh, on the night of 2nd February 1886, Mr. Hamilton, E.M., permitted a "loyal minority" mob to collect with threats and menaces within four paces of the Royal Irish Constabulary under his command without any attempt at their dispersal; and, whether, in consequence of his neglect of duty, the formation of the Constabulary was broken up by the mob assaulting them with violence, knocking some of them down and kicking their helmets, breaking the teeth of others, &c.; and, if so, whether the Government will cause the removal from office of Mr. Hamilton, E.M., and District Inspector Bailey?
THE CHIEF SECRETAEY (Mr. JOHN MORLEY)It appears that a disturbance took place in Armagh on the night of the 2nd instant, consequent on the election excitement; 22 persons have been made amenable, and will appear before a Special Court of Petty Sessions to-morrow. Elaborate precautions were taken to prevent a conflict between the opposing parties, and this was happily effected. Mr. Hamilton, E.M., was not present when the disturbance arose, and the District Inspector was on duty in another part of the city, but arrived on the scene in time to take part in dispersing the crowd.