§ CAPTAIN M'CALMONT (Antrim, E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that the windows of Mrs. Hamilton, of Langan, Ballyfarnan, were, on Sunday night last, maliciously broken with stones; whether her last remaining servant was compelled to leave her service on Saturday last; whether, in consequence of the tyranny prevailing, she is unable to get labourers for her farm; whether till recently she has lived on terms of friendship and good will with her neighbours, irrespective of class or creed; and, whether he will give this lady more efficient protection than that afforded by a mere police patrol?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. JOHN MORLEY) (Newcastle-on-Tyne)No, Sir; it is not the fact that Mrs. Hamilton's windows were maliciously broken. A crack was found in a pane of glass in an outhouse on her property about half-a-mile from her house by her son, who casually informed a constable of the circumstance, but declined to make a complaint, stating that he believed it was done through mischief by some small boy when passing. The report, which is from the officer of police, goes on to state—
Mrs. Hamilton's last workman left her on Saturday, the 27th ultimo, of his own accord. I am informed that she could obtain farm labourers if she requires them. To the best of my knowledge, she has never teen on good terms with her neighbours owing to her eccentric manner and unfortunate tongue. I am still of opinion that the ordinary protection afiorded by the police to all Her Majesty's subjects in this locality is sufficient to secure Mrs. Hamilton's safety.