§ MR. SEXTON (Sligo, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, with respect to the charge of procuring by intimidation signatures to Anti-Home Rule petitions in Ireland Whether the police have inquired into the foundation of the statement in The Drogheda Independent of the 13th inst., that in different parts of Meath and Louth, and in the neighbourhoods of Duleek and Bohermeen, the labouring men on the different estates are compelled to sign Anti-Home Rule Petitions, under threats of disemployment and in fear of starvation; and, whether inquiry has been made, as to a resolution adopted by the Keles Branch of the National League, declaring—
That we condemn as heartless and tyrannical the action of those magnates who are coercing their labourers and servants to sign an Anti-Home Rule Memorial, in the hope that they will thereby impose on Mr. Gladstone and his Government?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. JOHN MORLEY) (Newcastle-on-Tyne)The police have made inquiries, and they report that no intimidation is being practised to procure signatures to anti-Home Rule Petitions, as is alleged in the newspaper statement and resolution referred to in the Question.