§ MR. BLANE (Armagh, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If, on Sunday 4th September, an Orange mob made an attack on the passengers in the train at Killylea Station, County Armagh, with bludgeons and volleys of stones, as well as revolver shots; whether the County Inspector was written to the previous evening, warning him as to the intentions of the Orange party to attack the train; and, what steps the Resident Magistrate and County Inspector took to preserve the passengers at Killylea?
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)(who replied) said: The Constabulary Authorities report that a party of Nationalists returning by train from a meeting at Middle-town, County Armagh, while passing Killylea Station, which is essentially an Orange district, made use of party cries. This gave offence to some persons on the platform at the time, and resulted in stone-throwing and the use of sticks by both parties. There was no firing, except one shot from the train while leaving the station. A letter had been sent by a Mr. Gardner to Mr. Dobbyn, County Inspector, who happened to be on leave of absence. But as there was nothing to show it was not a private letter it was forwarded to him unopened. No special steps were taken for the preservation of the peace, as there was no disturbance anticipated. The Nationalists appear to have been altogether responsible for what occurred. Several complaints have been made as to their discharging revolvers and otherwise 1660 creating disturbances when returning by rail and cars from the meeting. In one instance a bullet cut through a boy's boot, grazing the skin and lodging in the heel of the boot, but, fortunately, without doing him further injury.