HC Deb 16 September 1887 vol 321 cc556-7
MR. SPEAKER

informed the House that he had received a letter from Mr. Richard Eaton, Resident Magistrate, acquainting him of the arrest and imprisonment of Mr. William O'Brien, Member for the North Eastern Division of the County of Cork, which he read to the House, as folio weth:— Cork, September 12th, 1887. Sir, I have the honour to inform you that William O'Brien, esquire, a Member of the House of Commons, was this day brought before me, on a Warrant, charging him with an offence under section 2 of the Criminal Law and Procedure Act. 50 and 51 Vic. c. 20, namely, inciting divers persons to assault, obstruct, and intimidate sundry persons, being Sheriff's officers, bailiffs, constables, and other Ministers of the Law, in the execution of their duties; and that he has been committed by me to the County Prison, at Cork, to await his trial on the said charge, on the 23rd of September instant, at Mitchelstown, in said county, before a Court duly constituted under said Act, and that lie is now in Cork County Prison. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, RICHARD EATON, Resident Magistrate. To the Right Honble. The Speaker of The House of Commons.

MR. J. O'CONNOR (Tipperary, S.)

May I ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant a question arising out of that letter?

MR. SPEAKER

assented.

MR. J. O'CONNOR

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will give us any assurance that this definite appointment of the day of trial will not be anticipated by the action of the authorities in Ireland?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH)(who replied) said (Strand, Westminster)

I have received no information from the Irish Government on the subject. I cannot believe that any other than the regular and formal course will be adopted in this case as in all other cases.

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