§ MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he can state if the Rifles stationed at Gweedore Hotel, and a number of police, with their respective officers, and under the command of Mr. Bourke, R.M., proceeded to Derrybeg Catholic Church on Sunday last, and stood under arms awaiting the dispersion of the congregation and exasperating the people, though there was no meeting held and no speeches were delivered; what instructions were given to the officer in command, or by him to the forces; and, whether he will state for what reason the soldiers and police have been sent to Gweedore?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)The Rifles stationed at Gweedore Hotel and a number of police, with their respective officers, and under the command of Mr. Bourke, R.M., proceeded to Derrybeg on Sunday last and stood under arms awaiting the dispersion of the congregation. They went there for the purpose of protecting shorthand writers and longhand writers who were ordered there on duty. The Rev. Mr. M'Fadden had previously announced that he would on that day address the people for the last time, and that it would be remembered hereafter, or words to that effect, and he actually stated in his sermon that day that he would afterwards address the people outside. The soldiers and police are at Gweedore for the purpose of preserving the peace.