§ MR. D. SULLIVAN (Westmeath, S.) (for Mr. MURPHY) (Dublin, St. Patrick's)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether his attention has been called to the evidence of Colonel Turner, in which he is reported to have stated that the Hussar who wounded Mr. Hill, the reporter of The Irish Times, with sword-cuts at Ennis on Sunday the 15th instant, had left the ranks and charged amongst the people without any orders, and that he (Colonel Turner) had to ask Captain Chalmers, who was in command of the Hussars, to order the man to retire; what punishment has been imposed on this man for this breach of discipline; and, whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the whole circumstances of this case, and particularly as to the allegations of Colonel Turner, from which it would appear that no effort was made to restrain the Hussar by his officer until Colonel Turner interfered?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)I have read the report of Colonel Turner's evidence in The Times. I observe that the account is different from that implied in the Question, inasmuch as there is no statement in it that the Hussar who left his post was the man who wounded Mr. Hill. It further appears that this Hussar had been ordered by his officer to return to his post before Colonel Turner intervened. With regard to the Hussar who rode forward, his conduct would be considered, and, if necessary, dealt with by the Military Authorities on the spot, who had full discretion to act in the matter.
§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)Arising out of this Question, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman, whether the troops in singing through the streets of Ennis did not act directly contrary to the Army Regulations?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEThat is a new point, which is not raised in the Question on the Paper; but if the hon. Gentleman will put a Question on the Paper I will look into it.