§ MR. DEASY (Mayo, W.)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether serious complaints have been made to Major Knox, of the 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, with regard to the conduct of several men under his command towards the townspeople of Castlebar, where the regiment is now stationed, and particularly with regard to their insulting de- 189 meanour towards respectable females; whether he is aware that, in consequence of the exposure of their proceedings by The Connaught Telegraph, a number of soldiers have threatened to wreck the office of that paper, and that, in consequence of this design, the barrack guard has been increased in order to prevent the men from leaving the barrack at night; and, whether he will direct an inquiry to be made into the above charges?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)I am informed that one case of a soldier of the detachment at Castlebar interfering with a respectable female was reported in September or October last. No case is known to have occurred since then. Several reports have been made alleging that windows were broken by soldiers; but the offenders have only been identified in one instance. They are now in civil custody. Steps have been taken by the commanding officer to prevent any breach of the peace.
§ MR. DEASYasked, whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that on Saturday night last the commanding officer gave 17 passes to these soldiers, and that the soldiers remained out for a great part of the night, and created several riots in the town?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEsaid, he was not aware of it; but if the hon. Gentleman wished for further information about what happened on Sunday night he should give Notice of a further Question.