§ MR. DEASY (Mayo, W.)(for Mr. Cox) (Clare, E.) asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether his attention has been called to the report in The Freeman's Journal of the 12th instant—namely, that while the processionists who had taken part in the funeral demonstration in honour of the late Stephen Joseph Meany, on Sunday 11th instant, were returning to the railway station at Ennis, two companies of the Leicestershire Regiment under arms, in command of their officer Captain Clinton, and Captain Walsh, Resident Magistrate, marched through the streets in the same direction as the processionists, singing alternately "God save the Queen," and "Rule Britannia," the officers joining in the songs; whether this conduct was in accordance with Military Regulations; and, what notice he proposes to take of the transaction?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)The detachment of the Leicestershire Regiment, which had been stationed in the Court-house at Ennis during the funeral, marched when the funeral was over to their barracks at Clare Castle, and as they marched they sang "God save the Queen" and "Rule Britannia." The whole body of troops commonly sing when marching. There are no Regulations against the singing'.
§ MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the principal part of the Question—whether Captain Walsh, Resident Magistrate, in charge of the peace of the district, was marching at the head of the troops?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEreplied, that he believed Captain Walsh was present, and certainly he expressed no disapproval of what took place.
§ MR. DILLONI beg to give Notice that on the Army Estimates I will call attention to this matter, and point out that such proceedings are not calculated to preserve the peace.