§ MR. J. E. ELLIS (Nottingham, Rushcliffe), asked whether Mr. Hodder, R.M., informed certain persons at Ennis that his instructions were to suppress by force a meeting proposed to be held at that place on the 3rd February to express sympathy with Mr. O'Brien, if any resolutions condemning high Government officials were proposed; but if otherwise, he would not interfere with it; and whether Mr. Hodder, R.M., entered the room, the proceedings having subsequently commenced, and dispersed the meeting by the aid of a force of Royal Irish Constabulary he brought with him?
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN,) Dublin UniversityI am informed that the facts are not accurately represented in the Question. The meeting was being organized by the reputed officials of the local National League, which was suppressed in that district as an un lawful association. The Resident Magistrate did not state that he would not interfere with the meeting on the condition indicated in the Question. He did say that a meeting held for the purpose of promoting sedition and bringing the Government into contempt, and for the denunciation of Government officials, would be an unlawful assembly. The meeting was not dispersed by the police, the assembly having separated on being called upon to do so by the Resident Magistrate.
§ MR. J. E. ELLISMay I ask if the Solicitor General for Ireland has received his information from the Resident Magistrate himself?
§ MR. MADDENI received the information through the usual source.