HC Deb 25 February 1889 vol 333 cc262-4
MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

asked the Solicitor General for Ireland if his attention has been called to a Resolution of the Select Vestry of the parish of St. Mary, Youghal, and the representatives of the Wesleyan Church, passed at a meeting held on the 18th February, protesting on the part of 600 Protestants of that parish against the action of the National League; whether he is aware that an attack has been made upon the Protestant community trading in Youghal, because they refused to put up their shutters every fair and market day, to express sympathy with Mr. William O'Brien, M.P.; and what steps are being taken to secure the protection of these Protestants?

MR. MADDEN

My attention has been called to the protest referred to, which is as follows:— We, the Select Vestry of Youghal, along with our Wesleyan brethren, representing over 600 Protestants of this parish, hereby enter our solemn protest against the unexampled tyranny whereby it is sought either to ruin our business people, or to coerce them into an expression of sympathy with a cause which is opposed to their conscientious convictions, and injurious, as they believe, to the general interests of the country. We entirely approve of the conduct of our brethren who, under these trying circumstances, refused to be forced into a line of conduct which they consider to be morally wrong. We call upon the friends of civil and religious liberty, both here and elsewhere, to support our brethren in every legitimate way in the unequal contest which is thus forced upon them, and to subcribe to a fund which is being raised to help any of them who may need assistance. I may add that the police are using every effort to prevent intimidation, and will not fail to institute proceedings against any persons against whom evidence may be forthcoming.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)

Who are "we?"

MR. MADDEN

If the hon. and learned Gentleman will refer to the commencement of the protest he will see that "we" are the Select Vestry of Youghal, and the representatives of the Wesleyan Church.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Who are they?

MR. MADDEN

If the hon. and learned Member will put a Question on the paper I will endeavour to answer it.

MR. JOHNSTON

The paper was signed by the chairman of the meeting of the Vestry, and the Wesleyan minister.

MR. MADDEN

I have no official information on the subject, but I have no reason to doubt the accuracy of the statement of my hon. Friend.