§ MR. STOREY (Sunderland)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in the case of James Doyle, sentenced to a month's imprisonment at Pilltown, what illegal acts were alleged or proved against him except his putting in his window the notice, "No bum-bailiffs or emergency men shod here?"
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.I am advised that it was proved at the trial of Doyle that boycotting was being carried on in the district, and that such a bad and dangerous feeling existed against two caretakers who were caring a farm within about 200 yards from the house where Doyle resided that it was necessary to place them under police protection. The case was heard at an ordinary Petty Sessions. The Magistrate found him- 114 self satisfied that the notice referred to was not being used by Doyle bonâ fide for any purpose of his trade, but was intended to have, and in fact had, the effect of stimulating the boycotting which was being carried on and the ill-feeling which existed against the caretakers. Doyle having refused, when asked by the presiding Magistrate, to give an undertaking to desist from the course he was pursuing, was ordered to find bail for his future good behaviour. This he declined to do, electing to go to prison in default.
§ MR. STOREYThe right hon. Gentleman says that boycotting was rife in the neighbourhood. May I ask if it was alleged or proved against Doyle that he took any part whatever in boycotting except in putting up this notice?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Magistrate was satisfied that the action taken by this man was taken in connection with boycotting and that what he did was done with the view of promoting boycotting.
§ MR. STOREYWere the Magistrates satisfied upon the evidence?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI presume so.
§ MR. STOREYI beg to give notice that on the Estimates, or on some other suitable occasion, I will call the attention of the House to this case