§ MR. THEOBALD (Essex, Romford)asked the Solicitor General for Ireland if it is true that Father Byrne has issued a summons against Leutenant Geohegan for creating a disturbance by leaving the church during service after Father Byrne had directed the soldiers to disobey the commands of their officer; and, if so, on what grounds he can do so?
§ MR. MADDENI am informed that it is the case that a summons has been served on Lieutenant Geohegan at the suit of the Rev. Patrick Byrne, the grounds alleged being that the defendant had created a disturbance during the celebration of Divine service.
§ MR. SEXTONIn view of the danger involved in the offensive disturbance of a congregation in a place of religious worship may I ask if it is not expedient that orders to the troops to withdraw from a church should not be allowed to be given by every man or boy who happens to hold a commission in the Army?
§ MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)asked whether the hon. and learned Gentleman would represent to the military authorities that it was inexpedient to send troops to a chapel where the priest, under pretence of religion, encouraged to acts of mutiny.
§ * MR. MADDENI believe the military authorities are able to attend to their 1642 own affairs without advice or assistance from me.