§ MR. J. O'CONNORI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that, on the 6th of June, a man named Connors was sentenced by Colonel Evanson, R.M., to three months' imprisonment on a charge of intimidating an emergency man named Holmes; whether the only witness against Connors was Holmes, who swore to some offensive 367 language as having been used by Connors; and whether, under the circumstances that Connors is well known to be a harmless simpleton, he will be compelled to fulfil the sentence of three months?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI am informed that the facts are not accurately represented in the question. Connors was proved to have used most violent language towards Mr. Robert Holmes, a land steward. In addition to the evidence of Mr. Holmes, a police sergeant gave evidence as to the defendant's violence and bad behaviour. The defendant was not sentenced to imprisonment, but was ordered to enter into recognisances to be of good behaviour, or in default three months' imprisonment. He refused to give bail, electing to go to prison in default. The defendant is not known as a harmless simpleton, but is represented to be a man capable of doing much mischief. He can obtain his immediate release by entering into the required recognisances.
§ MR. J. O'CONNORHas the right hon. Gentleman made full inquiries as to the state of this man's mind? Is he not a lunatic?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have given the hon. Gentleman all the information I possess.
§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)Has the right hon. Gentleman received his information from the Doctor of Clonmel Gaol, who was himself a lunatic?