§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN (Mayo, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland by whose orders did a police constable, named Connell, stationed at Schull, County Cork, load his rifle in the presence of a large number of people returning from a meeting which was addressed by Mr. William O'Brien, M.P.; and was such action warranted by the regulations of the Royal Irish Constabulary?
§ MR. MADDENThe Constabulary authorities report that the constable had not received any orders in the matter. It was explained at the time of the occurrence that the constable's action was the result of the hostile demeanour of the crowd. The reply to the second paragraph of the question is in the negative.
§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIENHas any action been taken in regard to this man, who appears to have acted without warrant?
§ MR. MADDENYes, Sir; the matter was reported as a breach of discipline, and came before the Inspector General who admonished the constable and placed an unfavourable mark against his name.