§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been called to a placard issued in South Deny asking persons to assemble in Maghera on Tuesday for the purpose of enrolling all Unionists of 16 years and 561 upwards who desire to become members of the Ulster Defence Union, winding up with "enrol, combine, be ready," and signed by Colonel Clark, chairman, and Robert Johnson, J.P., honorary secretary; and if the Lord Chancellor will invite the magistrates connected with this enrolment to explain its purpose?
§ SIR T. LEA (Londonderry, S.)Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask him whether he has seen a placard headed "Irish Army of Independence," and convening a meeting at Irish of Independent Nationalists for the enrolment of recruits in the Army of Independence, and concluding with the words "God save Ireland!"
§ MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)And may I further ask whether nearly all the placards of the Irish Unionists in Belfast now conclude with the words "God save Ireland?"
*MR. J. MORLEYI am not aware of that. My attention has been called to the placard referred to in the question on the Paper. Whatever stops are necessary and advisable will no doubt be taken by the Lord Lieutenant.
§ *MR. DURBAR BARTON (Armagh, Mid)May I ask whether any question was asked of Mr. Meade, the late Lord Mayor of Dublin, when he was made a Privy Councillor, with regard to his supporting what was called the Army of Independence?
MR. J. MORLEYI am not aware whether Alderman Meade has anything to do with it. I am not aware whether any question was asked of him, or why it should be asked.
§ SIR T. LEADoes the right hon. Gentleman suggest there is anything illegal in the action of these gentlemen?
MR. J. MORLEYI have not said so. I have simply stated that the placard has been referred to the Lord Lieutenant, who will no doubt come to a sound decision on the subject.