§ MR. MAINS (Donegal, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the case of John Houston, a Protestant, who was charged at the Petty Sessions held at Dungiven on Friday, 16th June, with breaking the windows in the Dungiven Episcopalian and Presbyterian churches; whether he is aware that it was proved that John Houston broke the windows of the 666 Episcopalian Church, and then pleaded guilty to breaking the windows of both churches; and that, on the application of the Rev. Mr. Warren, rector, saying that the Church authorities had no wish to prosecute, as the defendant was at times not responsible for his actions (which statement was supported by no medical or other evidence), the Chairman answered that the Bench unanimously dismissed the case without prejudice; whether he is aware that the District Inspector of Police, Mr. M'Carthy, then said that it was fortunate for the community that Houston had been discovered, otherwise there would have been a very dangerous feeling abroad among the people, and that it was a pity that the defendant had not been convicted; and whether, under the circumstances, he will have John Houston tried again; or, if not, that he be put under restraint as a dangerous lunatic?
THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. J. MORLEY, Newcastle-upon-Tyne)The question substantially sets forth the facts, but the damage done was only estimated at 12s. The Magistrates stated that in their opinion the defendant was not responsible for his actions. It appears, from what I am told, that he was of weak intellect, but not a dangerous lunatic. The case does not seem to be one in which there should be a second trial.
§ MR. MAINSDid not this trouble arise about the time of Lord Salisbury's visit to the North of Ireland, and at a place but a few miles from the City of Belfast?
§ MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)Has the man gone mad since the introduction of the Home Rule Bill?
§ [The question was not answered.]