§ MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that (as has been stated in The Westmeath Independent of 1st July) Father Kelly informed five painters, employed on Mr. Coen's premises, Athlone, on the 29th June, that it was a religious holiday and that he would not allow them to work; that because they declined to leave off work the men were denounced from the altar afterwards by Father Bryne, at 10 o'clock Mass; that, after the artizans were denounced, they left their work and returned to Dublin; and whether he will take steps to prevent the recurrence of such action on the part of ecclesiastics?
MR. J. MORLEYThe facts, I understand, are substantially as stated in the question, but I am disposed to think that the case is one in which the aggrieved persons should themselves take action rather than that the Government should interfere.
§ MR. JOHNSTONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not the fact that a few days ago Cardinal Vaughan placed England under the protection of the Virgin Mary and of St. Peter instead of "St. George for Merrie England "?