HC Deb 16 June 1893 vol 13 cc1190-1
MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has seen the remarks of Judge Kelly on the state of Clare, made on Monday last, as reported in The Freeman's Journal of the 14th instant, saying that— He did not believe that in any country in the world such a state of things existed as in that county. … Trial by jury there was a farce. The jurors were canvassed in Court, and when they went out or went home they drank with the prisoners; … that he would try no ease by jury; that it was perfect nonsense to do so there, and a disgrace to the County Clare;' and whether he proposes to take any steps, by change of venue or otherwise, to remedy this state of things?

MR. W. REDMOND (Clare, E.)

Is it not a fact that there were only three cases brought before Judge Kelly; that those three cases were sent to the Assizes; that no jury was empanelled; that Judge Kelly tried no case; and that there is not the slightest ground for these statements?

MR. DODD (Essex, Maldon)

I will ask the right hon. Gentleman further whether he will cause inquiry to be made as to whether Judge Kelly used the words as reported; and, if he did, will he call the attention of the Lord Chancellor to the matter, and invite him to consider the conduct of the Judge?

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman also say whether the Lord Chancellor has any control whatever over Chairmen of Quarter Sessions?

MR. J. MORLEY

I have not had time, since the question was put on the Paper, to examine into the circumstances or the remarks the learned Judge is reported to have made. Of course, the state of things in this county is always, and in every aspect, a subject of serious consideration.

MR. W. JOHNSTON

I will put the question down for Thursday.