§ MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the report in the newspapers is correct, to the effect that a prosecution against the Rev. Father Humphreys of New Tipperary, which was directed by the Law Officers of the late Government and in reference to which he was returned for trial since the present Government came into Office, has been withdrawn; and if he can state the reasons for this course of action?
MR. J. MORLEYThe prosecution against the Rev. Mr. Humphreys and a large number of other persons was directed by the late Government and arose out of an election affray, in which no serious injury of any kind was done to either person or property. The summonses in all the cases, including that against Father Humphreys, were pending when the present Government came into Office, and in the ordinary course proceeded and were not stayed. The local responsible authorities reported that, as complete peace and harmony had been restored, the peace of the district would best be consulted by withdrawing the proceedings, which was accordingly done.