HC Deb 27 March 1893 vol 10 cc1181-2
SIR T. LEA (Londonderry, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been called to the attack on the house of the Rev. J. Lewis, Congregational minister at Castlefin, County Donegal, on Saturday night last, when stones were thrown through the lobby and kitchen windows, nearly hitting the servant and children on their heads; if he is aware that the Rev. J. Lewis asserts that the only cause for such treatment is the fact that he spoke a few mild words against Home Rule the previous evening at a Unionist meeting; and if now the house of the reverend gentleman is under police protection?

MR. MAC NEILL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this clergyman has for 10 years been in his present sphere of duty without the slightest molestation although his opinions are well-known; and is he also aware that in recent times a serious difference of opinion has arisen between him and his parishioners, with the result that his services have now to be conducted with a force of police at the doors?

MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)

Does the hon. Member think it such a great affair for a man to be allowed to live 10 years without molestation in Ireland?

MR. J. MORLEY

From a Report received from the Constabulary authorities it appears that stones were thrown at two windows of houses. The regrettable circumstance referred to in the hon. Member's question did take place. The police will take all necessary steps to prevent its recurrence. I am not aware whether the only provocation given by the Rev. Mr. Lewis was his speaking against Home Rule at a Unionist meeting. I cannot say whether the circumstances mentioned in the supplemental question are correct.

SIR T. LEA

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the statement of the rev. gentleman, that he believes the only provocation he gave was speaking at a Unionist meeting?

MR. SEXTON

Looking at the notorious circumstances there has been a feud among the Congregational body so violent that the police had to be called in, is there any ground for suspecting that the stone-throwing was done by the Nationalists?

MR. J. MORLEY

I cannot say.