HC Deb 25 May 1894 vol 24 cc1264-6
MR. MACARTNEY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the language of Mr. John M'Inerney, chairman of a meeting organised for the purpose of condemning Mr. Thomas Donnellan, calling on the people to boycott Mr. Donnellan, reported in The Limerick Leader, 7th May, and to a resolution passed to the same effect; and whether the Government propose to take any steps in the matter?

MR. J. MORLEY

My attention has been drawn to a newspaper report of the proceedings at the meeting referred to. It was originally contemplated to hold the meeting beside the farm now occupied by Mr. Dounellan; but the promoters having been informed that no meeting would be allowed there, it was held at a distance of two miles away in another county. There is no legal evidence of the speeches made at the meeting, and, apart from this, I am informed that there was no local sympathy whatever with the promoters of the meeting, and that it is not anticipated it will have any injurious effect upon Mr. Dounellan, who still retains the farm.

MR. ROSS

Was the meeting lawful or unlawful?

MR. J. MORLEY

If it had been held at the place originally chosen it would have been unlawful; but it was not held there. I may add that, in the opinion of those who are responsible for order in Ireland, much more harm than good is done to the persons concerned by calling attention to these cases, though, of course, when harm has been done, I perfectly agree that every Member of the House would be within his right to call attention to it. The proposition I submit is that, where no harm is done to anyone, it is better to leave the matter alone.

MR. MACARTNEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman cite any instance in which injury has been inflicted by questions of this nature?

MR. J. MORLEY

I cannot, but I have an opinion which is confirmed by experience and rational expectation alike.

MR. ROSS

asked how the question of locality affected the legality of a meeting?

MR. J. MORLEY

I should think that the argument is pretty clear. If it was held in a certain place it might probably lead to violence, and would be illegal, whereas if held at a considerable distance there is less danger.

In reply to a further observation by Mr. Ross

MR. J. MORLEY

said, he should prefer to act on the advice of his legal advisers than upon that of the hon. Member.