§ DR. KENNY (Dublin, College Green)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether in the case of John Twiss, now under sentence of death in Cork County Gaol, he will advise His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to grant a respite of sentence till further and more searching inquiry can be made as to the truth of the evidence alleged to be forthcoming since the trial?
MR. J. MORLEYI cannot advise in the sense suggested in the question. There was a considerable interval of time between the arrest of this convict and his committal for trial; there was a considerable interval between the committal and the conviction; there has been a further considerable interval between the conviction and the date fixed for carrying out the sentence; and I cannot suppose that a respite will produce any fresh evidence that would be material.
§ DR. KENNYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a widespread feeling of disbelief in this man's guilt, and that petitions in favour of a respite—I do not now ask for a reprieve—have been signed by all classes of persons in Ireland?
MR. J. MORLEYI am indeed quite well aware of what the hon. Member says—that there is such a feeling among various classes in Ireland. The existence of a strong feeling of that kind is, of course, no reason why the Government should interfere with the carrying out of the sentence of the law.
§ DR. KENNYMay I ask whether it is not a reason—not for a reprieve—I do not ask for that—but for a respite, so that the matter may be searched to the bottom, and the public mind satisfied one way or the other?
MR. J. MORLEYIf there were the slightest reason for supposing that further delay would produce fresh evidence, that would be a reason for the course suggested by the hon. Member, but for the reasons I have stated, there have been abundant means of obtaining fresh evidence, if it were to be found, and as there cannot be a reasonable expectation of obtaining such evidence, I cannot advise an extension of time.
§ MR. T. HARRINGTON (Dublin, Harbour)May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that from day to day statements are appearing in the newspapers, in addition to the fresh evidence that has been already obtained? Is he satisfied that all these statements have been brought to his notice?
MR. J. MORLEYI have examined carefully the statements made from time to time, and I find no such strength in them as to justify any other course than that which is now to be taken.