HC Deb 05 March 1900 vol 80 cc49-50
Dr. TANNER

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the behaviour of an Orange party in Belfast, who wrecked the houses and places of business of Roman Catholics; whether he is aware that another Orange party, on last Wednesday night, singing "Soldiers of the Queen," broke the windows of the Christian Brothers' Schools, and the glass door and fanlight in the Roman Catholic Club, severely beat and illtreated two young girls who were coming out of St. Patrick's Church, besides doing much damage in Donegal Street, Divis Street, and York Street; and whether, seeing that the police were powerless to prevent rioting on Wednesday night, steps will be taken to prevent similar demonstrations against Roman Catholics on occasions of national excitement.

MR. ATKINSON

As far as I can gather from the information before me, it appears that on Wednesday last large crowds of people, accompanied by several bands, marched through the streets of Belfast full of excitement and enthusiasm on account of the relief of Ladysmith. When passing through Donegal Street and York Street a few individuals in the procession, I regret to say, broke the windows in several houses, which, with three exceptions, were the property of Roman Catholics, including the Christian Brothers Schools and the Catholic Club. One girl who was standing in the porch of St. Patrick's Church was struck with a stone, accidentally it would appear. She was taken to the Royal Hospital, where it was found she was slightly injured on the cheek. The police are not aware that a second person was struck, as alleged. Subsequently, and in another part of the city, a Nationalist mob turned out, and by way of retaliation, broke windows in sixteen houses which, with one exception, were the property of Protestants. Owing to the prompt intervention of the police there was no serious rioting or disturbance of the public peace. The police in Belfast are instructed to do their utmost to preserve the peace and to prevent collisions between the rival parties, and this difficult duty they have hitherto succeeded in performing with zeal and efficiency.

Dr. TANNER

This question has been somewhat changed since I put it on the Paper. May I ask whether steps will be taken in case of defeat to secure the Catholics of Belfast from having their windows broken and their premises attacked. We have heard of the retreat of General Buller over and over again, and—

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he can answer my question of last Friday as to the occurrences at Portadown?

*MR. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.