§ COLONEL M'CALMONT (Antrim, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received letters from Mr. Charles Phibbs, of the County Sligo, stating that, as a consequence of taking a grazing farm from Lord Harlech, he was at once deserted by all his farm hands; that, with one exception, they refused the offer of higher wages, saying that if they remained they might be murdered; that the local blacksmith refused to do any work for him; that the only man remaining in his employment has been threatened; and that a draper in Bally-mote has given his assistants instructions not to supply his family with any goods; whether he is aware that since these letters were written Mr. Phibbs has been boycotted; and whether under these circumstances the Government will take steps to protect Mr. Phibbs.
§ MR. WYNDHAMYes, Sir; the letters referred to have been received by me, but I had full cognisance of the facts apart from communications. Mr. Phibbs will be provided with ample protection.
§ COLONEL M'CALMONTHas not Mr. Phibbs been denounced by what is known as the Irish National League; and, if so, is he to be compelled in the future to live under the rule of that body, or will Government protect him?
§ MR. O'DOWDWas not Mr. Phibbs ostracised by his own party some years ago?
§ MR. CONOR O'KELLY (Mayo, N.)Is it not the fact that almost every con- 921 cession wrung from Irish landlords of late years has—
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ CAPTAIN DONELANMay I ask—
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! If any further questions are to be asked notice must be given in the ordinary way.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANBut—
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ CAPTAIN DONELANIt is only very short, Sir.
§ MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must accept my decision, whether he thinks it right or wrong.