§ MR. DOOGAN (Tyrone, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it has come to his knowledge that arrangements have been made to hold a public meeting on the 18th instant in the vicinity of Stewarts-town, County Tyrone, to commemorate the national festival of Ireland; is he aware that, notwithstanding the fact that a number of people would require to pass into and through the town to attend the meeting, the local magistrates have issued a proclamation forbidding excursionists to pass through Stewartstown on Monday next; and whether this action of the magistrates will be reviewed and cancelled.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe promoters of the meeting have been warned that it cannot be allowed in the town, because it would undoubtedly lead to a riot; but if it is held outside the town no interference with it will be permitted; nor will persons be prevented from passing through the town to take part in it, so long as nothing in the nature of a procession is formed within the town. The magistrates' action will be supported.
§ MR. DOOGANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the local magistrates have issued a proclamation (I have it here) absolutely forbidding the meeting?
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe meeting cannot be allowed in the town, but it may take place outside.
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)Why should the meeting be allowed immemediately outside the town but not in it?
§ MR. WYNDHAMIt is a matter of police precautions. Meetings of this kind sometimes lead to trouble.
§ MR. FLYNN (Cork. N.)lf the meeting is held outside the town will the proclamation be withdrawn?
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe proclamation only refers to the town.
§ [No answer was given.]