§ MR. J. P. FARRELL (Longford, N.)I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that, on Wednesday last, the very rev. Joseph Skelly, of New-townforbes, was followed by a drunken soldier, who abused and threatened him on the public road and quite close to Longford (No. 2) Police Barracks; and, if so, what action he intends taking in the matter.
§ THE ATTORNEY - GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. ATKINSON,) Londonderry, N.A soldier named Herbert, when under the influence of drink, accosted the rev. Mr. Skelly on the occasion mentioned and used heated and offensive language towards him, being under the impression that the rev. gentleman had spoken very disparagingly of the Military at a recent meeting of the Governors of the Longford County Infirmary. The police did not witness the occurrence, but on complaint being made by Mr. Skelly they procured the name of the soldier for him and advised him to complain to the latter's commanding officer who could best deal with misconduct of this kind. I am not aware whether the rev. gentleman has done so, or whether he desires to proceed further in the matter.
§ MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman say how he arrived at the "impressions" of a drunken soldier?
§ MR. ATKINSONThat was the excuse the drunken soldier gave.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDIs it usual to quote excuses given by drunken soldiers in a case of this kind?
§ MR. ATKINSONIt is not usual, but it is the fact here.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLIf the rev. gentleman does not wish to prosecute will the right hon. Gentleman, who knows so much of the fact, direct that action be taken against the soldier?
§ MR. ATKINSONI must decline to answer a hypothetical Question.
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)We may take it for granted that the soldier is not a Nationalist and therefore will not be prosecuted.