§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that on the 3rd instant, at Coalisland, a number of revolver shots were fired from an excursion train filled with members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, at persons standing on the railway embankment; and what steps he proposes to take to put a stop to such incidents.
*MR. BRYCEI am informed by the police authorities that on the occasion in question five shots were fired from the excursion train in the direction of persons in a field about thirty yards from the railway line. It does not appear whether the persons were actually fired at. No one was injured. A constable who was on duty on the line saw the shots fired from the train, but could not identify the offender. A man named Quinn was subsequently arrested and prosecuted by the police upon information received, but the case was 969 dismissed by the magistrates. The excursion train was accompanied by a force of eight policemen for the purpose of preserving the peace. Every possible precaution is taken to prevent firing from trains on such occasions and to bring offenders to justice. This very objectionable practice does not appear to be confined to one party in the North of Ireland.
§ MR. LONSDALEI think the last few words of that Answer were super fluous.