§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that on 1st September, at Clifden, a number of evangelists were assaulted with sticks and stones; whether he can say if the attack was made in the presence of the police; and, if so, how many arrests were made?
MR. BRYCEIt is, I regret to say, the fact that on the 1st September, at 1347 Clifden, the Rev. Mr. Harpur, an evangelist, was assaulted with sticks and stones. The police were not present in the first instance, as they were not aware that Mr. Harpur, who was perviously unknown to them, was in the village or about to preach. The reverend gentleman commenced his service in the market place, where street preaching has for some years past been prohibited. Upon hearing of the disturbance the police at once hurried to the spot for Mr. Harpur's protection. One arrest was made at the time. The man arrested and five others were subsequently prosecuted by the police, Mr. Harpur having declined to prosecute. Two of the defendants were fined, and the remaining four were discharged.