§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if the members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians are to be permitted, contrary to usage and written agreement, to march through an Orange district in procession and with a band on the 17th March, at Cloveneden, county Armagh; and whether, in view of the possibility of a breach of the peace, he will direct the procession to take another route.
§ Mr. MOOREAt the same time may I ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if the Irish Government have authorised the Ancient Order of Hibernians to break an agreement entered into with the authorities and with the Orangemen of the district, and observed for sixteen years past, by allowing a procession of the Hibernians to march in procession and with a band at Cloveneden, county Armagh, by the route which it was agreed should not be taken by them.
§ MR. BIRRELLI understand that the Ancient Order of Hibernians propose to assemble at their hall in Cloveneden, and march with their band in procession to the chapel in that village by the only available road. This road passes through a Nationalist quarter though there is an Orange hinterland. It is intended to afford the party any protection which may be necessary to secure the exercise of their legal right to pass along the King's high road. In similar circumstances, and in the same district, the Government protected a 55 procession of Orangemen last year when passing over Annaghmore Hill. I understand that the use of the proposed route does not conflict with any agreement which may be in existence.