§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether his attention has been called to the case of Matthew M'Dermott of Annagh, County Sligo, who has been boycotted for years because he refused to give up land which he purchased openly through the Land Commission seven years ago, and although he did not let it on the eleven months system; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.
§ MR. BIRRELLI am informed that about four years ago Matthew M'Dermott purchased from the Court of Chancery a farm upon an estate in Sligo. He was partially boycotted for several years, but for the past twelve months has been free from boycotting, and no opposition was shown to him until his cattle were driven off his farm last month. The police will continue to afford all necessary protection to M'Dermott, as they have done hitherto.
§ MR. O'DOWD (Sligo, S.)Is it not the fact that M'Dermott has been unanimously returned for trial by the local bench on a criminal charge?
§ MR. BIRRELLI know nothing about that.
§ MR. O'DOWDIt is the fact.