§ MR. AGAR-ROBARTES (Cornwall, St. Austell)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes to give ample compensation to Frederick William Palmer, who was unlawfully and unjustly sentenced, on Friday, 21st February, to fourteen days hard labour for asking for a temporary loan from the rector of St. Stephen's with which to repair his boots, and who served four days of that sentence in Bodmin prison until he was released by the right hon. Gentleman's orders; and whether he will use his influence with the Government to deal immediately with the appointment of more Liberal magistrates, in view of the fact that Palmer was summarily convicted, without evidence being called, by two Conservative magistrates.
§ MR. GLADSTONEIn the case to which my hon. friend refers I felt justified in advising the exercise of the prerogative of mercy on the ground that the offence was not of a serious nature, and that the prisoner had employment to go to on his release. The case is not one in which any compensation can be granted from public funds. I have no information as to the political views of the justices who acted in this case, and it would be very improper for me to inquire about them.