§ MR. CHARLES CRAIGTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the local branch of the United Irish League at Athlone ordered a certain farm of 70 acres, near Athlone, to be kept unlet so that it might be purchased by the Estates Commissioners for distribution; whether he is aware that on 1st May members of the local vigilance committee patrolled the district, and when two men 689 attempted to put cattle on the farm the animals were worried by dogs and hunted away; and what steps he proposed to take to protect persons from being interfered with in the prosecution of their legitimate business, and what arrests have been made.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) On 1st May a man was taking a heifer to graze on a farm at Mount William, near Athlone, when he was met on the road by several men who set dogs on the heifer and drove her away. Three of the offenders who were identified were proceeded against and pound over to keep the peace. The police have no information as to the alleged action of the United Irish League in regard to this farm. The police will afford full protection to persons who may send cattle to graze on the farm.