Captain COOPERasked the Chief Secretary whether any disturbances took place in Athlone oh Wednesday, 13th instant; and, if so, would he inform the House what took place?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe police authorities inform me that no disturbance took place in Athlone on the 13th instant. On the evening of Sunday, the 10th instant, a number of street preachers, who had taken up a position near the Town Bridge, became the abject of a hostile demonstration by a large crowd which collected near them. 1422 The police, in the interests of the public peace, requested the preachers to desist, and they did so. The police then escorted them to their residence. No assault was committed, and the action of the police averted what might have become a serious disturbance.
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir; nor of anybody else.