HC Deb 23 January 1913 vol 47 cc645-7
Mr. DEVLIN

Yesterday I was challenged by the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Wolverhampton South (Colonel Hickman), to read the declaration and the obligation of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. I stated then that I did not know that declaration was to be demanded, and I had no notice that such a demand was to be made on me, or I would have had a copy with me. I have since then secured a copy. I would like to bring to the recollection of the House what really occurred yesterday. I read a speech of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's in which he quoted an oath which he stated he was informed was taken by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and a copy of that oath is contained in the OFFICIAL REPORT of the proceedings of yesterday, which Members received to-day. I will read to the House the Obligation and Declaration, the only Declaration and Obligation which is made by any members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians:— I do declare and promise I will keep inviolable all the secrets of this society of brethren from all but those whom I know to be members in good standing and the Roman Catholic clergy, and that I will support the constitution and by-laws of the Ancient Order of Hibernians to the best of my ability. And I further promise that I will not divulge or allow to be divulged the pass-word of the Order, not even to a member of my own division. That I will be true and stedfast to the brethren of this society, dedicated to St. Patrick, the Holy Patron Saint of Ireland, and that I will duly conform myself to the dictates of my legally elected officers in all things lawful, and not otherwise. That I will not provoke or quarrel with any of my brethren. If a brother should be harshly spoken of, or otherwise treated unjustly, I will espouse his cause and give him the earliest possible information, aiding him with my sincere friendship when in distress. I also promise that I will not propose or assist in admitting any person of a bad or suspicious character, and that I will at all times be zealous for the interests of this society, and will not wrong a brother to my knowledge. I do not. and will not, while a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, belong to any Society condemned by the Holy Roman See. All this I pledge my sacred word of honour to do and perform so long as I remain a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and having made this promise of my own free will and accord, may God assist me in my endeavour to fulfil the same, and may He protect our friendship and grant us to live in this state of Grace. That is the only obligation, and that is the only Declaration made by any member or any applicant for membership of the organisation. I may say the statement which the hon. and gallant Gentleman made, I am sure in all good faith and on information, which he stated to the House yesterday, was supplied to him and to all other speakers who are supplied either with speeches or texts by some organisation, is only one of many statements made in regard to this organisation which are absolutely false. There never was such a superstructure built up upon lying, false representations in regard to any organisation than that which has constituted the stock-in-trade of the enemies of the Irish movement.

Colonel HICKMAN

I should like to say a few words in reply to the hon. Gentleman. I should like to say at once I most thoroughly accept what the hon. Member has said about this Declaration which he has now read to the House as being the Declaration, and the only Declaration at present in use in the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Having said that, I should like to explain in a few words some of the grounds I had for referring to the oath which the hon. Gentleman has mentioned, and from which he read extracts to the House yesterday. I understand that it is not denied by the Nationalist party that the particular oath which the hon. Gentleman read yesterday was the oath of the Ribbon Society. It is not denied. With your permission, Sir, I should like to make another point, and that is that the Ribbon Society is practically the same thing as the Ancient Order of Hibernians. [HON. MEMBERS: "No, no," and "Order."]

Mr. SPEAKER

I concluded the hon. and gallant Gentleman rose to make some explanation. It would be quite out of place on such an occasion to enter into a controversy upon these matters. I should have thought the hon. and gallant Gentleman might have left it where it is.

Colonel HICKMAN

I was only trying to explain to the House the reasons I had for stating that this was the oath.

Mr. SPEAKER

It has now been made plain that it is not the oath of the ancient Order of Hibernians at all, but of some other society. Surely that is sufficient explanation.

Colonel HICKMAN

My point is that the Ribbon Society is practically the same society. [HON. MEMBERS: "No, no."]

Mr. SPEAKER

We really cannot argue that matter out now.

HON. MEMBERS

"Withdraw."

Mr. MacVEAGH

Be a gentleman!

4.0 P.M.

Colonel HICKMAN

May I say that I have seen a book. It is the History of the Ancient Order of Hibernians; it is written by Mr. Jos. Bergin, published by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, 31, Rutland Square, Dublin, 1910, printed on Irish paper with Irish ink. There is an introduction by the hon. Member for West Belfast (Mr. Devlin), with a portrait, which I am sure the hon. Member will allow me to say does not altogether do him justice.

Mr. J. REDMOND

May I ask, on a point of Order, whether it will be open to us to reply if this is permitted to go on?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is exactly one of the difficulties. The moment the hon. and gallant Gentleman goes into controversy he must expect a reply. There is no Question before the House. I understood that the hon. and gallant Gentleman wished to make a personal explanation. He has made his explanation. Surely he can leave it there? Nothing further can now be said upon the matter. If he has any argument to bring forward by which he thinks he can fortify his position elsewhere, or at another time, of course he can do so; but on such an occasion as this it is impossible for him to argue the question, as it must lead to a long debate.

Colonel HICKMAN

I beg to give notice that I shall bring the question forward at the first possible occasion on the Motion for Adjournment. [HON. MEMBERS: "Apologise"; "Withdraw."]