§ 22. Mr. GINNELLasked the Secretary of State for War if he has yet ascertained whether Mr. Gerard Crofts, of Dublin, has been convicted of anything but the singing of patriotic songs; if so, what it is, on what evidence, and whether in an open Court; whether Mr. Crofts is the only prisoner now undergoing penal servitude for the singing of patriotic songs; and, having regard to his delicate health and the character of the offence, if he is to be kept longer in custody whether it will be as a political prisoner?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe evidence in this case shows that Gerard Crofts was concerned in the rebellion. He was taken from the cellar of a house with a number of armed men who had been firing at the troops. He was tried by a field general court-martial under exactly similar circumstances to those under which the other prisoners were tried. There are no grounds for discriminating between Crofts and other convicted prisoners.
§ Mr. GINNELLCan the hon. Gentleman inform the House whether there has been a particle of evidence produced of Mr. Crofts' connection with the insurrection other than that of his singing patriotic songs?