§ Mr. DEVLIN(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Messrs. Hamilton Edwards and Martin Fitzgerald, proprietors of the "Freeman's Journal," and Mr. P. J. Hooper, editor, were found not guilty on four out of six counts on which they were arraigned before a court-martial in Dublin; whether after the trial, and before the decision was promulgated, they were seized by military forces and carried away in a military lorry to Mountjoy Prison; and whether, in the interests of justice and liberty of the Press, he will take steps to liberate these men?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative, but I would point out to the hon. Member that the six charges to which he refers were alternative charges, and that there were only two main charges before the Court, on both of which the defendants were found guilty. I cannot interfere with the decisions of the Courts of Law set up by this Parliament.
§ Mr. DEVLINMay I ask whether the counsel for the defence, accompanied by the Judge-Advocate-General, proceeded to the General Headquarters Staff, and applied that these gentlemen should be released, pending the final decision, and whether that was refused?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI have no knowledge of that, but, in any event, I cannot interfere with any court in Ireland.
§ At the end of Questions—
§ Mr. DEVLINI beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "the arrest and imprisonment, after trial by court-martial, and before, promulgation of sentence, of the proprietors and editor of the ' Freeman's Journal.'"
§ The pleasure of the House not having: been signified, Mr. SPEAKER called on those Members who supported the Motion to rise in their places, and not fewer than forty Members having accordingly 1891 risen, the. Motion stood over, under Standing Order No. 10, until a Quarter-past Eight this Evening.