§ 62. Mr. MYERSasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that for some weeks there has been a trade dispute at the works of Messrs. Barret and Company, Westland Row, Dublin; that a strike picket has been on duty outside the premises since the beginning of the dispute, and that no question has arisen as to the conduct of this picket; that on 3th May an armed military car drove up, and the officer in charge ordered the picket away, stating that they could not be allowed to loiter there; that the officer was informed that a trade dispute was in progress and that they were the strike picket; that the officer replied with an expletive against the strike and again ordered the picket off; and whether he will have inquiries made into this matter and give instructions against any further interference with the legitimate right of dispute?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODUnder the powers conferred on him by the Restoration of Order in Ireland Regulations, the Competent Military Authority of the Dublin District has issued an Order making it an offence to stand or loiter in any public place. The action of the strike picket contravened this Order, and they were accordingly requested to disperse. The military authorities have no desire whatever to interfere in any trade dispute, but the methods of the rebels in cloaking their murderous intentions under the guise of ordinary civil occupations is well known, and I am afraid that the curtailment of privileges of this nature is in present circumstances unavoidable.
§ Mr. MYERSTo the category of crimes, of which it is asserted the military forces of the Crown are guilty, have we now to add the intimidation of workmen?