§ EARL LOREBURNMy Lords, I should like to ask whether the Government have any statement to make in regard to what has happened in Ireland.
THE MARQUESS OF CREWEMy Lords, in reply to my noble and learned friend I may say that we have not received any notice that it was desired that we should make a statement to-day with regard to the events in Ireland. I am not, of course, in any sense blaming my noble and learned friend for that, but he will understand if only for that reason that this is not the occasion on which it is possible to enter into a discussion of events which have recently taken place in Ireland. I am not able to say more than what is well known to most of your Lordships—that the outcome of this most unhappy business, according to the last reports, is favourable; that it may be taken that, in the phrase which was used, the back of the rebellion, if that. is not too strong a word, has been broken; and that we may hope that before very long order will be completely restored in Ireland.
THE EARL OF MEATHCan the noble Marquess tell us when it is likely that we Shall be able to communicate again with Dublin by telegraph? I tried to telegraph to-day, but was unable to do so.