§ Mr. BYRNEasked the Chief Secretary whether it was on the advice of Sir John Maxwell that the memorials signed by members of the Irish party and Dublin Corporation for the removal of hard labour from Mr. Patrick Mahon's sentence was refused; if he is aware that Mr. Mahon's sentence of six months was for printing the newspaper the "Irish Volunteer," which had previously been printed in Belfast; if he is aware that the refusal to remove hard labour disqualifies Councillor Mahon from attending his public duties, and that such disqualifica- 962W tion is resented by Mr. Mahon's constituents; and if he will cause the memorials on behalf of Mahon to be reconsidered?
§ Mr. DUKEThe exercise of the prerogative of clemency is vested absolutely in the Lord Lieutenant, and his Excellency has decided that in this ease the law must take its course. I have not inquired as to the grounds upon which this decision has been taken. Patrick Mahon was convicted of committing acts and making statements likely to cause disaffection and prejudice recruiting. I am not aware that there is any person at Belfast who ought to have been charged with him.