§ Mr. NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the proceedings at the inaugural meeting of the medical society at the National University of Ireland on the 12th instant; whether he is aware that, owing to the cheering for the military forces and the ruler of the German Empire and the hooting of the Secretary of State for War, the President of the Royal College of Surgeons and other gentlemen were compelled to withdraw from the hall; and whether, in view of the discouragement to recruiting and encouragement to the enemies of this country that is afforded by these constant exhibitions of anti-British feeling, he has decided to take vigorous action to deal with those who indulge in the same, whether in the Press or on the platform?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe meeting referred to was a meeting of the medical society, not of the National University, but of University College, Dublin. In my opinion the disturbance at the meeting was caused by a misunderstanding, and to talk of cheering and booing is to exaggerate the occurrence. Whatever disturbance there was proceeded from a small portion of the audience. With regard to the latter part of the question this problem is actively engaging the attention of the Irish Government.