The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1886-10-09 00:00:00

THE BELFAST RIOTS INQUIRY.

On Monday the Royal Commission of Inquiry into
the Belfast riots commenced its sittings in the Record
Court of the County Antrim Court-house, Belfast. For
almost two hours before the commissioners took their
seats the court was crowded, and great interest was
manifested in the proceedings by almost all classes of
society and by the members of all denominations and
parties. There was a numerous Bar in attendance, and
this gave more significance to the attitude they as-
sumed in consequence of the position taken AD and so
firmly adhered to by the president of the commission
(Mr. Justice Day). During the very animated discus-
sion between the president and the majority of counsel
in court there was a great deal of excitement, which
was considerably increased when the members of the
bar, save two, arose from their seats, and, gathering
up their briefs, left the court. The commissioners
were Mr. Justice Day (chairman), Major-General Sir
Edward Gascoigne Bulwer, Mr. Frederick Le Poer
Trench, Q.C., Mr. Richard Adams, and Commander
Wallace M'Hardy, chief constable of Lanarkshire.
The following were the counsel engaged: For the
Loyalist Defence Committee, Messrs. Yates, H.
Campbell, and Hans M'Mordie; for the Orange Insti-
tution and the Earl of Enniskillen, Mr. W. H. Kisbev,
Q.C.; for the Belfast Town Council, Mr. James Orr,
Q.C. ; for the constabulary authorities, Mr. Isaac Weir,
Q.C. ; for the committee of ratepayers, Mr. J. J.
Shaw; for the Nationalists, Messrs. T. L. O'Shaugh-
nPsay and John B. M'Hugh. The President ex-
plained the nature of the investigation, and added
that although the commissioners would be glad of any
assistance the various counsel could afford, it must be
understood that the whole conduct of the inquiry must
rest with themselves. Inspector Carr was called as a
witness, and before he was sworn a long and animated
discussion took place between counsel and the Court as
to whether the former would have the right to cross-
examine the witnesses. Mr. Justice Day ruled thatne.
such right could be allowed, though what might be
granted in the way of indulgence would depend upon
the course of circumstances. Several of the counsel
asked for an adjournment, but this the president re-
fused. and finally Inspector Carr was called, and his
examination by the president was being proceeded with
when almost all the members of the bar and the solici-
tors left the court with their briefs. Inspector Carr
narrated the circumstances of the June riots from
the outbreak at Queen's Island on the 4th of that
month. Subsequently the members of the bar re-
turned, and handed in the following resolution, which
one of their number read: "That we are unanimously
of opinion that for the bar to attend the Commission
under the restrictions and upon the conditions pre-
scribed by the President of the Court would not be
conducive to the interests of either their clients or the
public, and would be inconsistent with the dignity of
their profession; we further protest against the un-
precedented course adopted by the President of the
Commission in refusing the unanimous application of
the bar for a short adjournment to enable them to
consider their position, and to consult with their
clipnts." Inspector Carr's testimony was not con-
cluded when the Commission adjourned.

On Tuesday the Commission Izsumed its sittings,
Mr. Justice Day presiding. There was a large at-
tendance of the general public, and althoueh•counsel
were not present great interest was manifested in the
proceedings. At the sitting of the Court, Town In-
spector Carr, of the Royal Irish Constabulary, who
had been under examination in the previous after-
noon, was recalled, and his examination resumed by
the Commissioners as to the riots which occurred at
intervals during the past four months, giving details
as to the more important events during that period.