Passing to the more general connection of the Land and
National Leagues with crime, Colonel Saunderson asserted that the Executive Committee of the Land League, of which Mr. Parnell was the head, contained Mr. Sexton and Mr. A. O'Connor and other members, that they had amongst them both murderers and persons guilty of treason, and that Mr. Parnell and his colleagues must have known that they were associating with murderers. Thereupon Mr. Healy rose to order, and asked if such a statement was not a breach of the order of the House. The Speaker held that the accusation was most grave, but that it was germane to the discussion, and that Colonel Saunderson might make the accusation if he were prepared to argue it in a Parliamentary manner. Mr. Sexton hereupon said that if he was charged with associating with murderers, he should tell Colonel Saunderson what he thought of him, no matter what the consequences ; and Mr. Healy called Colonel Saunderson a liar. The Speaker demanding a retractation of the word, Mr. Healy refused, unless the Speaker were to rule Colonel Saunder- son out of order ; and a scene of great passion ensued, such as the House of Commons has in this generation never before witnessed. Mr. Healy was suspended by 118 votes to 52, and ordered to withdraw, which he did, amidst the furious cheering of the Irish Party, and with a pleasant bow of his own to the Speaker.
Previous page
