The Protection of Life and Property in certain Parts of Ireland Act, 1871
WHEREAS an unlawful society, combination, and confederacy of secret nature, generally known by the name of the Ribbon Society, at present exists within the county of Westmeath, and certain adjoining portions of the county of Meath and of the King's County: And whereas owing to the prevalence of the said society murder and other crimes of the most serious nature have been perpetrated within the districts above referred to, and by reason partly of sympathy with the perpetrators of such crimes, ...