The Sun.
London, England, 1865-05-24 00:00:00

LIBEL BILL.

Sir C. O'LOGHLEN, in moving the second reading of
this bill, said it would be necessary for him to explain at
greater length than he otherwise would the provisions of
the measure, as the hon. and learned member for Youghal
had an amendment to propose. Before he sat down ho
hoped he would be able to show that the bill was worthy
of acceptance, and that it introduced beneficial changes in
the law of libel without causing any injury to society. In
1856 a case occurred which had caused a great deal of ex-
citement in the country. It was a case in which an action
was brought against a Durham newspaper for publishing a
speech delivered at a public meeting, and the question was
raised whether a bona fide report of a speech at a public
meeting constituted a libel, and it was decided that an
action could be brought against a newspaper for publishing
the report of a speech at a public meeting. Another great
hardship connected with the present law of libel was that
of sending up an indictment and keep it hanging over the
head of the defendant, by which he was put to groat in-
convenience, and not unfrequently to heavy costs.
Mr. AYRT ON called attention to the fact that 40 members
were not present. _ _ _

On the Speaker counting, thero wore only 27 members
in the house.

The house adjourned at 20 minutes to 10 o'clock.

PRESIDENT JOHNSON AND SIR F. BRUCE.—The
Washington correspondent of the Cincinnati Gazette
gives the following account of the first interview of the now
British Minister with the new President :—" SirF. Bruce's
interview with President Johnson was as informal and un-
diplomatic as President Lincoln himself could have made it.
The new Minister made his appearance with all his stars
and decorations on, presented his credentials, and formally
read his speech. Mr. Johnson replied, saying that he was
glad to see him, and to welcome to the capital a representa-
tive of Great Britain, and then added But, Sir, lam
not much used to the diplomatic formalities customary on
such occasions. My idea is simply that two great nations
ought to conduct their relations very much as two
neighbours who sincerely desire peace and good fellow-
ship between themselves would do, and that the less mere
formalities about it the better.' I assure you, Mr. Pre-
sident,' interrupted Sir Frederick, pointing to his uniform
and decorations, 'that I should feel very much more at
ease without these things than with them.' The remark
was so thoroughly English, and at the same time so con-
sonant to American prejudices against fuss and feathers,
that the President and Minister became friends at once,
and sat down for a chat. -Sir Frederick asked about
Sherman. President Johnson explained the position.
What chance is there for Mr. Davis, then ?' asked
Sir Frederick. Oh, a small particle still ; doubtless
his escape across the country,' said the President.
Well,' replied the Minister in an inquiring tone, I should
think that Mr. Davis and a few members of his Cabinet
would probably find it well to start pretty soon." If they
know what is for their own interest,' responded the Pre-
sident rather grimly, 'they had better lose no time about it.
The time has come,' ho added, 'when traitors must be
taught that they are criminals. The country has made up
its mind on that point, and it can find no more earnest
agent of its will than myself.' There was then a renewal
of the mutual promise to talk over any difficnities that
might arise between Great Britain and the United States
like two neighbours sincerely desirous of good terms with
each other, and so the interview ended."

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