The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-01-04
1 Righteous English verdict-what 10 n
u.ihaig

The rbel suit Of Mr.. Rigby Wason, to re-
pounds sterling from the proprietors OF the
London Tines for tho publication OF matter
spoken in the House Of Lords, containing
anlmadversion on and censare of the motives
Of that gentleman in presenting petition TO
the Peers, as just heard in Guildhall, involved
points OF the utmost importance to the news
paper profession, aud its issue in verdict for
the defendants defines the rights OF Journalists
towards the public in such q manner as will
leave them much more freedom in the dis
charge of their duties. NJ. Wason went before
Parliament with petition in which he asserted
that former political opponent, Sir Fltzroy
Kelley, who had just been appointed Lord
Chief Baron OF the Exchequer, had. "upon the
lllh Of April, 1885. pledged. his honor as
gentleman to tho truth OF that which he knew
to be false, for the purpose Of deceiyng com.
mittce Of the House OF Commons" and he
(Wason) prayed that committee might be
appointed to investigate this charge.
Earl Russell presented the paper. His
noble brethren were quick, sharp and decisive
in their condemnation of both the language
and motives OF the petitioner. The London
Times reported the speeches. Mr.. Wason
sued the London Times for libel, not for linel
in publishing an incorrect or garbled report,
but for libel in publishing the remarks at all.
The case was conducted in the Court Of
Queens Bench, the Lord Chief Justice of Eng
land charging the jury in most lucid and
exhaustive exposition of the case as presented
on either side. The Chief Justice told The jury
that it was shown that the report was "truihrul
and fair" and If truthful and fair its publica-
ton by newspaper was privileged. The
second count complained that the London
Times "falsely and maloiously" published an
editorial article on the subject of the debate,
and on this the Lord Chief Justice told the
jury "that if they were satisfied the article was
written honestly and with desire to vindicate
truth and justice they must find for the de-
iendants." The jury found for the newspaper
on all the counts.
This effort to hamper freedom Of discussion
and abridge the liberty OF the press IN Eng
land as well as its signal defeat, are not with
out value on this side of the Atlantic, where
editors of independence and enterprise are
continually pestered with notices and charges
OF libel suits by adventures who seek to make
q little money out Of them on the plea that
some one has been aggrieved by their placing
current facts correctly before the public.
Like many persons who are ever ready to
attribute motives to others for their everyday
acts, and who pretend to be very sensitive in
the matter OF their own reputation, this Mr..
Wason is no way sparing Of his abuse of his
opponents. He has had printed in London
"Letter Exposing the Falsehools of the Lord
Chancellor and Lord st. Leonard,, uttered in
order to deceive the House of Lords !" and a
pamphlet with the title "Who are the Liars?"
In the Court Of Queens Bench he refers to the
House of Lords as ian assembly offshwomcn,"
and to the Judges as "Old Bailey lawyers"
"foul-mouthed" and "guilty of deliberate and
malignant talsehood.'