, 1868-02-07

sion or exhibit such eagerness TO nossess
itself OF the invidious power of infictino
punishment, with a predetermination to
make use of that power. Why, Sir.
such a course of action would be against
the very spirit of the press-law itself:
which has sprung from a consciousness.
that in free countries a considerable LAT
itude must be allowed in the discussion of
public affairs ;-otherwise the liberty of
the press will he of no benefit 10 society.
DO we not read in the motives to that law.
that under a constitutional Government.
speech must have q great liberty in all
public discussions; that the liberty Of the
press can therefore not be circumscribed
within too narrow limits; that Govern
ment must consequently be contented.
that much be said, written, and printed.
which go spSo may not altogether be beftt-
ing bnt which cannot be prevented even
by positive penal enactments; which, if
they are to strike at all public expression
OF opinion, that in their form only are I'M
seemly ; would be very ANNOYING to liber-
ty of speech /; and which, if thew were
to be frequently applied, would only call
forth increased bitterness on the part of
the writer's, and, by repeated transgres-
sIons on the law, still show themselves to
he quite inefficient in putting q stop to
this evil ? We also read there, that Govern
ment, under a newborn free institution.
must be careful,-if such a thing be-
even Jnstlfilble,-in Stamping, rs punish
able, a number of expressions since that
would only tend 10 make maLy writer's
backward in expressing themselves with
tina: tul1 degree Of frankness on the affairs
of the country, which is of the greatest
Importance. Again I say, No, Sir! the
system of your Government is not so mar
row., and pitIful,-it knows TOO well. that
1t would defeat itself; and that il wonld
answer no purpose of real power, profit,
or personal satisfaction to itself; if it dared
10 invade the liberty of the press. 1t is
fully cognizant of the goo1-humour. and
generosity of the people of st. Croix it
is fully acquainted with the traditional
obedience, voluntary, and cheerful ofthose
same people. But your Government
must also apprehcnd, that the inhabitants
OF 81. Croix "read histories of other free
people, whose rights have been encroach-
ed upon; that they are interested in their
cause that their own feelings will tell
them now long that free people ought to
have submitted, and at what ONE
1T would have been treachery to them
selves not 10 have resisted" Your Gov
ernment is consequently fully aware of
chow much warmer will be your resent
ment, if experience should bring the
fatal example home to yourselves !" No.
Sir, | am sure that your Government
reigns in the hearts of the people of ST.
Crolx, and that it commands their lives,
and their fortunes through the medium
of their affections.
I+have remarked all along, that you
are marveIling at my saying: "Your Gov
eminent; > instead Of ''the Government
or "our Government" or simply "Gov-
eminent ;" and | am glad that it is in nv
power to satisfy you. Well, Sir, I am
happy to say, that I am one of The fortu-
nate ones, who by His Majesty the Kings
own invitation, and request. have thrown
of kharn L. H. DIX l.