Daily Kennebec journal., 1875-01-22

demanded Of newspapers than formerly. Inc
newspaper is called TO give the news to the people
to decide for the people. Every trade and profes
sion acknowledges the claims and power o. tne
newspaper, and thus o grave responsibility \
forced upon the conductor or editor his work
is more extensive than those Of the judge OF
legislstor-his mind must cover more subjects
The speaker then proceeded to indicate the posi-
tion Of the newspaper before the law. Cases were
cited in which newspapers were held to answer be-
fore the court for matter published in their col
umns. IL appears to have been decided that the
newspaper editor or correspondent mas JUST tne
same rights that the rest of the community have,
and no more. The one indispensable thing inc
law requires of the newspaper, is TRUTH actual ac-
curacy of statement. The editor is responsible not
only for original articles, but those that are copied
also.
The newspaper has no privilege to publish COM
mon rumor; it must be prepared to prove the
truth of all its libelleus statements. Even the
publication of words spoken in debate may become
llbellous. Reports Of law cases must be falr can
did and impartial, and must be free from deiama-
tory comments. This does not deprive the news
paper of the right of honest criticism, as it is not
to be held to such rigid responsibility Tor ITS
opinions for its facts. Literary works are fair
subjects of criticism, and there need be little fear
of hindrance from law in that respect The varl-
Gus productions Of men may be written about
without defamation of the individual. Religious,
political and social theories can be discussed with
out restraint; governments denounced, churches
attacked, and society rdculed.
Another consideration is that the truth does not
always protect. The truth should not be published
from a corrupt or malicious motive. 1t should be
said to the credit of the profession, that but few
cases can be found in the books where malice or
corruption are charged to rebut the defence Of
truth. This part Of the ESSAY was abundantly IL
Illustrated by cases, and the line shown to which
newspapers may come with subjecting themselves
to hbel and the power OF juries in bringing dam
ages was examined.
From general survey Of the field it is appar
ant tina: the privileges accorded to the press are
not all commensurate with the duties now ex-
pected of it. These duties are none the less plain
and binding-to keep vigilant watch and to
promptly sound the ALARM to take straigtfor-
ward, consistent and just course, without any
shirking of duty. If q newspaper aspires to lead,
it must have courage. The closing wish of the
essayist was, that the press of Maine may be bold
and fearless, as well as pure and wise.
The paper was full of thought and happy sug
gestions, and unfolded the law on the subject in
manner that must prove beneficial to the frater-
nifty
he had no doubt that the proprietor of newspa-
per was entirely responsible for any libel contained
in his Associated Press dispatches, as much as
that contained in any other article or communica'
tion published by him.
The thanks Of the Association were returned for
fN~--~-N-~--
in the minutes.
1t was voted that the proceedings of the meet
ing, with essays and papers submitted, be printed
vote Of thanks to the NJ. c. X. II. Co., and
other companies, for courtesies extended to the
Association, to the officers of the Senate for their
kind attentions during the session, and to the
President pro tenn, were passed and the meeting
adjourned.
The RECEPTION.
In the evening the members Of the association,
with their lady friends and few invited guests,
attended reception at the house of one Of their
most honsred members, Rey. George W. Quinby,
d. D. The beautiful parlors, library, dining room
and in fact the entire mansion was thrown open
and cordial welcome given by the Doctor and
his estimable and accomplished wife. All the
home comforts and luxuries were provided; tables
were set and the company partook Of an excellent
supper served by polite and attentive waters.
The tables removed rich intellectual treat
awaited the company in an original poem, written
for the occasion and recited by its accomplished
authoress, Mrs. Reed of Auburn. 1t was spark
ling and witty production, and will be spread
upon the records of the association. The re-
mainder Of the evening was spent in pleasant
conversation, the making Of new friends and a
better acquain ance with old ones, ard when the
company separated it was with high opinion of re-
ceptions in general and of this one in particular.
The Doctor and his wife, in an easy, dignifed and
graceful manner, honored the association by
their kind attentions and hospitalities. In the
company were Gov. Dngley and lady, Ex-Gov.
Perham and lady, the veteran editor, Rev. w. A.
Drew, VIM. Noyes, Esq, the founder Of the
NJaip Of ha
founders of the kennebec Journal Hon. John l..
Stevens, and the President of the Senate, Hon.
Z. +. We BIB, and lady.