The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-04-21
FIGHT ON LIBEL LAW.
Argument Made by Charles E.
Smith Before Pennypacker.

Harrisburg, Pa, April 21-Every i'm
portant newspaper in Pennsylvania was
represented at the hearing on the
Grady-Salus libel bill by Governor
Pennypacker today in the hall of the
house of representatives ATTORNEY
General Carson sat with the governor
throughout the hearing, but neither in
dicated what would be the governor s
action on the measure.
The governor and attorney general
arrived in the hall promptly at 10
o'clock and were greeted with applause
The governor said the bin was a very
important one and he was anxious to
hear both sides and he suggested that
two representatives from each side be
heard in order to save time. He also
suggested that the opponents of the
bill be heard first.
The opening speech was made by
Charles Emory Smith of the Phila-
delphia Press, who was presented by
Thomas V. Cooper of the Media Amer
lean At the outset of Mr.. Smiths adj
dress Governor Pennypacker took ex-
ceDtion to his use of the word .inso-
lently, and suggested that it would be
well for the speakers to omit strong
adjectives- Mr.. Smith accepted the
suggestion. saying at the same time
that he spoke strongly because he felt
strongly He said:
AT the outset / beg to thank your
excellency on behalf of all my asso-
ciates for granting this hearing You
have given US what the legislature
ruthless1y and insolentIy denied us
This bill was rushed through that body
with unbecoming, if not indecent haste
in contempt of the spirit of the consti-
tuition and as 1 believe in disregard to
its letter. It deeply affects our rights
and our property We asked for the
hearing to which we We're entitled in
the commonest fair play among men.
We were contemptuously refused all
opportunity to defend our rights and to
protest against what we believe to be a
monstrous wrongs and this shameful re-
fusal coInDels US to appeal to the fair
ness, the rectitude and the Justice eff
the governor of the commonwealth We
are here in great numbers from all
parts of the state. We are of one accord
and we are profundIy in earnest We
believe that our most vital rights and
interests are at stake And we must
in common manhood defend them now
and hereafter We stand for the lust
liberty of the press. but not for its
abuse We do not object to any whole
some restraint upon irresponsible, ma
licious and iicentious journalism, nor do
we desire that the bars against 1ibellous
publications shall be let down We ac-
cept the law which holds US response
Bile for actual injury when inflicted by
our publications even though mad
vertent and unintended for we know
that this IS one of the necessary risks
of our business In the main. the press
reflects the public tone and temper It
is what the people make it and what
the people want.
The great folly of this bill is that
it is utterly ineffective and futile for
the purpose for which It is really de-
signed. while it exposes reputable news
pa perS to the constant and unaVOid-
able danger Of costly. vexatious and
Matchmaking suits. It must fail of
its plain intent while it is infinitely
mischievous in other directions
What measure Of protection is offer
ed here which is not found in the pres
ent statute2 Is it in the more stringent
provisions for liability on account OF
negligence in the entertainment of
facts and In making publication But