(_A Supplement for the Newspaper Press._)
_Question._ What is the duty of a Newspaper Proprietor?
_Answer._ To use his periodical for the benefit of the public by
obtaining and affording information.
_Q._ Is he expected to expose abuses?
_A._ Certainly, or he would be thought to be degrading the noble
profession to which he has the honour to belong.
_Q._ What is the customary result of an _expose_?
_A._ An action for libel.
_Q._ By whom is it frequently brought?
_A._ By a man of straw.
_Q._ And what is the alleged libel?
_A._ That the plaintiff was described as being manufactured of no more
substantial material.
_Q._ If a man is made of straw, how can he obtain assistance from a
solicitor?
_A._ By approaching a member of the junior branch of the legal
profession who possesses no rooted objection to speculation.
_Q._ What is a speculative action?
_A._ It is an action brought to give a solicitor a chance of getting
costs.
_Q._ Is the length of trial a matter of importance to the plaintiff?
_A._ Certainly not, because he stands to win one way and not to lose
on the other.
_Q._ What does a long trial mean to the defendant?
_A._ Solicitor's fees by the score and "refreshers" by the dozen.
_Q._ What is the outcome of the proceedings?
_A._ After many days, a verdict.
_Q._ In whose favour?
_A._ The defendant's.
_Q._ Does the defendant benefit in consequence?
_A._ Not at all--the reverse. For after the finding of the jury, he is
at liberty to pay his own costs.
_Q._ Why does he pay his own costs?
_A._ Because his statement that the plaintiff is and was a man of
straw is practically corroborated.
_Q._ But does not the _expose_ prove that he has done an action
well-deserving of his country?
_A._ Certainly; but this consideration does not give him unmixed
satisfaction.
_Q._ Why does it not give him unmixed satisfaction?
_A._ Because, although losing a huge sum of money may be patriotic and
large-minded, it is scarcely business-like.
_Q._ Are not newspapers intended to benefit the public?
_A._ Unquestionably, but in that public the individuality of the
proprietor should not be entirely overlooked.
_Q._ Then what would you recommend?
_A._ That instead of being regarded as prey, newspapers should be made
to pay.
_Q._ And how can that be carried out?
_A._ By making a law calling upon a would-be plaintiff, in a
questionable action for libel, to give security for costs.
* * * * *
[Illustration: A DELICATE SNUB.
_Sir Pompey Bedell._ "OH--ER--MOSSOO LE BARRONG,
ESKER-VOO--ER--ESKER-VOO SAVVY--ER--ESKER-VOO SAVVY KER VOOS AVAY
LE--LA--ER--ER----"
_Monsieur le Baron._ "Do not Sir Pompey, do _not_ continue to speak
French! You speak it so well--ah! But _so_ well--zat you make me feel
quite _'Ome-sick!_"]
* * * * *
O WISE YOUNG JUDGE!--Mr. Justice HAWKINS has scored over and over
again during the first act of the ZIERENBERG _v._ LABOUCHERE trial.
One witness in cross-examination said "he thought he could tell people
who were overworked." So Mr. Justice HAWKINS asked him, "Do you see
anybody in this court who looks like being overworked?" Of course the
witness looked straight at the Judge, but Sir HENRY was ready with a
very practical answer to his own question, as he instantly rose to the
occasion and adjourned the case till next day, and from next day till
next term.
* * * * *
AT THE T. R. H.--Mr. TREE substituted IBSEN for WILDE. Some evenings
at the T. R. Haymarket may be pleasantly passed, _i.e._, _"Wilde"
away_.
* * * * *