The proposal is still less plausible when it is considered that at
present, without any new legislation at all, any manager who is doubtful
about a play can obtain the advice of his solicitor, or Counsel's
opinion, if he thinks it will be of any service to him. The verdict
of the proposed King's Proctor would be nothing but Counsel's opinion
without the liberty of choice of counsel, possibly cheapened, but sure
to be adverse; for an official cannot give practical advice as a friend
and a man of the world: he must stick to the letter of the law and take
no chances. And as far as the law is concerned, journalism, literature,
and the drama exist only by custom or sufferance.