LIBELLING THE KING.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 142, 26 June 1901, Page 2

LIBELLING THE KING.

LABOR PAPER REPUBLISHES THE ARTICLE. PROPOSED TO EXPEL PUBLISHER FROM PARLIAMENT. “ ACT OF STATE.” (Received June 26,1.8 a.m.) By Telograph—Press Association—Copyright Melbourne, June 25. An excited discussion took placo in tho State Assembly on the question of tho publication of tho libel on tho King from j the now paper Irish People, in a Melbourne weekly journal, the Tocsin, which is published by Mr Findley, Labor member for Melbourne.

The Premier severely condemned tho republication. He had, ho said, consulted the Attornoy-Genoral. Ho found that bo had not power to seize the unsold copion, and he considered that to institute a prosecution would only spread the libel. Ho then asked tho late Governor to telegraph to thojlinpcrial authorities to enquire if newspapers wero suppressed as an act of State would tho Imporial Government adopt it as such, as thcro was no other authority horc. Mr Findley explained that ho did not authorise tho publication of tho article. Ho had not read it till his attention was called to it in other papers. As publishor of tho Tocsin ho had no control of its contents. Asked if ho would apologiso, Mr Findley said he regretted having givon offonoo to tho House, and that tho articlo had appeared. The Premier said that it was not sufficient to express regret. There must bo an unqualified disavowal and disapproval of the sentiment of tho articlo. Then ho moved that Findley was guilty of disloy- +"> alty to the King, had committed an act that was discreditable to tho honor of Parliament, and that he bo expelled from the House. Tho Attorney-General seconded tho motion, and Mr Irvine, leader of tho Opposition, supported it. Tho debate is now proceeding,