LIBELLING THE KING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12537, 26 June 1901, Page 5

LIBELLING THE KING.

A MELBOURNE PAPER INVOLVED. DISCUSSION IN THE VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT. United Press Association!—By Eledtria Telegraph—Copyright. (Received Juno 26, 1.8 a.m.) MELBOURNE, Juno 25. ■ There was an excited discussion in the. Slate Assembly on the question of th® repjiblication of the libel on the King from the newspaper “ Irish People ” in. the Mel,bourne weekly journal “Tocsin,” which 5s published by Mr Findley, a Labour member for Melbourne. The Premier severely condemned! the republics tion. H© said that he had consulted the Attorney-General, and found that he had not power to seize the unsold copies, aaid considered that the institution of a prosecution would only spread the libel He then asked the Lieutenant-Gover-nor to telegraph to the Imperial authorities to inquire if newspapers were suppressed, as an act of State, would the Imperial Government adopt it as such, aa there was no other authority here, Mr Findley explained that he did mot ; authorise the publication of tb© article, and did not read it till his attention) bad been called to it by other papers. As publisher of the “Tocsin” ho had no control over its contents. Asked if he would apologise, Mr Findley said that he regretted that he -had' given offence to the house and that the article had appeared. The Premier said that it was not sufficient to express regret. There must be an unqualified disavowal and disapproval of the sentiments of the article. H© then moved that Mr Findley was guilty of disloyalty to the King, had committed an act discreditable to the honour of Parliament, and should be expelled from the House. The Attorney-General seconded the motion. Mr Irvine, leader of the Opposition, supported the motion. The debate is proceeding.