MR. CHAMBERLAIN ON THE PRESS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9157, 25 March 1893, Page 10 (Supplement)

MR. CHAMBERLAIN ON THE PRESS.

Mr. Joseph Chamberlain was a few days ago the principal guest at the annual dinner of the Birmingham Press Club and the Birmingham and Midland Counties District of the Institute of Journalists. In proposing " Our club and our institute," the right hon. gentleman said :Gentlemen, you represent a local organisation of one of the greatest modern forces of that fourth estate which is absolutely unknown to the constitution, but which at the same time has been increasing in authority and in power, while other influences have been declining, and which now not even the newest of the new Radicals dares to talk of amending or ending. It is not so very long ago since your profession was attended with special dangers and inconveniences. In those days an editor ran a groat risk of being put in the pillory, or at least of having his nose split. Zealous reporters were committed to the Tower, and, as for proprietors and printers of newspapers, they were fined and imprisoned by the dozen. Now wo have changed all that. Journalists ate honoured everywhere, and as for the proprietors of newspapers, they become baronets amidst universal demonstrations of approval. (Cheers.) Gentlemen, in the last Government the Prime Minister was himself a pressman, and in the present Government one member of the Cabinet at least lias sat in the editor's chair, and there are several of the most prominent Ministers who have been frequent contributors to the Press. This is evidence of the growing importance and distinction of the Press. Its tone is purer, and it gives offence in that respect to no man, and to no woman. Ido not think you will be inclined to differ from me when i say that all this increasing power and authority means increased responsibility, and that there is now no longer any excuse for the excess which disgraced a past time, for the scurrilousness of Grub-street, or the indecent personalities of a Junius or a Wilkes ; and although you won't, I hope, expect ma to tell you that the Press is perfect—(laughter) —although I could myself, I think, if I chose quote from sonic comparatively modern compositors, to show that there are still hero and there survivals of the old time --(laughter)—ye!, speaking generally ,_ I think we may be very proud of our English Press. (Applause.)