COLONIAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND THE PRESS.

Colonist, Volume VII, Issue 663, 4 March 1864, Page 3

COLONIAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND THE PRESS.

The following circular dispatch received by the Governor of Jamaica has been published for the information of all public officers :—

« o " DowniQg-street, August 20, 1863. Sib, —My attention has been called to the course taken by public servants in certain colonies in connecting themselves with newspapers, either by editing or contributing articles to them, and I have to convey to you the following instructions for your guidance, which are founded upon rules and principles laid down by some of my predecessors in particular cases occurring in former

years,

: " It is plainly inconsistent with the reten- I tion of his place by any paid officer under the Government of a Colony, to be the editor of a newspaper, or to take any active part in the management of it. " While I am glad that the colonies should possess such means of diffusing information, I cannot but feel at the same time that it is impossible for a public servant to take any part in conducting a newspaper in which political subjects and the measures of the local Government are discussed, without being placed in a position towards those under whom he serves quite incompatible with the proper discharge of his duties. . a " Ido not object to public servants furnishing articles signed with their names upon subjects of general interest, provided they abstain from any further connection with the newspaper than what is implied by contributing such articles, and especially from writing on such questions which can properly be called political, or discussing the measures of the Government, or the official' proceedings of its officers. " I should also consider it improper for a public servant to continue to furnish any articles whatever to a newspaper which, in commenting on the measures of the Government, should habitually exceed the bounds of fair and temperate discussion. In such a case I should expect all public servants to abstain from contributing any articles whatever to its columns.

" I consider the rule that all articles whatever, written by public servants should be signed by them, the best security against abuse of the privilege. "It must, therefore, be distinctly understood that if the authorship of anonymous articles should be brought home to one of them, or if, in articles bearing their signature, they should discuss any political subject, or the measures of the Government, or the official proceedings of its officers, I should consider it my duty to direct the removal of the persons so offending, since, if the writing of such articles were permitted, it would clearly destroy the harmony and mutual confidence among those who are employed by the local Government which are absolutely necessary for the due administration of its affairs.

" I have the honor to be, sir, " Tour most.obedient humble servant, " "Newcastle."