THE NOTORIOUS "GLOBE."

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1915, Page 6

THE NOTORIOUS "GLOBE."

AGAIN IN TROUBLE. ALLEGED LIBEL ON, MRS. ASQUITH. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, December 17. A sensational libel suit is being held before the Hon. Justice Peterson, in the Chancery Division. Mrs. Asquitli sought to restrain the Globe from publishing libels accusing her of lack of loyalty in associating with German prisoners at Doiuiington Hall, describing her as a traitor and disgrace to her sex. .Much interest was taken in the ease, and Mrs. Asquitli and her daughter were present. Mr. Duke, K.C., plaintiff's counsel, stated that systematic and malevolent libels were only suspended after the issue of a writ. The persecution began in the spring in certain newspapers, which had publicly apologised, ami on plaintiff's insistence agreed to pay £IOO to the P,ed Cross Fund. Those disseminating the libels through the Globe sent plaintiff sheaves of anonymous letters; moreover, imputations were made upon her in society. The matter had now come to a head in a form In which the 'Globe could be brought to account. The libels were as gross as any ever made against an English woman and were calculated to shake public confidence in the administration.

Mr. Nelson, K.C., counsel for the Globe, contended that the jury must decide whether the imputations referred to the plaintiff. Mr. Duke said the libels mentioned the wife of a Cabinet Minister. He had overwhelming evidence that plaintiff was designated. Moreover, there was a confession by one of the parties, making that clear. The case was adjourned till Tuesday, defendants undertaking not to publish further articles.