THE SETTLEMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8244, 17 February 1905, Page 3

THE SETTLEMENT.

The Taylor-Seddon case was mentioned at the Supreme Court this morning, the motion for a new trial being called on at the Chambers sitting before his Honor Mr Justioe Denniston. Mr T. W. Stringer, who had been one of the counsel for tive plaintiff, , said that his Honor would probably have seen that the case was settled. - His Honor replied that he was very glad to know that a settlement had been arrived at. He thought that the country and the parties were to be congratulated. v

DUNEDIN PRESS OPINION.* [From Our ConnEsroNi>ENT.] DUNEDIN, February 17. Both Dunedin newspapers have editorials on the withdrawal of the Sed-don-Taylor slander action. The "Otago Daily Times" expresses great satisfaction at the settlement of the case without further recourse to law. It says, * K Each side honourably makes acknowledgement of having acted hastily and upon imperfect information. The admissions made upon both sides reveal the presence of a reasonable spirit of conciliation, and involve neither party in any loss of dignity. More than that, however, they have the important result of vindicating, in a marked degree, the refutations of both Captain Seddon and Mr Taylor." The " Star "' congratulates both parties on the sensible course they have adopted, thus saving themselves a heavy expenditure for law .costs, with the improbability of a finality being arrived at. It adds, " Neither party is open to any imputation of having made a surrender. It is, in fact, a*case of peace with honour. Mr Taylor's admission regarding the alleged court-martial is a vindication, not only of Captain Seddon's honour as a soldier, but that of. the officers and men under his command, while Captain Seddon frankly accepts Mr Taylor's statement that his speech was made in the House in good faith. Those who know ' what a fearless man Mr Taylor is, will recognise that Captain Seddon has obtained from his adversary voluntarily a more complete vindication than could havo been expected at the hands of a jury." , ■ .