Life of Johnson.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20362, 20 July 1934, Page 6

Life of Johnson.

JOHNSON. “Sir, it is of so much more consequence that truth should be told, than that individuals should not be made uneasy’, that it is much better that the law does not restrain writing freely concerning the characters of the dead. Damages will be given to a man who is calumniated in his life-time, because he may be hurt in his worldly interest, or at least hurt in his mind: but the law does not regard that uneasiness which a man feels on having his ancestor calumniated. That is too nice. Let him deny what is said, and let the matter have a fair chance by discussion. But, if a man could say nothing against a character but what he can prove, history could not be written; for a great deal is known of men of which proof cannot be brought. A minister may be notoriously known to take bribes, and yet you may’ not be able to prove it.”

Johnson. “ Marriage. Sir, is much more to a man than to a woman; for he is much less able to supply himself with domestick comforts. You will recollect my saying to some ladies the other day, that I had often wondered why' young women should marry', as they have so much more freedom, and so much more attention paid to them while unmarried than when married.”