The week has been memorable for two applications to attach
eminent politicians. Last Saturday Sir Edward Carson, on behalf of the Standard, applied for an order nisi calling upon Mr. John Burns to show cause why he should not be committed for contempt of Court in consequence of statements made at a meeting in the Queen's Hall on Thursday week. Mr. Burns, it was argued, had commented on the forthcoming action of the Progressive members against the Standard in a way calculated to prejudice the administration of justice. The order was refused by Mr. Justice Darling and Mr. Justice Phillimore, though the former Judge animadverted strongly upon the impropriety of Mr. Burns's speech. On Wednesday the King's Bench Division in Ireland gave judgment on a similar application against Mr. Walter Long for his speech at the Unionist demonstration in Dublin last December, in which he com- mented on the Leitrim case. The Lord Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Madden, and Mr. Justice Kenny refused the order, the Lord Chief Baron dissenting. The whole doctrine of contempt of Court seems to us one that wants strict limita- tion, and we cordially agree with Mr. Justice Phillimore's remarks. It should remain a weapon to use in case of need, but only in very genuine need.
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