M. 011ivier has addressed a circular to the Procurenrs-General of
the Empire directing them how to treat the Press. He tells them to insist on truthfulness in reporting, especially in reporting debates in the Chamber, and on the insertion of communiqués when required, and on abstinence from articles outraging the Emperor, apologizing for legal offences, or provoking to dis- obedience to the laws. He characterizes such articles as "acts," not as expressions of opinion, and considers them worthy of legal punishment. So also are private libels, but, on the other hand, "there is no crime of opinion," for "error has no other judge, can have no other master or conqueror than truth." Criticisms of the acts of Ministers, however reprehensible, "moderate or impassioned, excessive or restrained," are not to be regarded at all. This regime, if maintained, will assimilate the condition of the French Press to that of Great Britain, with this difference, that all articles being signed, it is considered better taste to challenge a libeller than to prosecute him.
