Mr. Evelyn Ashley carried his Bill on Wednesday to permit
prisoners to give evidence—if they choose—in criminal cases, by the considerable majority of 109 (185 to 76), the Government, through the Attorney-General, accepting the principle, on con- dition the Bill should be referred to a Select Committee to consider the proper safeguards. Indeed, the Attorney-General, though he expressed himself favourable to the examination of the prisoner in somecases, did not seem inclined to permit it in all cases, alleging that where the person falsely accused was of bad character,—and it is persons of bad character who are most apt to be accused of crimes which they do not conunit,—the cross-examination of the prisoners would certainly be most injurious to them, and be ex- tremely likely to secure their conviction without any substantial evidence of the particular crime. Sir Henry James was heartily favourable to the principle, quoting the excellent effect of its working in civil cases, and Mr. Herschel was in favour of the examination of the prisoner by the Judge, though he was evidently doubtful whether his cross-examination by counsel should be permitted. But it seems probable that the Attorney- General, who on all legal matters is a Conservative of a severe and nearly obsolete type, will whittle down the concession of the Government to very minute dimensions indeed.
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