Mr. J. H. Thomas used a curious phrase on Monday-in
denouncing in the House of Commons what he alleged to be—and no doubt were—totally misleading reports published by a London paper of conditions prevailing in Newfoundland. " It is only fair," said the Dominions Secretary, " for me to say that we know the writer of this. particular article ; he was tried for misappropriation of funds in 1925." Only fair ? Does Mr. Thomas mean that the man was convicted. If so why did he not say con- victed ? . A man may be tried and leave the court without a stain on his character. He has at the worst a full title to be considered innocent till he is proved guilty, and to hold a man up to obloquy, on the ground that he had been " tried " on a certain charge would be an outrage. /- assume, therefore, that Mr. Thomas meant convicted, but his statement might with advantage have been more precise. . . . After writing so far I observe it stated in the Daily Herald, the paper concerned, that their correspondent, who was in fact " tried " as stated, was actually acquitted. Perhaps Mr. Thomas has an answer. It is badly needed.
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