SCANDALS AND MORAL COURAGE
[To the Editor of TILE SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Although our anomalous law of libel often prevents the disclosure of scandals that may imply—justly or not — criminal action, it surely cannot be invoked where the subject matter is merely one of stupidity. Why then arc writers who complain in the newspapers so squeamish about giving full details ? Thus, in last week's Spectator, the writer of "Country Life " draws attention to the crass stupidity of a village council ; but why does he not pillory it by name ? Similarly, in the matter of reporters' disgusting intrusions on the privacy of stricken households, why do not the reputable newspapers brand the obscene rags whose managers compel their young men to carry out these ghoulish inquisitions ? Even within the privilege of the Commons, this matter has recently been aired with no mention of the offending papers. Many other instances could be cited. Are we now so completely lacking in moral courage that we dare neither strike nor wound ? In " Labby's " days, your contemporary Truth boldly and regularly published a black list of rogues of every sort as well as a pillory of " Justices' justice " and its anomalies ; but nowadays we learn, in the matter of motoring offences, that certain (unnamed) Justices refuse to endorse licences or to disqualify Juggernauts guilty of dangerous or alcoholic driving —and the slaughter on the roads continues.
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