THE LONDON PRESS.
THE trial of Mr. WELLESLEY fern libel on Sir W. C. de CRESPIGNY, on Thursday, elicited some melancholy facts respecting the press of London. We allude particularly to the evidence of the Editor of the Sunday Times. That gentleman is made fo state, that he was sent for by Mr. WELLESLEY—that he received certain papers from him—that he wrote an introduction to those papers, which he read over for Mr. WELLESLEY'S approbation. All this was quite polite • and proper— rather condescending, perhaps, but of that the Editor was the best judge. What we cannot help considering as extremely reprehensible follows. The Editor objected to the word " obscene," and asterisks were put instead of it : he stated that he was taking on himself a great responsibility; but Mr. WELLESLEY quieted his scruples by telling him that he would bear him harmless,—meaning, that if the Sunday Times were cast in damages for the libel, he (Mr. W.) would pay them. Now, in the first place, the passage where the asterisks occur can only be read by supplying " obscene," or a more vulgar term. This no one who reads to understand can possibly avoid perceiving. In the second place, the introduction speaks of the " facts" disclosed in the documents furnished by Mr. WELLESLEY : the public are called on by the oracular " we" of the Editor to receive the statement as true ; and yet, 'alien he receives it, such is his own impression of the truth which he wishes his readers to believe, that he will not consent to circulate it unless he be saved harmless from the consequence! We look on this question (we treat it of course without the slightest personal reference) as one deeply affecting the character of the press. We can hardly imagine a case more calculated to bring it into total and utter contempt. If such instances should be copied out in general practice,—if any falsehood however palpable, any libel however infamous, any calumny however wicked, may find insret ion in a journal that occupi:!s a respectable place in general estimation, and claims credit for its independence, and be not only ciiculated, but circulated under the official responsibility of the Editor, provided he and the proprietors are insured against pecuniary loss for such prostitution,—if this ever be the case, then will her free press, instead of the blessing and the glory, be the shame and the disgrace of England.
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