NEWSPAPER STAMP ACT SUSPENSION, 1827. 605 not known," and to regulate publications, and restrain
- abuses arising from the publication of blasphemous and
seditious libels." The other — to impose a duty on news- papers. They were both read a first time on that day. The first measure required that no one should publish a newspaper after the 1st May 1827 until an afl&davit had been lodged setting forth the names of the printer and publisher, with the title of the paper and the place of printing. The Colonial Secretary moved that the name of the editor should be inserted in the affidavit. Forbes and Campbell vainly opposed the amendment. A stringent clause was passed to the effect that on a second conviction for publishing a blasphemous or seditious libel, " tending to bring into hatred or contempt the government of the colony," the offender might be banished for such term of years as the Court might order. Forbes trembled for his impetuous friends, Wardell and Wentworth, who might fall within the mesh. He pleaded successfully for postponement till the following day. On the 25th the Council passed the Bill, Forbes being present. The Bill to impose a duty on newspapers was again postponed. On the 2nd May Macleay moved, and Colonel Stewart (Lt.-Gov.) seconded, a proposal that the duty should be fourpence. The Archdeacon moved, and Macarthur seconded, an amendment that it should be sixpence. Fourpence was the sum fixed upon. Forbes was absent. On the 3rd May the Bill was passed, with a third Bill to " prevent the publishing of books and papers by persons not known." Forbes was again absent but he was not idle. The impost of fourpence was deemed a crushing one upon the publications of his friends. His certificate was required, and he resolved to refuse it. Meantime the Acts had been promulgated. On the 30th May the Council met. Forbes was present with four others; but the Governor sent a message by the Colonial Secretary, regretting that he could not meet the Council. On the 31st neither Darling nor Forbes attended. Again the Colonial Secretary carried the Governor's regrets to five members who attended. The manoeuvres which led to the abortive sittings can be surmised by reading the following memorandum which
