CHAPTER XXVI.
THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS.
NATURALLY, with all people, the freedom of speech and thought are cardinal principles to be devoutly wished for, and sought. Whether this freedom of thought is expressed through the instrumentality of the press, or by our vocal organs on the stump, pulpit or rostrum, it is nevertheless a dear and precious privilege that we cannot afford to abuse, but one that we should use in the maintenance of good and wise principles.
To no country is the freedom of expression by means of printed characters, or what is popularly known as the freedom of the press, more fully guaranteed and protected by the powers that be, than in our own United States and in England.
However, before discussing it in this wise we may be profited by a proper understanding of what we mean by the freedom of the press. Chambers' Encyclopedia defines it as the absence of any authorized official restraint on publication.
In other words, there is no law defining the direction of the press, or any expression of its opinion, so long as it conforms to right. The Britannica Encyclopedia on the freedom of
