with a look of
pathetic horror, which the worthy magistrate fully reciprocated. As I
contemplated these two voluntary augurs of our national faith, and at
the same time remembered that far stronger expressions might be found
in the writings of Mill, Clifford, Amberley, Arnold, Newman, Conway,
Swinburne, and other works in Mudie's circulating library, I could
scarcely refrain from laughter.

The witnesses for the prosecution were of the ordinary type--policemen,
detectives, and lawyer's clerks--with the exception of Mr. Charles
Albert Watts, who by accident or design found himself in such
questionable company. This young gentleman is the son of Mr. Charles
Watts and printer of the _Secular Review_, and he was called to prove
that I was the editor of the _Freethinker_. With the most cheerful
alacrity he positively affirmed that I was, although he had absolutely
no more _knowledge_ on the subject--as indeed he admitted on
cross-examination--than any other member of the British public. His
appearance in the witness-box is still half a mystery to me and I can
only ask, _Que le diable allait-il faire dans cette galere?_

Ultimately the case was remanded till the following Monday, Mr. Maloney
intimating that he should apply for fresh summonses for other numbers
of the _Freethinker_, as well as a summons against Mr. Bradlaugh for
complicity in our crime.

Let me here pause to consider how these prosecutions for blasphemy are
initiated. Under the Newspaper Libels Act no prosecution for libel
can be commenced against the editor, publisher or proprietor of any
newspaper, without the written fiat of the Public Prosecutor. This post
is occupied by Sir John Maule, who enjoys a salary of L2,000 a year, and
has the assistance of a well-appointed office in his strenuous
labors. _Punch_ once pictured him fast asleep before the fire, with a
handkerchief over his face, while all sorts of unprosecuted criminals
plied their nefarious trades; and Mr. Justice Hawkins (I think) has
denounced him as a pretentious farce. He is practically irresponsible,
unlike the Attorney-General, who, being a member of the Government,
is amenable to public opinion. Press laws, except in cases of personal
libel, ought not to be neglected or enforced at the discretion of such
an official. Every interference with freedom of speech, whenever it is
deemed necessary, should be undertaken by the Government, or at least
have its express sanction. Nothing of the sor