The Newspaper Press.

The following remarks are from the Constitutionnel on the repeal of the Censorship :

" One of the necessary results of a Constitutional Government is the Liberty of the Press regulated by wise laws, and this liberty cannot exist with the Censorship of the public journals. Pamphlets, however they may be circulated, speak only to a small number of readers—newspapers address themselves to all opinions, express the sentiments of all, defend all legitimate interests, and cause to be heard the complaints of the oppressed. Thus moderate discussion establishes itself, conflicting opinions are cleared, confidence consolidates itself, and power appears to the citizens as the protector of the rights of all, and the supporter of public liberty. By such means the ardour of innovation evaporates ; the gloomy genius of revolution fails ; the social orders, submitting to a salutary controul strengthen themselves ; and thrones, which protect the interests as well as the affections of the people, may repose for ages on this firm basis.

" But, it is said, the newspapers, may abuse this liberty. Ah! well—Has not the (French) Government the most severe laws that ever were conceived and adopted to repress such abuse? Has it not the law of tendency, (tendance), which opens so vast a field for accusation ? Is there not a Magistracy who know their duties, and know how to fulfil them ?— Has the Government little confidence in the reason of a generous and enlightened nation, which knows so well how to destroy sophismes, to reduce men to their proper place, and to give to all their due reward ?

" But, it is contended, political discussions agitate men's minds. Such is the fact, beyond doubt ; but this agitation, regulated in its course, is the life of modern society.
This lively interest, which every citizen takes in what concerns him so nearly, in questions which have so direct an influence on his destiny, or on that of his family—this interest, is the proof and the guarantee of the subjects' attachment to legitimately-established order. When a people become indifferent to public affairs—when they are not interested either in their country's prosperity, reverses, or glory, they do not indeed restrain the superior agents of Government, those agents may administer all at their ease, and as they please, but the country's industry will decline, its resources diminish, and general emulation disappear; and if the times were to arrive when energy of action should be wanted, the people will be found cold and indifferent, but it is the Government itself that will have destroyed such last and best resort, &c.

" They feared the circulation of ideas and the diffusion of knowledge; but remember, the more the people are enlightened, the better they know their true interests, and the more they are enabled to appreciate the blessings of good government, the advantages of public peace, and respect for the laws. They dreaded revolutionary doctrines, it was added, as if it were not more easy to arouse into the excesses of revolutions an ignorant population than an enlightened people. Is it to be believed, after the experience which the French nation has had, that it would be possible to precipitate it into the horrors of anarchy ? But do not treat as revolutionary the eternal principles of justice and humanity ; nor exclaim against doctrines as revolutionary which desire to support the Charter, and which claim the equality of rights— the liberty of worship—the freedom of election—the Liberty of the Press—personal freedom—and that responsibility of Ministers which hitherto has been an allusion. Do not forget that the principle of legitimacy consecrates all legitimate rights, and thereby leaves no chance for revolutions."

Hobart Town Gazette and Van Diemen’s Land Advertiser 17 June 1825,