Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/633
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 newspapers. 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 affidavit 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