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"to support such a defence; but the instant article is one which is open to that objection to such an extent as to make the verdict of a jury doubtful.
"It is to be considered also that when, as in this case, the libel is not pointed against an individual but against a class of persons without the mention of any one in particular, the principle on which it is made punishable, if at all, is that it tends to excite the feelings of people against the class, and so leads to a breach of the peace. I do not think the present case could fairly be included in that category.
"On the whole, seeing the difficulty that thus stands in the way, and having regard to the somewhat shadowy character of the imputations, I think it would be inexpedient to attempt a prosecution. There is sure to be a strong feeling against convicting where Government press prosecution proceeds upon any but the most cogent grounds; and I do not think the Government should undertake prosecution of this kind without every ...
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