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been on three (3) occasions during the past year convicted before the Supreme Court of libel on private individuals, and has undergone several months imprisonment. On the whole, the unanimous decision of the Executive Council was as follows:- "The Council repudiate the statement in the publication referred to as unfounded; and are of opinion that there is no necessity for any action in the matter.
6. However, within the last few days the Telegraph has published a libellous attack on another public department; and the question of a government prosecution will so often recur, that I shall be glad to be favoured by Your Lordship's views on the subject, for my information and guidance.
7. It should be stated that, with the single exception of the Telegraph, all the newspapers published in this Colony, both in English and in Chinese, appear to be respectably conducted. Their criticisms of the measures of the Government seem to be fair and temperate. Indeed, I find