51
of
"general indifference and contempt;" in most small communities, this circumstance is not uncommon. It is only fair, however, to repeat the remark of my previous Despatch No. 153, viz. that all the newspapers published here, with the single exception of the "Telegraph," appear to be respectably conducted, and to be fair and temperate in their criticisms of the Government.
(See Despatch No. 131 of August 1854; No. 13205)
The Colonial Office Despatch of the 12th September ultimo, directed that "on any allegation of improper conduct, to which public attention may be directed in a newspaper, whatever may be the character of that paper, the Government should not be drawn into a controversy unless there is sufficient assurance that the allegation is altogether incorrect." But the personal attacks...