century Nonconformists and standing them in
the pillory; and then the Nonconformists, and nobody else,
abolished the Star Chamber. And if anyone doubts that we are
quite ready to establish the Star Chamber again, let him read the
Report of the Joint Select Committee, on which I now venture to
offer a few criticisms.
The report of the Committee, which will be found in the bluebook,
should be read with attention and respect as far as page x., up
to which point it is an able and well-written statement of the
case. From page x. onward, when it goes on from diagnosing the
disease to prescribing the treatment, it should be read with even
greater attention but with no respect whatever, as the main
object of the treatment is to conciliate the How Not To Do It
majority. It contains, however, one very notable proposal, the
same being nothing more or less than to revive the Star Chamber
for the purpose of dealing with heretical or seditious plays and
their authors, and indeed with all charges against theatrical
entertainments except common police cases of indecency. The
reason given is that for which the Star Chamber was created by
Henry VII: that is, the inadequacy of the ordinary law. "We
consider," says the report, "that the law which prevents or
punishes indecency, blasphemy and libel in printed publications
[it does not, by the way, except in the crudest police cases]
would not be adequate for the control of the drama." Therefore
a committee of the Privy Council is to be empowered to suppress
plays and punish managers and authors at its pleasure, on the
motion of the Attorney-General, without a jury.
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