CRIMINAL LIBEL.

Grey River Argus, Volume XIV, Issue 1672, 13 December 1873, Page 2

CRIMINAL LIBEL.

[From the "Grey Valley Times," November 15, 1873.3 In reference to the charge of libel recently preferred against; this journal, the "Grey Valley Times," or more rightly speaking against myself, by Mr M. H. Hayden, for certain statements contained in an article headed "Crumbs for the .Hungry," which appeared in the " Grey Valley Times " of the. 20th September last, I desire to state publicly that the contents of the article in question do not, within my own knowledge, in any way apply to Mr • Hayden. The article under reference was a paraphrase of one of Mr Grattan's speeches against Mr Flood, and was never iutended, except perhaps id a very abstract sense, to point to Mr Hayden, It could not have been intended that the remarks should apply literally to him, for neither personally, nor from report, do I know of a single incident in Mr Hayden's career that in any way exposes his character to assault or obloquy; and knowing nothing whatever of his antecedents, public or private, I should be sorry -»evan by implication— to fasten upon his reputation a dishonorable or degrading imputation. That the publication of the article in question, by me, was at the time indiscreet, I am willing to concede, and also that the accusations therein made were wholly ioapplicable, and of the truth of this I am ready to believe that Mr Hayden's private life itself will afford the best refutation." I make this explanation with the greatest willingness, and under no influence of fear or coercion, but from a sense of duty and a knowledge that it is due to Mr Hayden. W. J. POTTS. " Grey Valley Times " Office, Ahaura, November 14, 1873.