THE "COURANT" IN TROUBLE.
"The Legislature is calling you to an account," said a customer to James Franklin, as he entered the office. "The officials can't put up with your cutting criticisms."
"I am aware of that. I heard that they were going to haul the Courant over the coals; but I do not see what they can do about it."
"They can stop your printing it, I suppose. It would be an intolerant act, of course; but governments have never been tolerant towards the press, you know."
"The day is coming when they will be," responded James. "A free press is indispensable to human progress. So long as I run the Courant it shall speak plainly of intolerance and hypocrisy of every form. I shall hit the corruption of the times in high places or low."
"That is sound doctrine," replied the customer. "I endorse it, but government officials do not. They feel very sore, and will make trouble for you if they can."
At that moment Benjamin came rushing into the office under considerable excitement.
"The Assembly are having a hot debate over the Courant," he said. "I heard a gentleman say that they would stop the publication of the paper, if possible."
"Perhaps they will, but I doubt it," replied James. "The Courant will not be muzzled so long as I own it."
"It ought not to be," responded the customer. "We need an outspoken paper that will rebuke corruption and shams everywhere."