He is liable for a fine of five pounds for every copy circulated, but the action must be initiated by the Attorney-General, and our Christian Government refuses to punish when the offence is committed by one of their own creed, and the sufferer is only an Atheist.
Varley's circular served its evil purpose, for soon after Parliament assembled in February, Mr.C.K.Freshfield, member for Dover, asked the Home Secretary whether the Government intended to prosecute the _Freethinker_.
Sir William Harcourt gave the following reply: "I am sorry to say my attention has been called to a paper bearing the title of the _Freethinker_, published in Northampton, and I agree that nothing can be more pernicious to the minds of right-thinking people than publications of that description-- (cheers)--but I think it has been the view for a great many years of all persons responsible in these matters, that more harm than advantage is produced to public morals by Government prosecutions in cases of this kind.

(Hear, hear).

I believe they are better left to the reprobation which they will meet in this country from all decent members of society.

(Cheers)." This highly disingenuous answer was characteristic of the member for Derby.

His reference to the _Freethinker_ as published at Northampton, clearly proves that he had never seen it; and his unctuous allusions to "public morals" and "decent members of society" are further evidence in the same direction.