But I still conscientiously think that we acted wisely when we passed the law on the subject of the Press; and I am quite certain that we should act most unwisely if we were now to repeal that law.
"I must, in the first place, venture to express an opinion that the importance of that question is greatly over-rated by persons, even the best informed and the most discerning, who are not actually on the spot.
It is most justly observed by the Honourable Court that many of the arguments which may be urged in favour of a free Press at home do not apply to this country.

But it is, I conceive, no less true that scarcely any of those arguments which have been employed in Europe to defend restrictions on the Press apply to a Press such as that of India.
"In Europe, and especially in England, the Press is an engine of tremendous power, both for good and for evil.

The most enlightened men, after long experience both of its salutary and of its pernicious operation, have come to the conclusion that the good on the whole preponderates.

But that there is no inconsiderable amount of evil to be set off against the good has never been disputed by the warmest friend to freedom of discussion.
"In India the Press is comparatively a very feeble engine.

It does far less good and far less harm than in Europe.