Page:Statement of facts relating to the trespass on the printing press in the possession of Mr. William Lyon Mackenzie, in June, 1826.djvu/29

 in censuring and regretting the transaction from the moment it was known, and if we had been unassisted, except by those who thought we had done wisely Mr. Macknzie's malignant wishes might have been gratified to the utmost.

Another act to which Mr. Mackenzie has resorted for the purpose of raising a prejudice against us, and, at the same time, injuring the Government, is his insinuating that we had favor shown us, in not being prosecuted criminally for the act, as well as being made to pay more than ten time the value of the property, which we overturned and threw about.

We went without disguise or concealment of any kind, and in open day, to the premises of Mr. Mackenzie, and did what I have stated—and nothing more. We were all known, and immediately prosecuted by him for damages. There was nothing to investigate; every thing was known, and it was for Mr. Mackenzie to determine, whether, besides trying to fill his pocket with damages, he should also have us brought up before the Sessions or Assizes, and punished in another way.

If it is the duty of the Government or of Crown Officers to prosecute criminally for every trespass done to individuals, whether those individuals complain of it or not, I think I have a right to ask why the Crown Officers have allowed Mr. Mackenzie to call me a Murderer, another person a Shoe-black, and another a Beggar, in his Newspaper, as often as he pleased, and to abuse, in the most offensive manner, not only the whole Magistracy of the District, in a body, but every individual, male and female, whom he choses to make the object of his malice. I think their character is as dear to them, and mine to me, as the old Press and Types, which Mr. Mackenzie knows he had never paid for, could possibly be to him. I know, if I complain, or if any other person should complain, or Mr. Mackenzie's Libels, the Grand Juries must notice them, and the Attorney General must conduct the