AustLit

The Freeman's Journal reports on the successful passage of the Treason Felony Bill through the parliament. The new bill had been requested originally by the British Secretary for the Colonies, the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, but – following the assassination attempt on H. R. H. Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh – New South Wales politicians added further clauses that the Freeman's Journal finds 'most objectionable'.

The Freeman's Journal assures readers that rumours circulating about the journal and its proprietors are without foundation and 'were only circulated to injure us and the journal'. [The rumours began as a means of associating the Freeman's Journal with the Irishman O'Farrell who attempted to assassinate H. R. H. Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh.]

The ultimate weapon in the hands of a disgruntled newspaper subscriber is to declare 'stop my paper!'

The Freeman's Journal reproduces the full text of the '"Bill for the better suppression and punishment of seditious practices and attempts," as it passed through all its stages in both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday night [18 March 1868]'.

The Bill includes the following: 'Writing and publishing words disrespectful to the Queen or expressing sympathy with or approval of certain offenders declared a misdemenor [sic] punishable with imprisonment for three years'.

'Edward F. Flanagan, Dublin Book Warehouse, 594, George-street' advises the arrival of 'a fresh supply of Books, Prayer Books,&c, and a large assortment of devotional works, suitable for the Lenten season.'

An advertisement advising that the proprietors of the Freeman's Journal have entered into a 'job printing business' and 'are now prepared to execute orders'.

A list of suburban, country and inter-colonial agents for the Freeman's Journal.

An advertisement advising that Freeman's Journal 'is filed and may be seen, free of charge, at Holloway's, 533, Oxford-street, W. C., (late of 224, Strand) London, where advertisements and subscriptions may be received'.

An advertisement, for Greville and Company, for the sale of various types of paper, pens, pencils, slates, ledgers and other stationery items.

An advertisement advising that Greville and Company are the 'authorised Sydney agents of all the leading provincial journals of New South Wales' and are able 'to offer terms for the insertion of advertisements which can be done by none but a recognised agent'.

An advertisement for Greville and Company, agents for Messers Harrild and Sons, London, advertising the sale of various items of printing machinery and equipment.