Punch,  50 (1866), 11.

An Inferior Article (To the Editor of the Grocer)

Punch

Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Adulteration, Crime, Commerce, Publishing, Periodicals


    Discusses a letter published in the Grocer describing the adulteration of butter with flour. Criticises the periodical for not publishing the name of the guilty dairy, but explains its reticence in terms of its fear of a crippling libel suit. Laments the legal rights accorded to the vendor, who is 'a fraudulent scoundrel'. Drawing a comparison between inferior foodstuffs and inferior articles, upholds the argument that 'it is for the public good that the criticism of butter and dairymen', like 'the criticism of writings and authors, should be free'. Concludes by urging the necessity of beating into 'the heads of judges and juries that equal latitude should be allowed to the reviews of all articles alike'.



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