James Clark McReynolds

“ Considering the wide circulation of present-day newspapers and their power for doing injury to reputation, it is highly important that the ancient doctrine 'Whatever a man publishes he publishes at his peril' should be strictly enforced. But this cannot be done properly by taking away from the jury doubtful questions of fact. ”

“ Upon respondent's request the trial court charged:
'The jury are instructed that the words contained in the publication sued on by the plaintiff herein imply that the crime of murder has been committed by the plaintiff and are actionable per se.'
'The only question really for you to consider is how much damages the plaintiff should be allowed. You ought to allow him compensation ”

“ A writing entitled 'Answer to Petition for Writ of Certiorari and Discussion of Matters of Fact in Brief for Petitioner,' signed 'John Armstrong Chaloner, Pro Se,' and filed here April 21, 1919, contains much irrelevant and scandalous matter and is unfit for our files. It must be stricken from them. ”