1700-1800: Subdued freedom II
Thursday 2 May 1782 [Handwritten proposition in favour of press freedom; author unknown]
See also the original text or read the transcription (pdf)
Freedom of the press
In the night of 25 to 26 September 1781 the Dutch people became acquainted with the anonymous pamphlet Aan het Volk van Nederland [To the People of the Netherlands], which would go down in history as the leading programme of the patriots. The States-General promptly banned it and issued a reward of 14,000 guilders for anyone who would name the author or printer. Other authorities followed suit. However, another 110 years were to pass before the author was unmasked: Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol.
At the start of 1782 another anonymous pamphlet appeared, entitled De vryheid der drukpers [The Freedom of the Press]. The author of this work has still not been identified. This pamphlet too was banned.
In yet another anonymous (and this time handwritten) proposal, probably dating from 12 May 1782, the author advocates the freedom of the press and expresses his agreement with the pamphlet. His proposal was not fulfilled, for on 18 September 1782 the States of Holland and West-Friesland approved a totally different one: the banning of "injurieuse en oproerige Libellen, Geschriften en Prenten" [harmful and seditious libels, texts and images].
In the night of 25 to 26 September 1781 the Dutch people became acquainted with the anonymous pamphlet Aan het Volk van Nederland [To the People of the Netherlands], which would go down in history as the leading programme of the patriots. The States-General promptly banned it and issued a reward of 14,000 guilders for anyone who would name the author or printer. Other authorities followed suit. However, another 110 years were to pass before the author was unmasked: Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol.
At the start of 1782 another anonymous pamphlet appeared, entitled De vryheid der drukpers [The Freedom of the Press]. The author of this work has still not been identified. This pamphlet too was banned.
In yet another anonymous (and this time handwritten) proposal, probably dating from 12 May 1782, the author advocates the freedom of the press and expresses his agreement with the pamphlet. His proposal was not fulfilled, for on 18 September 1782 the States of Holland and West-Friesland approved a totally different one: the banning of "injurieuse en oproerige Libellen, Geschriften en Prenten" [harmful and seditious libels, texts and images].
Call number:
PM [no call number; in folder 14708-14716]