The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-02-07

readers on the prospect of speedy settlement
ofthe International copyright question. Among
the documents which arrived in the Africa, and
for which she was detained twenty-four hours
at Liverpool, by the British government is said
to be a project of copyright treaty between
Great Britain and this country. 1t had been
executed at Marshfeld, by the hate Daniel Web
ster and Mr.. Champion, the British Minister, a
short while before the last illness of the former;
and having been returned from England, with
the sanction and approval of the British govern
ment is now probably under the consideration
of Mr. Everett and Mr.. Champion. The pre-
sence of Mr.. Washington Irving at the capital
is perhaps not unconnected with the negotia-
ton, and it is more than likely that nothing is
now wanting but the ratification of the Senate
to convert it into law. We understand that
its provisions are similar to those of the inter-
national copyright treaty executed between
France and England, thirteen months ago, and
are fully adequate to protect the rights of au-
thors and artists in both countries Under its
authority, the authors of 'books, of dramatic
works. of musical compositions. of drawings
Of paintings of sculptures, of engravings, of
Autographs, and of any other works whatsoever
of literature and the fine arts" published and
copyrighted in the United States will, ipso
.facto enjoy oil the rights and privileges which
an English copyright would insure to them in
Great Britain; and in like manner, a British
copyright will possess the same legal authority
in the United States as an entry in the clerks
office of the District Court, pursuant to act of
Congress. The only conditions imposed on
American authors are the registration of their
copyright in Stationers' Hall and strict
compliance with the laws of Great Britain
in respect to the deposite Of a copy
of their work in the British Museum; while
their English brethren must register at Wash
ington, and deposit copies, Of their works in the
institutions appointed by law to receive them
The copyright Of translation of a work in a
foreign language WILL on compliance with these
formalities eiJsy the same validity in both
countries. as that Of an original work, without
of course, interfering with the right of any other
party to translate the same work. The republi-
cation of articles in periodicals may be pro-
hibted by a conspicuous notice affixed to the
article, notifying the public that the author or
Such are, as we understand, the leading pro-
visions Of treaty the Importance (which is
hardly less than that of any of the numerous
international conventions this country has ever
concluded.
The moment it becomes law, the system of
wholesale piracy on which the publishers of both
countries have been fattening for so many years,
will be uprooted. The poets and historians Of
England will at length enjoy the same protec-
ton that is vouchsafed to the grocer and the
tailor; and the talented band of young Ameri-
cans who are nobly competing for the palm of
literature with their transatlantic brethren, may
continue the struggle without fear of the ghouls
of Paternoster row. Crushed, though they have
hitherto been by competition with writer's of at
least equal merit, and whose works did not cost
the publisher cent, they have earned world
wide fame, and pressed their rivals SO closely
that the leading critic of England was impelled
to warn his countrymen Of their danger. What
will they not do in fair field, when remunerative
prices are paid for their labor, and their competi
tors enter the lists on the same footing as them
selves? Proudly. indeed, may we look forward
| to new era in our lterature-an era possibly
in which New York may become the great pub
fishing mart for the modern classics of our Ian
guage, and the fame ola Macauley, Tennyson,
and Dickens, may be overshadowed by coun-
trymen Of ours Such q stimulus will interna-
tional copyright give to American literature
Nor is the new Jaw less pregnant with moral
results. 1t will remove the stain of piracy
which has so long disgraced the publishers of
America. and will compel that estimable fra
ternity to show the same regard to the property
Of others that they claim for their own. We
| shall no longer witness the Messrs. Appleton
| appropriating the fruits of the mechanical la
bors Of scientific Englishmen. or Mr. Putnam
| making a monthly razzia Of the wit and fancy
Of British authors. Messrs. Stringer & Town
send will learn wish dismay that the fund of
novels into which they have been plunging a
lawless hand for this many year, is henceforth
under the same watch as their own cash box.
and that depredations upon the one will be
punished as severely as larcenies from the other
Mr.. Redfeld will be denied the lucrative amuse-
ment Of cooking up English books to suit an
American palate; and even the Harpers will be
forced to be honest. Conceive kind reader the
CONSERVATION among the Wileys the Longs.
the Dewitts and Davcnports, the Bunnells and
Rioes. the CARTONS and Phillpses. the Bunces.
the Blanchard and Leas. Ct hoe genus on,ne OF
small fry. when they are told that the old saw
about picking and stealing" is henceforth to
be construed literally against them. and that if
they will publish, they must buy an au
thor's work, and not rob him by the way
side. Picture their Indignation when they
arc compelled to take notice that an authors
brains are not necessarily common pro
perty, which any one who pleases may
flch. Fancy the bewlderment Of the men who
r.crIll ct.Lu - Il r.