The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-02-18


posely deceived by frequent illusions to the
high prices of particular works or particular
editions in England France, and Germany,
where books generally are decidedly cheaper
than thev arc or erer haze been IN the
United States Even with the existing duties
on books printed abroad those Of Bohn Knight,
Vizetelly Ingram, Cooke Il Co., and other pub
fishers in London, are sold in New York for
t,centy per cent less than american publishers
isoud ask for them. This fact entirely demo
fishes all that can be said of making books less
accessible to the people" by an international
copyright arrangement.
Mr.. Everett has kept this treaty. we fear, too
long from the Senate. We hope it will be sub
mitted for the approval of that body imme-
diatcly and that its consideration will have the
presidency to which it is entitled for its i'm
portance. Ii it is defective in detail. it can be
revised after we have had some experience of
it's practical operation. I'm any event." it will
secure to us
Better foreign literature;
Better American literature;
In foreign and American literature q more
American and republican spirit;
The friendly sympathies Of foreign scholars
and thinkers;
Independence and vigorous life in our own
writers; and
A better and comparatively cheaper manu-
facture Of books.
We have done with the subject for the pre-
sent, probably. but will add one suggestion, to
be considered by the law-making power. In
dependent Of. and aside from the recognition of
copyrights, it should be established that any
alteration whatever Of an authors book, except
by acknowledged additions, in notes, &C., is
felony, punishable with the utmost severity;
and all persons buying books so altered. should
be enabled to prosecute the seller for obtaining
money under false pretences. The abuse is rank,
and, copyright or no copyright, it must be aba
ted. But we have now time and space only for
this allusion to it.
word as to what we have said to-day, and
hitherto, Of opposition to international copy
right by publishers. A large proportion Of the
most eminent houses comprising, of course, the
most intelligent and honorable gentlemen in
: the trade" we have authority for saying, are
decidedly in favor Of an international copyright
treaty
INSUFFICIENT PROVISIONING OF AUSTRALIAN
SHIPs-There have been very general COM
plants among the passengers of vessels which
have left this port, for some time past bound for
Australia and it appears that large proper
ton Of those vessels have not carried water or
provisions enough for the entire voyage. We
called attention to the subject not very long
ago, and we have since received letters from
passengers, complaining in the bitterest terms
Of the meanness and want of faith exhibited
by the agents or owners Of emigrant ships, in
not properly or sufficiently provisioning them
before they put out to sea.
Among the several communications which
have reached us on this subject, we have one
which informs us of the resolute action taken
by the emigrants on board, in seeking the in
terposition Of the authorities at the first point
where they touched, having survey made of
the ships provisions, and forcing the COM
mander to put in an adequate supply, which
lars, to defray which expense it was necessary
to place lien on his vessel. This was just as
it should be; and we hope the determination to
obtain their rights, thus evinced by the passep-
gers Of the ship alluded to, will have good
effect in teaching the owners that they will not
be permitted to trife with the health and safety
Of travellers to minister to their own cupidity
and avarice. The provisions which cost five
thousand dollars at intermediate ports would
not have amounted to half that sum in New
York; and if they had been furnished in the
first instance, the delay expense, and inconve-
nience Of putting in for supply would not
have occurred. This will, no doubt have q
better effect than the most stringent legislation
on the subject, inasmuch as it is most irresisti-
bic argument to the purse.
Now, then, gentlemen, ifyou will not properly
provision your vessels for the sake of preserving
aith to your passengers, you will at least do so
'or the sake Of avoiding increased expenditure
Personal Intelligence.
Mr.. Robert Bunch, Vice Consul to Anthony Barclay
Esq, H. B. NJ Consul at New York. has been appointed
" Mr.. Champion, H. B. H. Minister at Washington,
ocm <nens Of the consulate at Philadelphia vacated by
he death Of Mr.. VIM Peters.
City Intelligence.
THE LATE EXECUTION THE ToMHs-In our report of the
Incidents which occurred and me religious services which
celebrated at the city prison. previous to the execu
ion of the convict Clark, there occurs mistake which
beg correct The report states that the unfortu
nate man parook of hearty breakfast at eight O'Clock
IN the morning. and received the holy communion be-
the hours OF nine and ten This error in
he Roman Catholic church communicates always
lasting The mistake occurred in arranging the matter
FOR the printers.
FmE.-wednesday evening fire broke out in the third
If boh lin
sed BY the bursting Of camphene lamp. The flames
extnguished but not until property to the amount Of
500 destroyed.
AccIpEyT.-About half past ten A. N. Wednesday, wo
man named Catharine Linn, was knocked down In the
T3owery by n stage and seriously injured She
conveyed to the station house and DR. Budd sent for who