The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-02-17
THE BOLK MONOPOLY.

One of the very worst monopolies is
that In books. 10 perfect this Pub
lishers' Central Association has been Or
ganized. 1t met the other day in Boston,
and after resolving to limit the discount
on books to any outside the trade to
twenty per cent.-hitherto from thirty to
| forty-adjourned to meet again in three
weeks to consider the seventy per cent.
business. Exactly as to the nature of
this seventy per cent. problem we are
not fully advised; but it is evidently
swindle in favor of ignorance and vice
and for the unjust enrichment of pub
| fishers.
If any class of people should be decent,
and virtuous, and just, it is the class
that deals in books. If books subserve
the cause of truth and excellence con-
slant association with them should tend
| to establish the mind in good principles.
1t is therefore discouraglng to see those
from whom better things are expected
following the example Of all the unregeD-
crate idolators of mammon, and combin-
ing together for the purpose OF destroy
competition swindling the public by eX-
orbitant profits, discouraging the diffu-
sion OF knowledge, and gathering into
few hands fortunes that have tended to
impoverish the people, and are positively
hurtiul to their possessions.
liza cheap dealer break down dear
dealer by attending to his own honest
business he renders the public good ser
vice; and he will be apt continue to deal
honestly in order not to be broken down
by some one else. Very different from
this is the deliberate combination of all
dealers to prevent fair dealing or forbid
any one from doing business as cheaply
as he pleases.
The people want and have a right to
have their business done as cheaply
as possible, and free competi-
tion is the only way to secure 1t. These
book publishers are seeking, not only to
prevent the sale of books at fair prices,
but they are striving to increase profits
which have been for many years out
ra9e0usly uhJust.
The power which such an association
wields, is that of honor and the public
sentiment of the guild. There is ''honor
among thieves" and the publishers are
seeking to profit by it. Public sentiment
is a force often stronger than law with
police behind it, and they are organiz-
ing this sentiment.
Should any publishers refuse to sub.
scribe to the demands Of the association
he is a marked man to be hunted down
and driven out Of the business. 1t Is
difficult for one who Is not giant to
stand against the combined warfare Of
his guild. One or two publishers OF
Philadelphia have thus far refused to
sign the pledges proffered them by the
Executive Committee. We would know
their names because we wish to build
them monuments as testimonials to pos
terity that some honesty yet fingered in
corrupt, money-seeking age.
By the rule hitherto followed, library
associations and individuals have been
able to buy books by the twenty-five OF
more dollars worth with a reduction oi
80 or more per cent. Tho Central Asso.
citation is seeking to reduce this discount
to 20 per cent. 1t is also striving to keep
up and increase retail prices.
1t is difficult to correct such villainy
II all concur in the movement. The peo.
pie will be compelled to stop buying
books and to associate for the purpose Of
: getting the means OF culture. The course
, Of the association is sshort-sighted as well
as dishOnorable and unbecoming to men
of character.
: The book business has been immensely
, increasing during the past twenty years,
, and there is not the least shadow OF an
lexcuse for this proceeding.
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