New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-10-31
MR.. G. II. PUrNAws ARGUMENT.

Mr.. George Haven Putnam, before eiyid
his signature to the petition in heha ~ the propss
treaty presented October %. 1880 his former sye
meui in favor OF tsrn OF not less than SIX months
whether Justly or not. American puDlis ers have
having DISTRACTED international copyright. and 4
having thus lett in existence n state ~ ihiags whk}
worked Injustice for authors, whether Enclsb er neJ
1t is now CHARGED against US that We are resp
support International copyright not beeau-e we caf1
any more than heretofore ABOUT Tue rants o. Anihcej
but because the rise OF new eass OK eompeluo1 az
convinced IA thar we can make more money viiE
cOpyrigh; taan without one.
This being the ease 50 seems 10 be especially npcii
tant that the measarcs now recommended hy the rAi
fishers sh1ad DO free from the appearance OF any Bs
s,iushness; and the three months restriction VIII,
likely that Il viii work to the disadyantage OF ~
authors OF the first cradle Tho.c whose regulations II
wen established can OF course make their nrrangcmeu
for works !n advance OF the EnglisftpDitcati1a
for the lerer class whose position 4 not yet esiahlshc
the price they will be able 10 obtain IN tue UEiiej
States will often depend upon the reception gwen
their books by the English critics and public andio W
case tho American publisher VIII wish % examine "a
material preferably IN the form OF proof shcc,l eei
deciding upon 1t. There viii not be time witno Il
sitioas. and the author. with tie dread 4
slipping up altogether on his copyright might one
ana might easily feel that ne had been cornered a
doing by the provision inserted In the treaty by A
can publishers. We should virtually say 10 the bnsos,
author; Unless Won accept terms by return BAH
you will ose your American copyright altocet1erF
not fair answer 20 the objection 10 claim that be eoa
trust 10 the lalrness OF Tue puo.lsheEs Dou1tes' :
many he could. hut that Kind OF trusting does ~
the American author would be sfiil decided as II
the very general experience that English publishers
quirc as RUE longer period for the consideration
suggeStioEs than DO their American brethren.
'This three months restriction wold also work 10 N
disadvantage OF the publisher himself IL win often haI
pen that English work win be ged for late IN ID
London spring season, which should not wish 10 brig
out here until the autumn. Under this arran gene
however. might be compelled in order 10 protect N
copyright, TO throw away money, or the Interest
money by Publishing In Jaly. with illustrated ssien
tile works there may also easily delays, whd
would brnC the copyright into risk.
cannot think there would b. any material din eulrr
in connection with the matter OF supplying America,
readers promptly. The interest Of both Publishers ana
authors could certainly be trusted, as at present, y
br the material njO sale ut the earliest date cOnap
cut with proper standard OF manufacture. / 90 no'
know also, why IL would not be proper 10 peglit ga
English edition 10 be imrorted until thc American M
ready FOR sale. That world sufficiently protect the QUO
lie, while il would hasten the production of the Amerca1
copies should like 10 the limitation eNtondc1
Ia twelve months aud trust that In it viii be e
Tor less than six From what hove heard from New
York and Boston publishers, should suppose tnat
large majority In favor of the loDg term. The n
etrcton rs 10 the publishing being done By America
citizen also seems to be unwise. l do not believe
could be carried into effect and should that cas-
have the disadvantage OF appearing selfish without ses
ting anything for It. There would be nothing Ia preye
the MAcmaas, for instance, from assocatng with tSeI
Newlcrk branch some American clerk, whose nsil'
the Publishing could be done"