New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-04-04

English photographs exposes itself 70 prosecu-
G Con ana neavy penalties for every copy sold in
Sreat Britain. The law IL explicit and cannot
oe evadcd IL the Union chooses TO enforce IL and
W make an example OF American offenders All
.nat VIII be necessary is TO furnish proof that
the copies OF the paper or periodical are sold in
England ~ N -
The practice OF American magazines like
harpers and The Century is In full con-
Iormity with the principles of copyright
uc"stood mere. The rights of reproduction OF
Illustrations are secured in the usual way, and
no penalties are invited. American book pub
hshers. with few exceptions. take the same hon.
oraoie course and comply with the requirements
OF copyright respecting photographs and other
illustrations. While American newspapers which
are not sold in England or Europe cannot be
prosecuted for INFRINGEMENT of copyright in re-
producing foreign photographs by the half-tone
or other processes, 1t would certainly be an ex-
cellent practice, from the point of view Of Inter-
national morals. for them to pay the usual fees
for the privilege Of using foreign work The
foreign photographer who registers his pictures
has property right In them which ought to
be recognized and respected. whether at home or
abroad. The fees for reproduction are not ex-
orbitant. II these are paid there Will be
marked improvement In newspaper Illustrations
OF. foreign subjects. A half-tone from a good
photograph is manifestly superior to copy
which can be made by any process from an
illustration in foreign journal.
English experience, at any rate, demonstrates
the facility with which newspaper illustrations
can be regulated by simple application OF the
copyright principle. registry fee OF shilling
will protect any English sitter for a photograph
against unauthorized reproduction anywhere in
Europe where the Berne Convention has been
accepted II he allows the photograph TO be
taken for sale in galleries of celebrities. he re-
linquishes his copyright to the photographer; but
otherwise he retains it, and has cause OF action
against any newspaper or periodical that repro
duces 1t without his consent. The Ellsworth law
designed for the suppression Of Objectionable
features Of yellow journalism would have a
limited application to single State and be of
questionable utility. The copyright principle IS
national. and If it be enforced on simple lines it
can hardly fail TO provide ample facilities for the
protection of private rights. The law Of libel
offers the only redress against carica lures.
American photographers. who have already
organized an association similar to the English
Photogra phic Union. have much to gain by ex-
tending the scope OF its operations. Copyright
arms PHOTOGRAPHERS with full power for the pro-
lection Of their property here and 1t can hardly
be less effective in America. If they are equally
active in making a stand against unauthorized
use Of their work and in co operating to promote
the interests of the profession. The movement
ought TO enlist the sympathy and support OF
reputable journals il America, as it has done In
England 1t is based upon common honesty. ard
II tends to raise the standards of newspaper Illus
trations and to improve their artistic quality.
l. N T.