New-York tribune., 1901-02-02

is by Albert Sonnchsen. The writer OF II
was quartermaster in one Of the United States
transports. who was captured by the Filipinos
on one of his adventurous expeditions in the
island with camera. He was held in their
camps. moving back before the United States
Army into the interior Of the country as oc-
cason required. and of course. saw many things
at close hand that not generally known His
narrative is said to be very minute. naive and
simple in style. but to show the writer's gift for
picking out the significant thing and for in
dicatfng thus the habits of thought OF the Fill
pinos and their character.
The title originally selected for this book was
"A Prisoner Among the FilipinOs,' but it was
found that under the same title had been printed
some time ago a series Of magazine papers de-
scribing Lieutenant GiInore's captivity and es-
cape in Luzon: and though these have not
appeared as a book it vas thought wise TO
adopt different style for Mr. Sonnichsea's
book. The question Of ownership in the title OF
a book is a difficult and subtle one, even when
it comes under the copyright law. and reputable
publishers are generally agreed 70 let it be. in
Mr.. John Murray's phrase. "a matter OF mutual
courtesy and convenience =" So far the legal
aspect of it is concerned. it appears that the
courts are governed by the particular oircum-
stances Of each case. Tney viii not en1on
the use by a rival publisher OF title previously
appropriated by another unless It is seen To be
a distinctive or commercially valuable one, and
unless it appears that the later conner is trying
70 appropriate under false pretences some Of
the success and popularity that may have been
gained by tho earlier. AS a representative Of
tho Scribucr house observed. II somebody tried
now TO bring out a book called Wild Animals
Have known" or wild Animals That l Have
known" an injunction would probably be
granted: but he doubted il this would be the
case in a book under the title of The Rough
Riders or Paul Jones" since they are not suf-
fcientIy distinctive So too. with titles Of old
books that have dropped out of sight. in which
a motive for making false Pretences could not be
shown.
In the opinion Of another man in the trade the
question is rather an academic one at the best
since almost every case would fall into one Of
two classes either a title would be well
known so distinctive that its theft would be
Immediately enjoined and the pirate seeing de-
feat inevitable in the future would have
sufficient financial temptation TO steal. or else
1t would be so little known as 20 make IL OF no
value as an object of theft, and he would not
undertake it. In case a pirate won at law. he
would really gain very little. since the result Of
his labor and expense would simply be 20 show
that the title in question was not protected, and
to invite his competitors TO enter the field and
take away most Of his possible profits; while II
he lost he would. of course. be out more or less
substantial sum Of money. The pirates" said
this gentleman. don't to have things set
tied; they want 10 have them unsettled, for that
is the condition Of things in which they can
prosper" AS matter of fact. reputable pub
fishers are always governed In the matter by
Mr.. Murray's maxim.
Johnston's History OF the United states for
Schools" has been thoroughly revised and am
plifed by Professor William Macdonald. now of
Bowdon Collera, who has just been called 20
Brown UniversIt 20 I'll the vacancy left by
Professor Jameson's removal 20 the University