From time to time International Copyright has occupied
attention, and Mr. Sumner has often in correspondence expressed
himself with regard to it. The following letter, in answer
to an inquiry, was published by a New York committee of the
following gentlemen: George P. Putnam, S. Irenæus Prime, Henry
Ivison, James Parton, Egbert Hasard.
SENATE CHAMBER, February 17, 1868.
MY DEAR SIR,--Pardon my delay. There are two ways of dealing
with the question of International Copyright,--one by the treaty
power, and the other by reciprocal legislation.
I have always thought that the former was the easier, but at the
present moment the House of Representatives is not disposed to
concede much to the treaty power.
Mr. Everett, while Secretary of State, negotiated a treaty
on this subject with Great Britain, which was submitted to
the Senate, reported by the Committee on Foreign Relations,
considered in the Senate, and finally left on the table, without
any definitive vote.
I shall send you a copy of this treaty, which, I believe, has
never seen the light.
I have always been in favor of an International Copyright, as
justice to authors and a new stage in the unity of nations.
Perhaps the condition of public affairs at this time, the
preoccupation of the public mind, the imminence of the
Presidential election, and also the alienation from England, may
present temporary obstacles. But I am sanguine that at last the
victory will be won. If authors should have a copyright anywhere,
they should have it everywhere within the limits of civilization.
Accept my best wishes, and believe me, dear Sir,
Faithfully yours,