(_A PAGE FROM A VADE MECUM FOR POLITICAL ECONOMISTS._)
_Question_. Can you tell me how long an Author has a right to the
profits arising out of his literary labours?
_Answer_. Forty-two years, or the term of his natural life plus
seven years further, whichever may be the longer.
_Q._ And should Lord MONKSWELL's Copyright Bill, which has
been read a First Time in the House of Peers, become law, will not
this right be extended to thirty years after the death of the Author?
_A._ It will, to his great advantage. The same measure contains
other valuable provisions to secure to the Author the just profit of
his brain-work.
_Q._ But will not these advantages be purchased at the price of a
loss to the general good?
_A._ Very likely--the community will suffer for the benefit of the
individual.
_Q._ In like manner a Patentee, who invents a most useful article,
enjoys (for a consideration) a monopoly of its sale, does he not?
_A._ For fourteen years. This enables him to recoup himself for
the thought and labour he has employed in the most useful article's
construction.
_Q._ If Author and Inventor were allowed an absolute monopoly of
the profits arising out of their brain-work, it would be immoral?
_A._ No doubt, as the individuals would benefit at the cost of the
community.
_Q._ Why should a butterman, then, have an absolute right in the
sale of his butter?
_A._ Because butter is butter, and brains are merely brains.
_Q._ And would it not be for the benefit of the community if the
landowner of a freehold were deprived of his rights after a term of
years, and his holding be given to the public?
_A._ Oh dear, no! Land, as RUDYARD KIPLING would say, "is
quite another story!"
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COUNSEL'S MOTTO (_objected to in the Committee Rooms_).--"Absence
makes the fees grow stronger."
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[Illustration: NOT CAUGHT YET!