Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 100, April 18, 1891 by Various
page 27 of 43 (62%)
page 27 of 43 (62%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
AN AUTOCRAT'S ASPIRATION.--Pan-Slavism for Holy Russia, and Pan-Slav(e)ism for the rest of Europe. * * * * * LAND AND BRAIN. (_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 |
|