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 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!"
COUNSEL'S MOTTO (objected to in the Committee Rooms).—"Absence makes the fees grow stronger."
