leonic _coup d'etat_ of the 2d of
December. Secrecy and prompt and decisive action are the characteristics
of centralized governments--publicity and slow action those of
decentralized ones. Admit, however, that such limitations be found in the
treaty, by what right are they there? The basis of such a treaty is the
absolute right of the author to his book; and if that be admitted, with
what show of consistency or of justice can we undertake to dictate to him
whether he shall sell or retain it--print it here or abroad? With none,
as I think.

Admit, however, that he does print it, does the treaty require that the
market shall _always_ be supplied? Perhaps it does, but most probably it
does not. If it does, does it also provide for the appointment of
commissioners to see that the provision is always complied with? If it
does not, nothing would seem to be easier than to send out the plates of a
large book, print off a small edition, and by thus complying with _the
letter_ of the law, establishing the copyright for the long term of
forty-two years, the moment after which the plates could be returned to
the place whence they came, and from that place the consumers could be
supplied on condition of paying largely to the Chancellor of the
Exchequer, to the "Times," to the profits of Mr. Dickens' advertising
sheet, to the author, to the London bookseller, to his agent in America,
and the retail dealer here. In cases like this, and they would be
numerous, the "few cents" would probably rise to be many dollars; and no
way can, I think, be devised to prevent their occurrence, except to take
one more step forward in centralization by the appointment of
commissioners in various parts of the Union, to see that the market is
properly supplied, and that the books offered for sale have been actually
printed on this side of the Atlantic.

If the treaty does provide for publication here, it probably allows some
time therefor, say one, two, or three months. It is, however, well-known
that of very many books the first few weeks' sales constitute so important
a part of the whole that were the publisher here deprived of them, the
book would never be republished. No one could venture to print until the
time had elapsed, and by that time the English publisher would so well
have occupied the ground with the foreign edition that publication here
would be effectually stopped. Even under the present _ad valorem_ system
of duties this is being done