for the production of any one of them.  Under a system of international copyright, Dumas, already so largely paid, would be protected, whereas Thierry, who sacrificed his sight to the gratification of his thirst for knowledge, would not.  Humboldt, the philosopher par excellence of the age, would not, because he furnishes his readers with things, and not with words alone.  Of the books that record his observations on this continent, but a part has, I believe, been translated into English, and of these but a small portion has been republished in this country, although to be had without claim for copyright.  In England their sale has been small, and can have done little more than pay the cost of translation and publication.  Had it been required to pay for the privilege of translation, but a small part of even those which have been republished would probably have ever seen the light in any but the language of the author.  This great man inherited a handsome property which he devoted to the advancement of science, and what has been his pecuniary reward may be seen in the following statement, derived from an address recently delivered in New York:—­

“There are now living in Europe two very distinguished men, barons, both very eminent in their line, both known to the whole civilized world; one is Baron Rothschild, and the other Baron Humboldt; one distinguished for the accumulation of wealth, the other for the accumulation of knowledge.  What are the possessions of the philosopher?  Why, sir, I heard a gentleman whom I have seen here this afternoon, say that, on a recent visit to Europe, he paid his respects to that distinguished philosopher, and was admitted to an audience.  He found him, at the age of 84 years, fresh and vigorous, in a small room, nicely sanded, with a large deal table uncovered in the midst of that room, containing his books and writing apparatus.  Adjoining this, was a small bed-room, in which he slept.  Here this eminent philosopher received a visitor from the United States.  He conversed with him; he spoke of his works.  ‘My works,’ said he, ’you will find in the adjoining library, but I am too poor to own a copy of them.  I have not the means to buy a full copy of my own works.’”

After having furnished to the gentlemen who produce books more of the material of which books are composed than has ever been furnished by any other man, this illustrious man finds himself, at the close of life, altogether dependent on the bounty of the Prussian government, which allows him, as I have heard, less than five hundred dollars a year.  In what manner, now, would Humboldt be benefited by international copyright?  I know of none; but it is very plain to see that Dumas, Victor Hugo, and George Sand, might derive from it immense revenues.  In confirmation of this view, I here ask you to review the names of the persons who urge most anxiously the change of system that is now proposed, and see if you can find in it the name of