MY DEAR MR. PUTNAM: I beg to acknowledge, with thanks, various circulars and documents relating to the new copyright bill, including the proof copy of the bill as printed May 19, and the printed copy of the bill as introduced May 31, with notices of the first hearing before the joint committees of the Senate and House, on Wednesday, June 6, at the Library building, and of the preliminary conference to be held to-day, all of which have had my careful attention. I congratulate you that the bill has taken this definite form and is now to be given a preliminary hearing so that it will be in shape to be urged for passage next winter. The bill is a monument to the industry and broad intelligence and information of those who have been actively concerned in drafting it, and particularly of yourself and Mr. Solberg. I am proud to have had any share, however slight, in outlining it, and shall be glad to take part as actively as possible in urging it upon Congress and commending it to the people at large. As affecting the interest of my client, the Consolidated Lithograph Company, which is a large producer of lithographic and other prints, engravings, etc., especially for use as posters, the form of the bill seems satisfactory to me and I have no doubt it will be so to my client. This refers particularly to the provisions of sections 4 and 5, defining the subject-matter of copyright and the form of applications for registration. These provisions are in the highest degree liberal and enlightened. The Consolidated Lithograph Company has suggested that I attend the hearing in Washington to-morrow. I should like to do this, at least for the purpose of showing the interest which we feel in the measure and to assist in impressing the committees of Congress with its importance, though I know that after this hearing the bill will simply lie over for further consideration and for action at the next session. But it seems impracticable for me to be in Washington to-morrow, and I think that I can be of more service at a later time, when I hope that the company will still be disposed to send me there. Very truly, yours, ANSLEY WILCOX. P.S.--Will you please send me an extra copy of the bill, or two if you have them to spare? STATEMENT OF WILLIAM P. CUTTER, ESQ., OF THE FORBES LIBRARY, NORTHAMPTON, MASS.