_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." * * * * * [Illustration: NOT CAUGHT YET! MASTER LONDON-COUNTY-COUNCIL. "IF I CAN ONLY GET NEAR ENOUGH!!!"] * * * * * OPERATIC NOTES. [Illustration: "Oh, I mustn't Catch the Speaker's Eye!"]