stor; but no kind of mercy is shown to the
product of a foreigner's brain--than which one would think nothing but
his soul should be more sacred among all Christian men. On the
contrary--not content with leaving him unprotected, there is in the
tariff an express provision for the encouragement of plunder. No one
pretends that the revenue of the United States requires the tax of ten
per cent. _ad valorem_, upon all importations of "books printed,
magazines, pamphlets, and illustrated newspapers, bound or unbound;"
yet, such are the terms of the tariff of 1846, and it was designed
expressly to prevent importations, and encourage the piratical,
manufacture of such things at home. I say so, because it is notorious,
and has been exposed by American writers themselves.

Now, let us see how "Napper Tandy" is likely to fare under regulations
like these! Can it be possible, you will say, that the Model Republic
cherishes designs so predatory; and is there no other explanation of a
law which seems so outrageous? There are laws, I am aware, which are
by no means what they seem, and British law is the last to dispense
with a concession so important. I have, therefore, put this American
statute into every light that seemed likely to show it to better
advantage, and I confess there is one view of the subject, which, as
being myself a resident, it gives me pleasure to suggest. Is it not
conceivable, after all, that the original purpose of the statute was
merely to extend, to exactly such worthies as the author of "Napper
Tandy," a polite invitation to a literary sojourn in America? You know
how many British authors, with no such inducements, have preferred
Italy to their native land; and why should not this country, at least
in the partial eyes of its own legislators, be worthy of a share of
their company? The suggestion is equally complimentary to the
law-givers, and to those whose society is thus held at a premium. It
is true, that, excepting Will Cobbett, few English writers of eminence
have taken the hospitable hint; but who could have foreseen this
result, when so many of the literary race are perpetually sighing for
lodges in the wilderness, and dwellings in the desert! Monsieur Dumas
might indeed be reluctant to accept the flattering overtures of a
country which is known to cherish such antipathies to his great
ancestor Ham, and all that interesting family; and is quite, excusable
for preferring the persecutions of French court