February 4 Saturday – Sam had long been outspoken in support of international copyright legislation. The lack of protection for foreign writers caused several problems, and not simply to the writers. First, the spread of writing without royalties paid created a competitive disadvantage for domestic writers. Second, increased demand abroad for American writers led to increased piracy there. Third, American readers were hindered from full development of their national literature. Fourth, American booksellers were hurt financially. Last, the situation created a great deal of injustice to many “second-list” writers who did not have the wherewithal to travel to establish English copyright, etc. Past efforts and bills in Congress had failed to pass. The American Publishers’ Copyright League and other copyright groups were beginning to stir up public opinion for Congress to act. The New York Times, page 2 ran the case for the Copyright League, with this appeal to the public:

INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT

We appeal, therefore, to all members of the book trade and to all readers of books, to co-operate in the efforts now being made to secure from Congress an international copyright law. We invite them to associate themselves with one or the other of the copyright leagues, and we urge them also to write in behalf of the measure to their respective Senators and Representatives. We ask, further, that they will aid in securing signatures to the memorials in behalf of international copyright which will shortly be placed in the bookstores for the purpose, and that they will do what may be in their power to develop and to bring to bear an enlightened public opinion on the subject.

John W. Spencer of McKinney, Texas, wrote to Sam, asking charity for Miss Eleanor (Aunt Nelly) Lampton. Sam wrote crosswise in the margin and sent the letter to Franklin. G. Whitmore:

I will not even read this sort of letter just now. For the present you must do the reading — & the answering too. [MTP].