In view of the forthcoming centenary of Charles Dickens, a
scheme has been put forward by the Strand Magazine to raise funds for the benefit of his grandchildren, some of whom are in straitened circumstances. It is suggested that possessors of copies of Dickens's works—the total number extant is estimated at twenty-four millions—should purchase a specially designed penny stamp to affix to each volume. If only a quarter of the copies in circulation bore such a stamp, a handsome sum would be raised for the benefit of the descendants of one of the greatest of benefactors, who, owing to the state of the law of copyright during his lifetime, was prevented from securing to his heirs more than an infinitesimal share of the profits earned by the sale of his books. We are glad to assist in giving publicity to a scheme which has already met with influential support, the Honorary Committee including the names of Lord James of Hereford, Mr. Thomas Hardy, Mr. Edmund Gosse, Mr. Andrew Lang, Sir Frank Newnes, and Mr. Whitelaw Reid.
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