
We have started here a plan for some Authors' Readings in aid of International Copyright, to be given at the Madison Square Theatre April 28, 29 & 30, from 4 o'clock to 6 in the afternoon.
The use of the theatre is given free. Five or six authors will read each day. A committee of ladies,
of prominent & influential position, will dispose of the
tickets, & all that authors have to do is to give their services. Howells,
Warner, Mark Twain, Dr. Eggleston
& Frank Stockton have all promised to take part. We have hopes, also,
of Holmes & others. I am asked to invite you to come & read on one of the
days, & I add to this my own earnest request that you will do so. It will be a great help to us, to
have you. Regarding the selection you may prefer, please give me your views. I know there is a great
desire to have you give "When Lilacs Last in the Door-yard Bloomed"—or at least a part of it.
Will you not heed this desire? It would be a revelation—a thing to be remembered for many years.
I feel pretty sure that you are in accord with the object, & that you will respond to the idea that it is well for the authors to help themselves & their foreign brothers in this matter—by standing up & doing something practical to help on the International Copyright agitation. We shall be able with little effort, by this plan, to raise a substantial fund with which to prepare for hard work in Congress next December.—The question of expense need not stand in your way. We will pay all your expenses.—Please write me speedily, in a day or two, so that I may announce your participation.
Always faithfully yours G P Lathrop

