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Trade Exchanges.

The National Printer-Journalist, Chicago, is a plain-spoken paper, as more than one passage in its issue for February proves. « The speaking of a gentleman as being 'endorsed by both capital and labor' … is as ridiculous as it is outrageous. Neither wealth nor labor makes an intelligent worthy citizen. They are merely incidental conditions or conditions that are constantly changing. The man who prates about labor or capital wanting this or wanting that is a self-conceited egregious ass or designing demagogue. » Writing of crimes that pass almost unnoticed in the great cities, one in particular, the atrocious murder of an Alabama journalist, the editor says, « Recent events in the United States have led some to wish for a responsible monarch whose personal interests rested in the welfare of all his subjects alike. » « There has been a great letting-down of late in our large cities as to this idea of the sacredness of one's person and the inviolability of one's home and honor. Assaults and attempted murders are too often treated in our papers in a flippant heartless manner, only as a joke or something with which the people generally have no concern, except to have it served up to them in entertaining manner in the daily press to amuse an idle moment. » We like to see a paper with opinions and the courage to give them expression. But we have no doubt that offended cranks write to the editor and tell him that he is a « Tory, » and that he troubles himself about things with which a trade paper has no concern.

Carl Kempe's Graphische Anzeiger for the New Year comes to us in an enlarged form, and in an attractive cover.

L'Intermédiaire des Imprimeurs, Lyons, contains a double-page example of rule-and-tint work by Jules Blanc, entitled « Paysage Lyonnais. » It represents a stone bridge over a rocky stream, with cottages, trees, and mountains in the background. There are two workings of rule, by which cross-hatchings to any extent are obtained, and the picture is completed by three tints, stone-color, blue, and green. The work shows remarkable skill and patience; but only a French compositor would consider it worth while to produce a picture by this tedious method. In the January issue we find an example of job-work in two colors and two tints which, while it shows accurate workmanship, is, like much French color-work, disappointing, the effect being quite inadequate to the time and labor employed. There is a weakness and want of decision about the work which contrasts with the bold effects produced by English and German artists in type.

With No. 73, for the Spring Season, 1896, Caslon's Circular has « attained its majority. » We are glad to say that we have the entire series of this interesting paper from the beginning.

The Journal für Buchdruckerkunst has commenced a series of articles dealing with the composition of the Russian language.

The American Bookmaker closes a volume with the January number, and announces a change of title and widened program for the future. Throughout its whole career the Bookmaker has been an able and worthy exponent of the art.

The Inland Printer still expands. The December number contains a practical article, with illustrations, on « The Value of the Pen-Stroke » (the modern ornament ), by Mr. E. M'Clure. The recent fashions in type design are discussed by correspondents from various points of view. The editor of Typo writes on « Typographical Nomenclature, » advocating the introduction of regular system, and, incidentally, suggesting the use of the word « minims » in place of the awkward term « lowercase. » There is a biographical notice of the late William Morris, with a good portrait. In the January number, Mr. French writes on « Type Expression, » giving a remarkable example of effects produced by the linotype. Mr. Ralph writes on the right use of initials; and Mr. A. K. Taylor asks « ؟ Where am I at? » « Many a man feels on Saturday night, » he says, « after he has paid off his hands, that he really wishes that he could trade places with some one of them, happy in knowing what he would receive at the end of each week for his week's work.… A man does not stand still in business; he is either making or losing money. » Mr. Mills writes on « An Australian artist—D. H. Souter," and sends examples of his clever work. « Newspaper illustrators » deals with Mr. L. D. Bradley, of the Chicago Inter-Ocean, and his work. We notice a complaint of the Government having « gone into the advertising business, » with all the advantage of free postage. ؟ What would American printers and publishers think if they had to face state competition such as prevails in New Zealand?