The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-07-03

II Is plain, from the case Of the Messrs. latham
quoted, they could never have ob.ained q pate at
excepting on appeal, and then all the expenses OF
the laws delay, and witnesses to the seat Of go
vernment, and expenses there, and all the private
influence Of the Court, (and to this, the COM
increase his silary can be brought to bear against
the luckless inventor; and after all-tel it not in
Gath-the wronged, insulted, and injured inventor
must pay all the expenses ct both sides-hs swn
and the commissions whether the is deci-
ded in favor Of the inventor or not. In the mean
time, any attempt to reform the patent laws, and
give to inventors equal rights with all other CHI
zens is looked upon in the same light the oppo-
sition Of our revolutionary fathers was beh I'D by
the tyrant of England, who brought them to that
country to answer for offences committed here. But
even in that case, they were not compelled to pay
court expenses when innocent.
Because inventors protested against such out
rageous laws, the late Commissioner imagined they
desired his removal and be joined to assist the pre-
sent to hold his place, knowing ne was odious to
them, and appearing DESTROYS OF retorting on the
inventors, of New York especially, an injury he
supposed done to himself by their Discrimination to
submit to such arbitrary laws. II ne has since
changed his policy it seems he has only cast pre-
judce upon the cause he advocates; from all which
the undersigned respectfully desires to be exempt.
Believing reasons sufficient have been given why
the present Commissioner of Patents should not
hold the place he occupies, even II honest, while he
has such strong prejudices and such vindictive
disposition, and is SO improperly supported, and
that he is deficient on the score of mechanical
as well as legal knowledge, it is respectfully sub
mitted whether, on due examination, he ought
not to be removed
But there is a "bigher law" by which, accord
ing to the principles of the American government,
he has forfeited the place he holds His intentions
may be honest and this he has offered to swear, as
ifthat could settle the case If he were so. An
atheist at the gallows foot, would do the same to
save his life. The undersigned does not charge or
believe the commissioner would deliberately take a
false oath. lie has believed him to be proud
with an undsciplined mind, and just enough
learning to impose upon those who know less than
himself, and there are very many such, and they
are ready, in this age OF progress, to follow any
lS0is f1tnns when such man as Mr.. Greeley cries,
"Lo here Here is the true light which shall en-
Tighten every man who cometh to this Western
world A glorious light" 1t is such extrava-
CANT and misplaced ecstacy, which, with the denun'
Citations of his opponents by his disci ples has fur
nished apology for mnch, which without such
and other pr0vocation, o1ld seem harsh and vim
dictive II is plain that all this affects not the real
merits OF the case 1t is presumed that every
statesman will perceive at glance that the main
principle of the first report OF the commissioner
embraces the proposition to use the fees paid in by
invenorsfor the purpose of paying the expenses Of
securing their patent right, under the constitution
for other purposes than is therein contemplated
That the principle Of the proposition is to take
from all patentees to give to a few who may be in
favor with the powers in Office. and thus increase
the patronage of Office at the expense of those who
hOnorably scorn to sue for favors That the effect
is to male the great body of inventors the slaves Of
a few whose halfwitted experiments will most pro-
badly amount to nothing, but which, if successful,
must result in giving to all the public an equal
share with the inventors, whose funds have been
used without their consent or appreciation. The
numbers of inventors being small, as compare with
other voters, minority is enslaved to a certain
tent for the benefit Of the vast majority. This is
the old English principle against which our fore
fathers rebelled The tax was small and it was
not that, but it the principle which aroused
them to united opposition. 1t is respectfully sub
mitted, whether the administration of your Excel
lency, after hearing proofs, will adopt the line of
policy laid down by the com missioner, and his con-
fdent disciples, with all the consequences of such
adoption vindicae the principles Of equal rights,
equal laws, and equal justice.
With assurances of the highest consideration,
CLINTON ROOSEVELT.
NEW YORK, April 9, 1851