The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-11-01
The Patent ONCE.

To tie Editor of The Union:
Your correspondent, J. c. F. Solomon, esq, on the
subject of Patent Office abuses. Sc, your paper of the
23i October is entirely at fault TO the true OF
the origin OF the existing evils and coming abuses upon
which he descants He is actuaed no doubt. by good
intentions, but certainly lays the blame at the wrong
door II there is for complaint, (and all who
acquainted with the subject know there is enough,)
charge it to the right source-Thomas Ewbank, Commits
sioner Of Patents. The Patent Office wanted more room
and more building and has wanted for years. fact
too notorious need special proof See the reports of the
two former Commissioners and public sentiment, pasm
Mr. Ewbank knew full well that such was the state OF
things his advent 10 Office Blu. what did he do, AM
what did he say! Why. forsooth the Department Of the
Interior was without habation. The then Secretary,
MIR. Ewing, whose influence got Mr.. Ewbank his APP
poiniment fixed his eye upon the new Patent Olice
building Mr. Ewbank saw II. and he actually REPORTED
that the Office did not want any more room-thus turning
rccreant 10 the interests and ants OF the mechanical
terests Of the bureau which he called to pre-
side Before he did this however, he consulted his sub
ordnates; and there was, sure, but general
sponse-viz., more But that would not do: the
Secretarys demand must be complied with. And-can
you believe ii MIR Ewbank extorted from OF his
officials against his convictions. certificate that
there was room enough. This trucking was of
transparent TO Secretary Ewing, and he accordingly put
Mr.. Eubank in his pocket The new building was
therefore laid out with reference TO the wants OF the
Department of the Interior, with only partial and graia
consideration for the Patent Office Then come public
opinion again. and the debates in Congress the sub
ject and. lastly, the present Secretary of the Interior,
for the purpose OF ascertanng the real wants OF the
Patent Office, addressed letter 10 The Commissioner Of
Patents for information. Aud what did the Commits
sioner, Mr.. Ewbank, do l. Did he give III Not at all.
He consulted his examiners and requested them to make
out statement He was already committed TO the former
Secretary and now that the tide OF public opinion
strong against him in his former opinion, he did not dare
10 tell the honest convictions Of his heart but called upon
his subordna,es to stand in the gap They gave him,
have heard report somewhat in accordance with the
ports of Commissioners Ellsworth and Burke and he,
with his aiiop diplomacy sent this report 10 the Secre
tary without giving his opinion OF course the Sec.
rotary repudiaed this report and returned it to Mr. Ew-
bank with the inimson that he had asked his (Ar Ew.
bank's) opinion Here, then, the Commissioner con-
cerned and he forced 10 give opinion. and did give
one Whether il was his not, and what il was, !
do no, pretend to know; but presume il modi.
cation intended to meet his very peculiar very shal.
low, very transparent, very suicidal policy
II Mr.. Stuart is favoraby inclined towards the in
ventor, and i. ever DESTROYS of accommodating him,
he will OF course take and occupy the assigned
him by Mr. Ewbank and should evil 10 the interests OF
the inventor or The mechanical wants OF the country
suit hereom let the condemnation fall the author OF
the mischief JUSTTTIA.