The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-06-22
The Fire An Mihilator.

We mos, cheerfally publish the following communica-
ton, called forth by remarks on Wednesday. We
must be permitted however to express surprise that
those remarks have been construed into mputaon Of
dscrediiable motive the part OF the propretors" Of
the invention We stated that there had been delay in
extending the benefits of Mr. Philpss invention to the
United States, which had produced Dissatisfaction but
did not pretend to know the OF that delay nor
did attribute il to discedabe motive on the part Of
any We knew neither the force of those pejudices
the strength OF those fixed interests and established
organizations which Mr. Phillips invention must newt
ably encounter. We therefore made charge against
any one We only stated facts leaving every one TO
draw his differences Ii those facts were considered
by any as amounting TO prma aee evidence that those
who control the patent for the fire annhlaor had not
used due diligence in introducing the invention among u.s.
and should charge the delay dscreditable motives we
surely could not be implicated in the charge be right
fully held TO answer for IT, Our correspondent does not
deny the truth OF what stated Wednesday. In
deed, he admits the mos, important statement we made
He admits directly the delay, and exculpates Mr. Phillips
from blame in that behalf by explaining the obstacles he
has been forced to in Europe We therefore
publish his communication with pleasure for we always
wish TO vindcate the truth, and place responsibility where
it properly belongs:
NEW YoRH, June 90, 1851
To the Editor of the Union
SIR In late editorial notice of Mr. PhilIipss FIR, an.
nnafor, you have taken occasion to express surprise
That this invention has not yet been introduced into this
country and 10 attribute The delay to some dscreditable
motive the part Of the propretors ASS coun,ryman
and personal acquaintance Of Mr. Phillips deem il due
to him and TO truth that the facts of the case should be
properly presented TO the American public feel au.
horzed TO say that MIR Phillips has been actuated in
the delay by pecuniay interest or speculation or BY
any lack Of appreciation Of the value OF the patent III the
invention has been patented the United States of which
have no doubD in the American market The DELAY
has been occasoned solely by indispensable engagements
at home 1t is only within the Last ak months thai he
has been able TO devote any attention 10 contiguous En-
ropean States and in these only by deputaons except
France which he visited personally at the instance
Of the Project of Police, Arago, and Dumas. of The
French Academy. Like all new invent;onsespe
cally those that seem to upset revolutopize certain
established nereststhis has had the public preudjca 10
encounter, much stronger in England than here and
The opposition which these vested interests know 10
wen how to weld. This opposition, although silent.
has been none the less formidable Unlike the United
States. the hire brgades OF our cities under the exclu
sve control of the insurance companies and buildings
insured, when state OF conhagration, become the
property OF these companies As the invention WIS
given TO the public in England simultaneously with the
prospectus of new insurance company Of which il
iofmeu tne was the interest ar III was tne rGnt
to re,ard the universal introduction Of the agent of
fire extinction. The opposition and misrepresentation
this plan excited towards the invention could only
~ overcome by numerous and unmstakeable demonstra-
tons These demonstrations have engaged the time and
attention OF the inventor and Of the Fire Annihator
Company for the past year. As public opinion, how
ever now strongly declaring itself favor Of the new
invention the opportunity will soon, trust, be afforded
TO Atlantic friends to avail Themselves Of IT,
As traveller through your country and possessing
information upon this subject, have offered the above
statement and explanation, which trust will he sccspt-
able TO all parties.
Respectfully, your obelient servant.
WILSON.