Washington sentinel., 1854-07-13

advantage of an extension, in order to put
down the manufacture of articles which are not
equal in value to his own. This argument
warrants the conclusion, nay, it leads directly
to the conclusion, and none other, that this
House must aid and assist to build up mo-
nopoly sufficiently strong, sufficiently powerful,
to choke down and PROSTATE all competition In
this business, in order that Mr. Colt may reap
immense profits, and pocket his hundreds and
thousands of dollars, Does it mean anything
else? Can it mean anything else?
But again if Colt has had the benefits of
law confirmed by the wisdom Of this country,
which grants him patent for fourteen years,
and the benefits of an extension for seven years
longer, has he not received all that the govern
ment has guaranteed to him as the reward of
his invention? But upon the principle which
was laid down by the gentleman from Ohio,
Mr.. Bliss there ought to be no limitation at
all imposed in the granting of patents. He
tells you that in this country, when a man of
ingenuity, industry, and energy, achieves
great triumph in science or art, he ought to be
allowed to have the benefit of the products of
his own intellect, and that he ought to reap the
rewards of it indefinitely. The trainers of our
laws did not think that the benefits should be
extended for an unlimited period in that way.
They thought that there was time when
party would have received an ample remunera
tion, and they fixed that time at fourteen years.
But they provided also, that there sometimes
might be a renewal of it, if, upon the facts fur
nished by the party himself, it should be ascer-
tanned, that, for some reason or other, he had
failed to realize fair compensation. Then,
sir, it seems to me that in refusing to extend
this patent, we are doing nothing Of which Colt
can Justly complain; and if we grant the ex-
tension. we are breaking down all competition
for the benefit of one single individual
But gentlemen tell us, in this connection,
that whether Mr.. Colt is wealthy . poor, tits a
matter of no sort Of interest in lie decision of
ttis question. If it is matter of no sort of
interest, will gentlemen undertake to explain
why it is that he is required to exhibit state
ment of profits upon making his application
for an extension at the Patent Office? and
why he is required to show what his profits
have been from his invention. which he desires
to have extended? But. according to the doe
trine here contended for, if he chose not to
show that evidence there, if he chose not to
show it here, we are told that it is matter Of
no moment, whether he is worth much or little.
Ifhe has made nothing, he is able to show that
fact, and would be willing and anxious to do
so. If he has not received anything from the
New Jersey company, he can show it. He can
demonstrate that fact to the House, and make
out at least plausible case for asking this
House to extend the patent for seven years
longer. But nothing, absolutely nothing, of
this kind is done.
When this committee shall rise, hope it
will, in accordance with the suggestion of my
friend from Tennessee over the way, MIR.
ZoLLIcoFFER, postpone the decision of this
question until some future time. But whether
they do or not, shall ask the permission OF
the House to introduce the resolution of which
have given notice, in order that it may be
considered and adopted.
At the conclusion of the debate on this sub
ject, Mr.. LETCHER said:
/ now ask leave to introduce the resolution
which | have indicated, in reference to the
charges made here to-day.
Mr.. WALSH. / object, on the ground that
all such things end in smoke. They are, in
general, miserable farces.
Mr.. LETCHER. Let it be tested.
Several MEMBERS. Let the resolution be
read for information.
The resolution was read, as follows:
ResolrcG, That committee Of members
be appointed to inquire whether money has been
offered 10 members, other illegal or improper
rpaans nsed IN induce nnarnbers 10 Did in securing
the passage of bill TO extend Colts patent for
seven years; and also whether money has been
offered 10 members, or other illegal or improper
means used, either directly indirectly 10 secure
the passage of any bill through Congress; and
that said committee shall have power to send for
persons and papers, with authority to examine
witnesses on.oath.
Mr.. SEWARD. hope there will be no OBJ
lection to the resolution, or to the amendment
which desire to move.
Mr. WALSH. have specifically objected to
the introduction Of the resolution.
Mr.. LETCHER. would be glad if the gen.
tleman would withdraw his objection, and let
the resolution pass.
Mr.. WALSH. II the gentleman will assure
me that he seriously believes anything will
grow out Of it, will withdraw my objection.
Mr.. LETCHER. If had not supposed
that it was due to this House, and due to the
country, that something Of that sort should be
done, / should not have offered il.
Mr.. WALSH. withdraw the objection.
Mr.. WENTWORTH. l call for the pre-
vious question on the adoption Of the resou-
tion.
The previous question received second.
Mr.. SEWARD. hope the resolution will
be modified, so as TO embrace as well those op. |
posed to the extension Of the patent as those
who are in its favor.
Mr.. LETCHER. I am for making it as
broad as gentlemen want it.
Mr.. SEWARD. Let all be embraced.
Mr.. LETCHER. viii gil the blank with |
the word "fve," and will also modify the |
amendment by adding cor defeat" after the |
word passage" where it occurs.
Mr.. CHAMBERLAIN. / call for the yeas |
and nays upon the adoption Of the resolution.
The yeas and nays we're not ordered.
Mr.. PRATT. / hope the resolution will |
pass unanimously.
The main question was then ordered
Mr.. SEWARD. move to postpone the
consideration Of the resolution until Tuesday |
next.
The SPEAKER pro tempore Mr.. JOKES,
of Tennessee, in the chair. That motion is
not in order, the main question having been
ordered.
Mr.. JONES, Of louisiana Is il in order to
move to lay the resolution on the table?
The SPEAKER. That motion would he in
order.
Mr.. SEWARD. Would it be in order for
me TO make any remarks?
The SPEAKER. 1t would not be.
Mr.. JONES' Well 1 wil1 tola 4Lo .o..z. |