The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-02-05
Pierce on Patriot. and P.,tsn,ecs.

Il
message, but little notice was taken by the pub
lie of the paragraph relating to patentecs 1t
seemed SO natural for the chief officer of the
republic to make honorable mention of those
whose talents and ingenuity advance the pro
gress of the world, that people hardly perceived
the lurking recommendation to Congress in
favor of special and monopoly legislation The
point Of the allusion only came to light wheo
the Presidents organ at Washington after
good deal of shutting, undertook plainly and
broadly to advocate Mr.. Colts claims to an eX
tension of his monopoly by special act Of Con-
gress 1t was brought still more clearly into
view when committee of the House of Repre-
sentatives, disregarding the sound judgment of
the Commissioner of Patents reported in favor
of Mr.. Colts application, mainly on the ground
that the bulk of Mr.. Colts enormous profits
since the grant Of his patent have been ex-
pended in the construction of on armory in
England, for the purpose of supplying the Dri-
fish army with improved weapons. 1t may
appear strange at first that the Congress Of the
United States should grant monopoly, or in
other words impose tax on our citizens for
the purpose Of providing the British soldiers
with better fire arms; about as singular as our
presenting Santa Anna with fifteen millions of
dollars in order to enable him to set up GO
vernment in Mexico. But, then, there was the
paragraph in the message pointedly and prac-
tically explained and enforced by the COM
ments of the Presidents organ. Then again
there was the lobby, with that high-minded
and virtuous patriot Colonel Forney, actively
bestirring himself for Mr. Colt. So under
these various influences, the bill is progressing.
Meanwhile, If patentees are revealing in the
present generosity Of Congress we regret to find
that patriots, who have sur eed and bled for
their country, and whose Ia ool nave earned for
her much OF her renown and glory, are passed
over in silent indifference. Colt, the patentee,
finds aCongressional committee to report in favor
OF bill for bis relief and the perpeuation of his
monopoly; he has Congressman in shoals, and
lobby agents in swarms to press the poverty of
the millionaire on the liberality of a generous
country. The Presidents message is shown
clearly to have reference to his case The
Union is in his favor. And men Of unimpcach-
able character and the highest honor, openly
confess their belief in the Justice of hi cause.
On the other hand, Scott, the General, has
fought his country's battles for near half CEN
fury. His blood stains the sods of Niagara.
and the plains of Mexico. Where he has led
our armies, victory has followed and If since
our declaration Of independence, we have earned
any claim to military glory, to him do we owe
it. Age has now laid its hand upon the old
veteran. His step is no longer as firm. or his
cheek as rudy sit was. Though his strength
is unimpaired, and the spirit as manly rs it was
thirty years ago, time has not spared him. and
his ycars-and mayhap the trace OF some wound
gained in our service-now demand more ease
and comfort than salary based on strict prn-
ciples of frugal military discipline can secure
Under the like circumstances, England and
France loved to surround the declining years Of
their veterans-like Wellington and Soult-
with every luxury and practical comfort that a
grateful nation could be,tow. General Scott's
friends ask for petty two and three thousand
dollars year, and the administration averts its
ear, the Union SCOTS and sneers at the request,
shall We add the President is believed to
bs opposed toit, This from q government