Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1857-01-02

From the Scientific Americart.

The Woodwork .Patent.-Lobbying in Congress.
MEssRs. ED1ToRs-I learn that another attempt is
now being made in Congress 10 hare that monopoly,
the Woodwork Patent, renewed. i have been told
boldly by those who own rights of the Norcross Pa.
tent that it is for their interest to have the Wood
worth Patent renewed, and that money will be given
them for this purpose. The same story is told of
others who own patents of planning machines. Some
of them have been coaxed into support Of the ood-
worth Patent only to find themselves drawn into vex-
atious litigation in il should be extended They
are mere cats paws to pull the chesnuts out Of the
fire for the exclusive benefit of those who now hold
the monopoly
I have been informed of one person who has been
publicly denouncing the Woodwork extension, and
who has privily given $1,000 to assist in carrying
the scheme through Congress | have it direct from
respectable member of the Illinois Legislature, that
the buying Of votes secret during the last
sion of Congress, and that enormous sums of money
were paid TO those who pledged themselves accord
ingB. The proprietors of the patent are not going
TO lose this OF money if they can help it. have
been informed that they have $500,O00 pledged 10
obtain majority to obtain the monopoly Will they
be able to get this monstrous wrong fastened upon
the country for another term by special act Of Con-
gress 1t they do, our government may be set down
as much. worse than that of an absolute monarchy
Such scheme could not be carried out in Russia or
any of the European monarchies of the present day
The men who, for gold, would sell The Liberties of
the people now, worse than Arnold. He had
some temptation 10 commit treason they have none,
and are without excuse.
This patent has been twice extended already, and
has been altered from its original meaning since the
original inventor died and it has become an inhic-
ton to the community for the benefit of parties who
never paid the inventor single cent, and whose on
y object is 10 benefit themselves. Il has been in
existence for quarter of century, and the people
have paid those who have owned it many millions of
dollars, and now it is proposed to extend it for
years longer, during which period the people would
be taxed tens OF millions more. The tax would have
TO be paid by every man, woman, and child in the
country. The people do not generally, view this
question in its true light Every man that builds
house, ship, boat pays his share of such tax, and
the city of Chicago alone will pay less than $685.,
600 of tax to this monopoly for the present year
Single individuals have paid from to two thous-
and dollars in this city for the planning tax On the
timber of their own houses.
The tax which Congress will impose on the people,
if this monopoly is extended, will amount to more
than would purchase, at government price, twice as
much land there is in the whole territory of Kan
sas and yet the press of our country, with the
ception of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, is mum on the
subject Only for it's unyielding love of truth and
justice, this monopoly, it is believed would have
been renewed and fastened upon the country before
! this time.
The people should arouse themselves to thorough
of the magnitude of the evil which this mono
poly, if extended, would infict upon the country.
know that many persons watching Members Of
Congress with keen eyes, to how they will act
when the question is brought before them. The ap-
pication for the extension of the monopoly should
be kicked out of the Halls of Congress like foot
ball and if the representatives of the people have
any respect for themselves and the rights of the
pie, this is what they will dc with it,
Chicago, ILL.,, 1856. S. J.R.