The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-05-30

PATENT REFoRN-BuL or THE COMMITTEE
ANOTHER SNAKE IN THE GRAss.-In noticing
the various propositions which have been laid
before Congress for alterations In the Patent
laws, we have all along expressed our reluc-
lance to entertain these projects, from the belief
that they emsnated from the lobby, and served
as cover to the schemes of the large patent
monopolists- We regret to be compelled to
class amongst these suspicious reforms the bill
reported by Mr.. Evans from the Committee on
Patents Although some of the provisions Of
this bill are undoubtedly improvements upon
the present system, they are of minor import
ance compared with certain Objectionable
changes which it proposes to effect The one,
In fact, would seem 10 be intended TO blind the
public to the true character Of the others The
old smile Of the minnow and the triton will
best express their relative meaning.
We acquit the committee of any design to
impose upon the public measure of which
they do not conscientiously approve; but judg-
ing dispassionately Of their bill, we cannot
help arriving at the conclusion that they
have unwittingly allowed themselves to
be made the instruments of the great
patent monopolists They no doubt de-
sired to frame q measure which would con-
suit all the interests involved, but unfortu-
nately they have devised one which ignores
altogether those Of the public.
The fact is curious, as showing how even the
views of the best intentioned men may be per.
verted by the insdious influences of the pro-
fessional agents who compose what is called the
lobby.
The money value Of the patent rights of this
country is estimated at about five hundred mil
lions Although these rights are constantly
passing out Of existence at the periods of limi-
tation fixed by law, their places are supplied by
others, which prevent them ever falling below
that amount. This is one of the few branches
of revenue In fact In which there IL no fluctua-
ton, the tendency being always TO an increase.
With such enormous interests at stake of course
every effort, every sacrifice that human
ingenuity can suggest, is made 10 renew
these patent rights for ruch further periods
Of extension "a can be obtained The
machinery Of the existing system has no,
been favorable 10 these extensions; the respon.
sibility thrown upon single individual, and the
judicial appeal lying from his decisions, pre-
venting the successful operation Of the corrupt
Influences brought to bear upon them. II IL
only, therefore, by direct application to Con.
gress that these concessions can be secured; but
notwithstanding the enormous amounts spent
by the large patent interests In lobbying, the
impolicy Of granting them has been rendered
20 manifest that venality has hitherto had but
little weight in the decision Of these questions
II Ia, therefore, only under the guise of ostensi
BILE reforms that the patent monopolsts can
hope to push forward their schemes, and II is
precisely because the committee have been
duped into subscribing them that we take ex-
ception TO the bill recently reported by that
body.
In the creation Of an irresponsible Board Of
Examiners the object of this measure Is at once
perceptible. Under our peculiar form Of gov
eminent an appeal from such q board Is practi-
eally imperative and therefore the functions of
the chief Commissioner, who IL 10 have the
right of reversing its decisions, are merely
nominal. No officer placed In his position
would venture to set aside an award made by
such q tribunal He would expose himself bv