The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1886-09-08
WASHINGTON LETTER.

WASHINGTON, ID. c., August 81, 1886.
One Of the busiest departments under
the government is the Patent Onicc. The
amount of work that is done by this
department can DC appreciated only by Il
trip through the Office and an explanation
of the details. In the past twenty-five
years the granting of patents has grown to
an extent that is astonishing, and indicates
what progress is being made in the
sciences BY. Young America. For the
first fOrty-SiX years after its organiZa-
ton the number OF patents issued averaged
only W hundred and fifty per year, but
the Office is now issuing patents at the rate
of live hundred Il week, or twice us many
i'll one week as ii formerly issued in n year.
The total number issued uD to this date is
"O4 O2l. The office, after paying its own
expenses, has n balance to its credit OF So
945, t0J. Is in the Treasury. 1t is the only
branch of government that pays its own
expenses, and is not a burden to the people
by way Of taxation. y man with Il
mechanical turn of mind could intensely
enjoy weeks and months among the
100000 models and drawings so Convc-
nicntly arranged and displayed in this i'm
mcESc department. George Washington
and Thomas jefferson both received patents
on improvements in ploughS.'
In Il former letter | alluded to the friend
ships that are SO often abruptly broken
among the officials. No matter how
~pntronizing and humble an applicant may
be, the moment lie gets in he assumes all
the dignity and importance his position is
entitled TO, and brooks no destinations.
About the time Congress adjourned Scnu-
tor Harris, of Tennessee, went IN to see
the President about M appointment in his
State, which some OF his constituents were
interested in. Ne stated his case, and the
President replied: ''Wcll, il seems TO me
that you have n good deal Of assurance to
come here asking for an appointment when
YOU voted against my man Matthew'S
il Senator got hot in Il second. "Ill
have YOU know Mr.. President he said,
that il, is none of your business what | do
or DO not do in the Senate. | am the
master, sir, Of my W actions there, as
you are here. | didn't come here asking
any favor OF you on any personal grounds.
The people of the State OF Tennessee,
whom | represent, asked mcto dothis. and
that is why | came here. You can do ms
you d please, sir, about the matter: bat.
sir, ! want il distinctly understood that
what | 90 rs a Senator is beyond youl
jurisdiction" and the irite senator left in
Il hurry and declares he will never speak to
the President again.
$50! Nii'N."'S "'H having C|Ou''ucIHOIt
quiet fun growing ont Of the recent bond
calls. 1t is well known about the depart
mcnt that Treasurer Jordan, who is now
at the Arkansas Hot Springs. is Violently
opposed to bond calls on general principles
ana IN n recent letter to a personal fiicnt
he fairly howlcd hccauS" s. much Of Tho
surplus has been ordered out of the Treas
ury. At the present rate of redemption OF
bones, $50 $50 per month. the redeem
able part Of the public debt will be wiped
out IN about seven months, there being bul
$loI,O00 600 Of three per cent. bonds yet
outstanding and subject to call.
Ia one OF The appropriation bills passed
at the last session of Congress is M item OF
$l4 for pay to the Fourth Regiment OF
Ncr;lont Militia for services at the battle of
P~lat'shurgh, (wur of 1920 Rather tardy
justice, but better late than never. III.