New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-21

the steam engine. and have also had revealed
to me one of the finest characters that ever
Eraced the earth" 1t is Impossible not to share
his enthusiasm in his estimate of the character
and accomplishments of the studious, ingenious,
perseveriIg, often discouraged. but never
oaunted, Greenock boy, contented in his old age
with a moderate competence as the reward Of
efforts that have resulted in revolutionizing the
industrial history of the world.
Other accounts of Watt have been written.
some Of them by men who enjoyed the advan-
tage Of his friendship and Mr.. Carnegie has
necessarily drawn largely from their works in
the preparation of the present volume. quoting
freely from them where it serves his purpose,
and not retaining. on the other hand. from
using incidents in his hero's career as pegs
upon which to hang his own personal views and
faYorite philosophers Thus, Watts journey
from Glasgow 10 London, in 1155, which occu-
pied twelve days is made the occasion Of some
observations the possible reunion of the Eng
hsh speaking race on both sides of the Atlantic,
the steam engine having so nearly annihilated
distance that the members of the Great Council
from Britain could reach Washington in seven
days the members from British Columbia and
California, upon the Pacific, in five days, both
land and sea routes to be much quickened."
The fact that Boulton, Watts partner in the
tarrin Franklin, gives rise to some remarks on
the present colonial policy or Great Britain; and
tfe author takes opportunity to ventilate his
free trade views in indOrsing the principles
embodied In the protest signed and circulated, If
not written, By Watt against the appointment
q Pitt as Prime Minister. Pitt wished to tax
rzw materials, and his appointment was OBJ
Sected TO the ground that ito tax
TRIALS was suicidal: let taxes be laid upon lux
Eriea. upon vices. and, il you like. upon prop
srty: tax riches when got, but not the means
Il getting them OF all things, don't cut open
The hen that lays the golden eggs" It is a
rather Tar cry from this interested appeal Of a
group Of Infant industries to Mr.. Carnegie's
prophecy that "the day may not be far distant
when America, soon to be the cheapest manu-
featuring country for many as it already is for
q few staple articles, viii be crying for free
trade"
Still. # Is interesting to read Mr.. Carnegie's
opinions, even II we do not always agree with
them, nor find them particularly relevant to the
matter IN hand. He does not neglect Mr.. Watt,
end he even attempts to prevent the famous tea
kettle, with which the inventor is closely identi
red In the minds Of youth, from being consigned
TO that limbo 10 which iconOclastic historians
would relegate II, together with the Ratchet Of
George washington. the apples Of Tell and New
tn and the spider Of Bruce There Is, indeed
q record Of Watt amusing himself with tea
kettle IN childhood, although the author con-
fesses that ito what extent the precocious boy
ruu1inated upon the phenomenon must be left to
conjecture"
As matter of fact, the youths predictions
and ambitions led him to become maker Of
mathematical Instruments he mastered the
trade IN London IN one year. but on returning
70 Glasgow WAS not permitted to open shop
rs he had not passed through the required seven
years apprenticeship BIS sk1n and ability were