Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-06

citizen hates monopoly although we.
nevertheless must recognize the property
right in an invention, and the moral anu
legal right of talent and ingenuity to de-
mBnd q suitable reward.
The historian of Augusta admits that
Ell Whitney was very unJustly treated,
and comments uron that fact at length
He quotes an editorial in the Augusta
Herald printed December 81, 1901, which
says.
'tSince the formation of our government
no invention has been more interesting
and important to the southern states
than that of patent gins: and we regret
to add that no invention has been more
ungratefully rewarded.
And vet the southern people still per-
NIT that verdict to stand. They have
never done anything to wipe out the dis
grace or repair the injustice Of which
Whitney. and yet the proud cotton
planters and millionaire manufacturers
here in Augusta pass in and out of their
courthouse and see the perpetual re5uke
In bronze reading Elected by the New
England Cotton Manufacturers Associa-
ton, 1GG2."
Whitney's Rights Ignored.
States, as well as the federal govern
ment. granted patents In those days. and
the legislature of Georgia granted one
to Eli Whitney to protect his property
rights in the cotton gin, which were con-
tinually invaded. The Augusta Herald
for December 10. 1900, contains the fol
lowing advertisement:
NOTICE TO ALL CONCERNED.
All persons wishing to the patent gin for
cleansing cotton are hereby informed that they
be supplied with licenses therefor by applying
the subscriber on or ct any time before the
2Uth OF January next Those who neglect to fur
nish themselves by that time will have none to
blame but themselves should they afterward be
attended 10 in way, however necessary, by no
means pleasing to Agent for Miner shiS Msiney
Columbia County December !. 1900
Whitney & Miller. the latter being an
Augusta gentleman who had furnished
capital to develop and exploit the inven-
ton. manufactured and sold gins on
Whitney's patent at first for $500. but
afterward for $500 IT was a simple con-
trivance. and the blacksmiths and wheel
| wrights and other roadside mechanics
were making them all over the state
without permission. Whitney and his
partner then attempted to protect their
for the use of the patents. but the farm
ers dsregarded their demands and the
above warning from their attorneys be-
came necessary. The infringement be-
came so notorious that finally. in South
Carolina the state officials took the mat
ter up and, with the authority of the
legislature. entered into an agreement to
paw Whitney $4,000 in four annual in
stallments. In 1901. 1902, 1903 and 1901
in lieu Of license fees. provided he would
permit the farmers OF that state to use
his patents.
He received $4,000 under this agree
ment. but in 1903 the controller refused
payment and Whitney was compelled to
sue the state for his money. He finally
got 1t. He sold his rights in Tennessee
for $50 but was never paid a cent
North Carolina. however. punctualIy paid
the royalty agreed on for the use OF the
patent by the planters of that state It
was the only one of the southern states
| to treat Whitney honestly and carry out
the terms of the contract without litiga-
| ton.
Whitney was not only cheated out of
his royalties. but attempts were made to
deprive him of the credit. The rest Of
| his life was spent In litigation. He re-
| turned to New Haven. where he made
| some other important inventions which
brought him a handsome revenue, and
| he died a rich man.
Extortion Alleged.
In his message to the legislature for
| the year lS00 Gov. Jackson OF Georgia