Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1909-11-09

the limitations conditions and restric-
lions that are imposed by the country,
under patents issued therein to citi-
zens of the United States
while it was realized that this
clause was too drastic to put in force
as law, yet your committee was of the
opinion that by bringing the matter
into prominence the desired result
would be brought about through some
that has been displayed in this coun-
try foreign nations are more willing
to consider treaties designed to lessen
the severe restrictions under which
American patentees are compelled to
operate. We do not believe this matter
should be allowed to rest but that the
honorable commissioner of patents
should be given substantial assistance
in his efforts to secure by treaty mod
ifications in the patent laws of for
eign countries that now impose hard
ships upon United States patentees.
'"The accompanying statement from
the honorable commissioner of patents
with reference to the measure to meet
foreign patent laws, explains the stu
alton fully and is filed herewith in or
der that those who wish to become ia
miliar with the matter may do so.
Pooling of Patents.
Eve repeat the suggestion embod-
led in the report made by your patent
committee in 1907, regarding the pool
Ing in special arts by non-manufac-
turers.
Joseph Dan. Chairman"
Arbenz Reports.
The installation of the sprinklirg
system for the protection of factories
was recommended by Mr.. Arbenz in
his report as chairman of the insur-
ance committee and later in verbal
report on the convention Floor The
great cost of property destruction by
fire during last year was shown and
the reports will be of considerable in
terest to manufacturers. Both reports
follow:
THE subject of fire insurance is
very closely related to the great ques-
ton of conservation of natural re-
sources, which latter subject is Justly
occupying the attention of some of the
brightest and most far-seeking minds
of our public men, When the people
of this country allow the destruction
in one year of the enormous values
as represented by two hundred and
thirtyeight millions and some odd
hundred thousands of dollars, as
shown by fire insurance statistics for
1908, it is high time to become arous-
ed and to seriously consider steps to
prevent such enormous waste Just
think OF it! Nearly three dollars per
capita for every man, woman and
child in the country!
mo matter if the loss be covered
partially or even in full by collectible
Insurance policies. Insurance prem
iums are only taxes, money taken
from one man to be paid to another.
No new values created; just a dead
loss; gone up in smoke and reduced to
ashes. We have found no good use
for the smoke, and ashes have no par
ticular value as a commercial asseI-
ut is quite as culpable to allow the
timbers and lumber in a building 10
burn up as to allow the trees in our
forests to be destroyed by fire Have
you individually performed your duty
IN this matter? If not, we fear that
some day you may have a rude awak-
ening from your apathy or fancied Sc
curity from the fire fiend. The insur-
ance companies, both stock and mu-
tual, are drawing the lines closer each
year, making lower rates on we'll
constructed and well-protected build
ings, and in some cases refusing to
write policies at any price on poorly
constructed and poorly protected
buildings.
Whether or not the individual in
surer admits the justice of this posi-
ton of the companies, it is condition
which confronts him and it must be
taken into account by the prudent,
careful, business man.
What for the remedy? More care
full attention to original construction
OF buildings. More careful scrutiny
to the care of buildings and contents
to see that the dirt and refuse is
cleaned out of the corners and out-oH-
the-way places in and around our fac
tories and buildings. Providing fire