Newark post., 1910-08-24
WRITTEN FOR THE POST.) }

WRITTEN FOX dE fOol)
Somewhere in Pennsylvania, along
the banks of the Delaware, not far
from the State line for many years
lived John Fitch, inventor. Many OF
those who are inclined to give credit
where it is due have overlooked this
genius. If the sight of one OF our
modern steamers suggests the ex-
pending of grateful thought and an
appreciation of the disappoi.tments
and struggles which were necessary to |
bring such a creation into existence,
it is to the memory of Robert Fulton
we turn and lay Our tribute at his feet.
All honor has heen paid the latter,
but the one whose ideas were carried
to perfection has been sighted and
ignored. John Fitch, when alluded to,
has been spoken of as a theorist, un-
able to carry the plans which he had
conceived, into execution. An exami-
nation of his record as it exists is only
necessary to prove such notions i'll
founded
The successful experiments of Fitch
in the years 1886, 1887, 1888, 1880 and
the crowning of these by the practical
proofs in 1900 have given to the
United States the distinction of being
the scene OF the first practical appica-
ton of steam to the propulsion OF yes
sells.
If we do not accept Fitch's claims to
this invention England is entitled to the
honor mentioned, for Symington sue
,ceeded in a similar attempt in the old
world several years previous to Full
tons trip on the Hudson.
In 1877 as that famous body Of men
sitting in independence Hall deliberat-
ed and struggled over the government
Upon which our nation was to grow,
another battle was being waged along
the banks of the Delaware, the
triumphs OF which would likewise be
a benefit to the new-founded nation.
As an outcome OF repeated efforts,
the reward had come in the passing Of
bills in New Jersey, Delaware and
Pennsylvania, granting the exclusive
rights of steam boat navigation on
the waters of those States to Fitch.
The passage of the laws, the prob
ability that the experiment would
prove successful and the money IN
vested yield liberal returns, gave the
company new life. and hope was re
newed in the breast of the inventor.
In Nav, 1887, a steam engine was
completed, only to disclose more de
fects and demard for renewed ef
forts and more tedious toll In con
sequence of all this encouragement
through which his enthusiasm ha'
come undaunted, John Fitch found
himself in the early summer OF I7S.
again called to halt for lack of funds
Ifor this man lacked what Robert Full
ton possessed-a rich and liberal pat
ron. which fact may largely explain
the obscurity into which his name ha
sunk).
AT this crisis he conceived the ide;
OF publishing his story in the hope o
gaining the sympathy and materla
support which would enable him t.
go on.
He informed the public that he wa
about to quit the steamboat purely 10
want Of resources, and that IT has nov
become as plain to him "as one O
Eucld's problems
This article was never sent to tn
newspapers, but was shown to som
OF the principal stocvkholders, VIII
relented and furnished more money
The necessary alterations were mad
and the trial trip. the anniversary {
which has so lately passed, too
place.
On August %, 1887, Fitch realize
his dreams to the extent OF watchin
his creation prove to the lntereste
spectators the fact that boat coul
be propelled by stem. The exper
ment was dignitied BY the presence {
the Constitutional Convention, VIII
came to witness the demonstrated