The Newark journal., 1914-04-03
AGAIN ON DUTY AT
 NATIONAL CAPITAL
0ldfield Returns to Washington Where His Good Work in Con-
 gress is Commended by all

Congressman W. A. Oldfeld left Thursday night of last week for Washington to resume his duties in congress.
 Before leaving for Washington, MT. Oldfield expressed himself to The Journal as being deeply grate- ful to his many close friends for the good work they did for him during the campaign, and added that his gratitude went out to the entire people of the Second con- gressional district for their endor- sement of his record in congress.
 It can be truthfully said of MT. Oldfield that he has lost less time from his post of duty since he has been congressman than any man who ever represented this district in that body, and that his good work is attracting attention is shown by the following article published in the April number of the National Magazine.
 Tn the House Office building the hearings before the Commit tee on Patents continue without fireworks, though, involving mat ters of vital import. While there have been no disclosures. the knotty and intricate problems con- sidered are of concern to every householder in the country, not to speak of every producer and man. ufacturer. Day after day the pro- posed changes in patent and copy right law are deliberated upon, broadening into international prob lems. At the head of the table Congressman Oldfeld of Arkansas presides, and sees to 1t that every subject coming before his commit tee is given a most exhaustive examination from all points of view.
 At a recent hearing the con- troversies involved in the Kahn act were considered, with pros poets of an amendment which will be agreeable to all concerned. This act, prepared by Congressman Kahn of California, was passed to assist the Panama-Pacifc Exposi- tion in San Francisco, with little thought that its interpretation might imperil the privileges of American manufactures or give further advantages to foreigners than those incorporated in the tariff bill. The discussion it has caused shows how essential it is to have every bill in Congress thoroughly studied by committees, even before the caucus stage. A committee composed of members who are earnest in their work can- not fail to result in better digested Legislation, and the Committee on Patents, making a speciality of the most involved and intricate law of the land, has an especially strong personnel The chairman, Congressman Oldfeld, is regarded as an expert in patent legislation, and his recently introduced bill, providing a National Design Reg istration Law, is deemed to be the most important measure framed for a long time. The bill is con- cretely constructive, when it be- comes a law the name of w. A Old6eld will be identified with measure of progressive legislation which can be recognized as such without a label.
 "The essence of the bill provid- es that "the author of any design, original, as embodied in or applied to any manufactured product of ass." ass." ast g or tt..sde, ssr. hiss asssS.-.>;, may register such design in the United States Patent Office" It seems strange that such a provi. sion was not provided in ytars plst to protect Amei ican invent, e genius against wholesale imitation