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In our issue of the 1st inst. we announced, upon the strength of a statement which had come to our knowledge, that the Committee on Patents in the House of Representatives had reported strongly against the extension of Colt's patent. Since that date we have carefully examined the proceedings of Congress as they have appeared in the Congressional Globe, hoping to see some official confirmation of our announcement. None has appeared ; and we are compelled to come to the conclusion that the Committee has not yet fully made up its mind what it will do with this important case. Rumor—which is not always reliable—says that Colt does not wish the Committee to report at present, all things not seeming to be propitious. The reason given is, that by preventing an adverse report, and thus keeping his case in the pigeon-holes of the committee room from session to session, he can deter competitors—under impressions of fear that his patent may be extended—from engaging extensively in the manufacture and sale of his revolving arm, and thereby reducing the price now paid him for it by government. We can believe almost anything in these perilous times, but we cannot twist our confidence in the Committee to such an extent as to believe that its members can BO stultify themselves and the interests of which they are the appointed conservators, as to compound with any .such iniquity. Is it possible that the spectre of a probable extension is to be held in terrorem over the heads of those who, besides Col. Colt, have rights in this matter ? We cannot believe it. We do not believe the Committee will thus shirk this grave matter. Come forward, gentlemen, and make a report, one way or the other. If you think Colt is entitled to an extension, frankly say so ; if not, be equally frank in your opposition. The public interests require such action at your hands, and the sooner this matter can be decided the better.
