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The United States Patent Office has been again fav-ared with a Commissioner of known ability and probity. There is hardly a public man in the official life of Washington who is charged with more responsibility than the Commissioner, on whom rests the conservation of great interests. It is requisite that the incumbent of this office shall have a competent knowledge of practice before the Patent Office and be a lawyer as well. Mr. Charles H. Duell, of Syracuse, New York, who has been appointed by the President, admirably fulfills both of these qualifications. He has long ranked high as a practitioner in patent cases before the courts and he probably has few equals in this specialty. His practice has been extensive and has covered a great number of cases. He has attained a large degree of success, having had many cases where the interests involved were of large import. These he has handled with skill and prudence. The appointment will probably mean a considerable financial sacrifice, as it will interrupt a lucrative practice and the position of honor to which he has been appointed is inadequately paid. Mr. Duell's appointment will be received with general public favor and it is considered one of the most fortunate of President McKinley's nominations. The new Commissioner was a candidate at the beginning of President McKinley's administration, but the latter wished to appoint his old personal friend, Congressman Butterworth. The death of Mr. Butter-worth gave the President the opportunity of recognizing Mr. Duell's candidacy by nominating him. Mr. Duell was born at Cortland, N. Y., in 1850; his father, R. Holland Duell, was four times sent to Congress, and in 1875 he was appointed Commissioner of Patents, which office he held for two years. Mr. C H. Duell received a preliminary education in the Cortland Normal School; he then entered Hamilton College, from which he graduated in 1871. He was an honor man in his class and took several prizes. He has held some political offices honorably and acceptably to his constituents. The inventors of the United States may feel sure that their interests will be looked after in a conscientious manner both in Congress and in the administration of the Patent Office.
