On supporting science journalism
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MESSRS. EDITORS;—I have been reading your comments upon Messrs. Taylor &Chaf-fee's Patent bill and I most heartily concur in all your views. It would be a gross outrags upon inventors to pass such a bill. Would it not be well for you to suggest in your paper that all inventors should write to members of Congress from their districts, to oppose the bill ? I have already written to ours. Gr. W. HlLDKETH. Lockport, N. Y., February 2, 1858. [Capt. li. B. Forbes, of Boston, a veteran in scientific and mechanical subjects, writes: " I have read carefully your remarks on the proposed changes in the patent law, and I hope the subject will continue to be discussed, for it is apparent to me that great injustice will be done if this law goes into effect." There are a great many intelligent men who view this attempt of Messrs. Taylor &Cbaffee, to modify the Patent system as a complicated abortion—in fact, we have not heard a solitary approval of it. The suggestion of Mr. Hildreth, that inventors should write to members of Congress from their district, to oppose not only this but some other notorious schemes, is a good one. Hitherto this class of our citizens have remained in the back ground in this particular, and it is well for them to indulge a little in the benefits of the franking privilege whioh members of Congress enjoy, and enter solemn protests against such evil attempts at legislation. A patent bill has been presented to the Senate by Mr. Evans, of South Carolina, which v.'o feel assured will meet the concurrence of inventors generally. We are advised that it proposes simple reforms, such as are really needed to render our Patent system a model of simplicity and wisdom.
