Mr. REID of Illinois. What difference does it make? Mr. BLOOM. The difference is this: If you have an option on something it gives you a certain right against other people who might desire to purchase or procure possession of it. Mr. REID of Illinois. This is not an option. This is nothing. This is something that is beyond us. D Mr. om. If this man has anything near what he says he has, we should not stand in the way of giving that to the people-to the public. Mr. REID of Illinois. What difference does a few years make if he has it? Mr. BLOOM. A difference of a few years may be something. He may die in three or four years, or if he lives several years he should demonstrate it soon that he may Mr. REID of Illinois. I believe a time limit would interfere with his temperamental condtion. I do not believe he could do it. Mr. BLOOM. I do not believe that. I think a time limit would have something to do with it. Mr. MCLEOD. The certificate would only hold good for 17 years after it is granted. Then this law would no longer have any force. He would naturally want to get started as soon as possible to get any benefit from it himself. Mr. WEFALD. He should, as he is an old man. Mr. BLOOM. He ought to, and he ought not to put this objection in there. I think as a business proposition there should be a time limit to it. Mr. REID of Illinois. There is no business about this. Mr. BLOOM. There is a lot of business about it. If it is a real good thing, why not get it? STATEMENT OF MR. GARABED K. T. GIRAGOSSIAN-Resumed Mr. MCLEOD. It has been suggested that we ascertain whether or not it would be objectionable to insert a provision here that your demonstration shall take place within one year after the passage of the law. What have you to say about that? Mr. GIRAGOSSIAN. Congress can repeal that within five minutes if they see that I will not demonstrate it. Suppose that you should do that, and as there are a good many scientists, it will take time to get those who will judge the demonstration. Then, there might be some invisible influence to block it in some way. I do not want that. Congress is a powerful body. You see one or two lines prevented this method of free energy from being demonstrated. I will not accept one year or anything of that kind. This is a joker put on so as to satisfy somebody. In ancient times they said there was not anything new. I am not a lawyer, but if this is left in within 100 years from now it will not prevent anybody else from doing anything if I do not demonstrate. But I can not accept the limitation. Mr. WEFALD. May I ask how soon you would be ready to demonstrate it? Mr. GIRAGOSSIAN. I hope to try to demonstrate it within two or three months. Senator Ladd asked me if this amendment should pass within a few weeks can it be demonstrated when Congress is in session. I said that I hoped to. Mr. WEFALD. Your idea is to demonstrate as soon as the law is in order? Mr. GIRAGOSSIAN. Yes, sir. Now, I will say this, as a principle I will not accept any limitation. If I will not demonstrate it within a reasonable time that will be an imposition upon the kiness and patience of my friends, and they will lose confidence in me. that case there would be nothing for me to do but to go to Fiji Islands, So if you give me five years I will not accept. Congress can repeal this law within five minutes. Mr. BLOOM. You say you could demonstrate within two or three months? Mr. GIRAGOSSIAN. I can try. The CHAIRMAN. You have heard the motion. Does that motion receive a second? Mr. REID of Illinois. I second the motion, Mr. Chairman. The CHAIRMAN. All in favor of reporting this bill out, signify it by saying "aye." To the contrary, "no." The " this bill. ayes" have it. Mr. McLeod is designated to have charge of Mr. GIRAGOSSIAN. I sincerely and heartily thank you-all of you, with a feeling of gratitude. And the days will come when all of your posterity will be proud of you. Mr. BLOOM. You go to work on it. Mr. GIRAGOSSIAN. I am going for your sake and my sake and my friends' sakes, because Congress has reposed confidence in me and that is the greatest honor. I will fulfill its expectation. (Thereupon, the committee proceeded to the consideration of other business.) HEARINGS HELD BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON PATENTS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SIXTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS ON H. R. 3267 and H. R. 11403 TO AMEND AN ACT ENTITLED "AN ACT MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR SUNDRY CIVIL EXPENSES OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1884, |