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Other instances might be cited.

It must be admitted, that the discharge of the duties of several of the above stations does not demand the talents or acquirements necessary for an examiner of patents, who must have a knowledge of the physical sciences, and understand their application to those branches of industry to which they are adapted; possessing, also, a knowledge of the patent law, the decisions of the courts, and at least an acquaintance with the Frencli language.

A reference to the report of the examiner of patents, transmitted with this and my last report, will show their duties, and the abilities necessary to discharge them.

It is a happy circumstance, that few changes have taken place in the effective force of this office since my connexion with it. We have every year enjoyed the benefit of accumulated experience.

I have, however, to record with sorrow the sudden death of the late chief clerk, Mr. Hand, a few months since. His removal has been mourned by all his associates. He possessed pre-eminently qualifications needed at his desk; and has left an example worthy of imitation, adding another proof that a faithful discharge of public duties is not incompatible with the life of a devout Christian.

I have added to my report the claims allowed on patents granted, and again requested the report of the examiners on the progress of the arts during 1844, (see F and G,) believing the same will be read with interest, while they will remain on the archives of the office, to instruct those who survive in this department. It is a matter of proud congratulation, that we witness the rapid advancement of the arts and sciences on this side of the Atlantic, and to hear how frequently the skill and experience of our citizens are purchased by the wisest monarchs of Europe. The liberality with which our artisans are compensated abroad is the highest proof of their superiority. Our manufactures are extending throughout the world. The ocean and the land alike bear testimony to American ingenuity. Praise is but a tribute due to her Constitution and the laws, which extend equal rights and privileges to all.

Among the most brilliant discoveries of the age, the electro-magnetic telegraph deserves a conspicuous place. Destined as it is to change as well as hasten transmission of intelligence, and so essentially to affect the welfare of society, all that concerns its further developments will be hailed with joy. Imagination can scarcely conceive what is now accomplished by the electric fluid, when confined and tamed, as it were, to the purposes of life. Distance is annihilated-thought has found a competitor. Nor is it less gratifying that this invention is American. To a native citizen belongs the merit of the discovery; and it is hoped that the country of his birth will reward him accordingly. The public, at first, could scarcely believe it possible that intelligence can be sent at the rate of 188,000 miles in a second; nor that the earth would suffice for half of the current of communication; nor that currents of electricity from opposite poles would traverse the

In the district of Maryland, however, before the Chief Justice of the United States, the same point has arisen, and, after full argument and mature consideration, been decided directly to the contrary, viz: that the extension of a patent does inure for the benefit of the assignee. Various decisions have been made in circuit courts, where the same was held by the district judge, differing from each other. It is highly important, therefore, that the question of benefit of the extension should be speedily settled by further legislation or by the Supreme Court.

The success which has attended the efforts of American inventors, by taking out patents in Europe, will induce many others to secure the same privileges. Hence the frequent inquiry at the Patent Office, how can patents be obtained abroad? Although willing to communicate all information on this subject that I possess, other duties do not permit me to reply to letters received containing such inquiries. To gratify inventors, I have annexed a brief synopsis (marked E) of the general regulation for taking out patents in foreign countries. With pleasure will it be noticed, that in no country are patents obtained so cheap, or with so little delay, as in the United States; and yet inventors here are proverbially impatient.

The increasing business of this office will soon demand additional force. In the mean time, I cannot omit to present to the consideration of Congress the claims of the scientific corps who conduct the business of the office to a more adequate compensation for their services. I do not allude to the salary of the Commissioner of Patents. Deep study and a knowledge of different languages, a minute acquaintance with the arts and sciences, and much experience, are all required, to fit an individual for the office of examiner; and yet his pay is only $1,500-less than is paid for clerical duties in many of the bureaus. The present compensation will be inadequate to induce those now in the office to remain, and much more to replace the assistance needed, if a vacancy occurs. One examiner has already tendered his resignation, and consented to remain, in the hope of further legislation. I beg to ask, if, while the income of the office is fully sufficient to meet all necessary expense, whether it would not be a matter of the deepest regret to part with experienced help, for new and untried hands. What blunders, what errors, what litigation, would ensue! The public, it is hoped, have some confidence in the office. If this confidence is lost, dissatisfaction would arise, and appeals take place. It is due to the corps in this office to say, that their pay is much less than is made to other officers in like capacities. The following sums are paid, viz:

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It must be admitted, that the discharge of the duties of several of the above stations does not demand the talents or acquirements necessary for an examiner of patents, who must have a knowledge of the physical sciences, and understand their application to those branches of industry to which they are adapted; possessing, also, a knowledge of the patent law, the decisions of the courts, and at least an acquaintance with the French language.

A reference to the report of the examiner of patents, transmitted with this and my last report, will show their duties, and the abilities necessary to discharge them.

It is a happy circumstance, that few changes have taken place in the effective force of this office since my connexion with it. We have every year enjoyed the benefit of accumulated experience.

I have, however, to record with sorrow the sudden death of the late chief clerk, Mr. Hand, a few months since. His removal has been mourned by all his associates. He possessed pre-eminently qualifications needed at his desk; and has left an example worthy of imitation, adding another proof that a faithful discharge of public duties is not incompatible with the life of a devout Christian.

I have added to my report the claims allowed on patents granted, and again requested the report of the examiners on the progress of the arts during 1844, (see F and G,) believing the same will be read with interest, while they will remain on the archives of the office, to instruct those who survive in this department. It is a matter of proud congratulation, that we witness the rapid advancement of the arts and sciences on this side of the Atlantic, and to hear how frequently the skill and experience of our citizens are purchased by the wisest monarchs of Europe. The liberality with which our artisans are compensated abroad is the highest proof of their superiority. Our manufactures are extending throughout the world. The ocean and the land alike bear testimony to American ingenuity. Fruses but a tribute due to her Constitution and the laws, which extent emai rights and privileges to all.

Among the most brilliant discoveries of the age, the electro-magnette telegraph deserves a conspicuous place. Destined as it is to change vel as hasten transmission of intelligence, and so essentially to affer: the wate of society, all that concerns its further developments will be haiei vth joy. Imagination can scarcely conceive what is now accompis electric fluid, when confined and tamed, as it were, to the purses 1. Distance is annihilated-thought has found a competito. Jor & I es gratifying that this invention is American. To a native zen jens the merit of the discovery; and it is hoped that the counts ar reward him accordingly. The public, at first, could scare leve i sible that intelligence can be sent at the rate of 188iesz! nor that the earth would suffice for half of the current amer nor that currents of electricity from opposite pas

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The specimen alluded to is open for examination. This fact is here mentioned, to show the importance of deep ploughing, to enable the plant to find nourishment so much below the surface as may avoid the effect of drought, give support to the stalk, and not expose the roots to be cut by needed cultivation. Soil is made by exposure of earth to the atmosphere; and whoever wishes to make permanent improvements will not fail to plough deep.

I hope to distribute to the members of Congress from 20,000 to 30,000 packages of seeds, embracing many that are highly valuable for garden and field culture. If the distribution of seeds is a matter of interest or advantage, beg, respectfully, to suggest how the benefit might be much increased. By a circular issued from the Navy Department, the navy is instructed to bring to this country seeds that may be found, and that are deemed useful; but this order is inefficacious, because there are no funds to defray the trifling expenses of packing and shipping them. Seeds are offered, sometimes gratuitously, in distant parts of the world; at others, for a small sum. The boxing and porterage require some expense; and however small this may be in a single instance, in the aggregate it amounts to a considerable sum. None of these expenses are allowed by the Navy Department, and hence none are incurred. It is certainly to be regretted that so many fine opportunities for procuring seeds and plants should be lost; and yet the department which refuses to allow the claims mentioned must do it, if at all, without authority. To meet the emergency, it is suggested that the annual appropriation made for agricultural statistics and other purposes should be increased $1,000; and then the Commissioner of Patents, in conjunction with the Navy Department, could do much to advance national industry; and if there is any appropriation which could gratify the agricultural community, it would be this. I am happy to say that the patent fund is amply sufficient to be further charged with this expenditure.

A contract for iron railing around the portico of the Patent Office has been made, and the work will soon be completed, within the appropriation. Lead for the roof of the Patent Office building has been purchased, but did not arrive in time to be laid on this fall. The work will be done early in the spring. Both of these improvements were needed the former to protect life, and the latter to protect the public property.

The library will require the usual appropriation, until the loss by the fire shall be restored; and considerable appropriations must be made annually, to enable this bureau to keep pace with the progress of arts and sciences. If the Commissioner of Patents were permitted to take books from the Congress library, this privilege would dispense with the necessity of purchasing some rare publications.

The great anxiety felt in the United States respecting the disease in the potato, by which whole sections of our country have been seriously affected, has induced me to devote much time to investigate this subject; and, if no satisfactory reasons are assigned for the disease, it is hoped some partial preventives, at least, are suggested. Those who are curious to read all that can be collected on this subject will find it in an appendix subjoined to the agricultural report, marked No. 9.

The Hessian fly still continues a dreadful foe to the agriculturist. Hoping to throw some light upon this subject, I have obtained a communication from one of the most scientific gentlemen in this country, who has made the

study of this insect the object of microscopic investigation for years. The origin, progress, and changes of this fly cannot fail to interest; and it is confidently hoped, that when its birth, its constitution, and its home, are found, it can be attacked with more certainty of destruction.

Mr. Herrick's communication will be found in the appendix to the agricultural report, as above, marked No. 1. Notice of other insects that affect wheat is added. (See appendix No. 2.)

There is much to encourage the artist and the husbandman. The latter ⚫ may feel momentarily depressed by the low price of crops, but he is cheered by the reflection that he is far better off than those in professions proverbially crowded. The cultivator of the soil is, in the fullest sense, the most independent. He raises enough He raises enough to eat, and can clothe himself; having a surplus to exchange, if he cannot sell. How much better for the young man of this country to aspire to the enviable rank of a scientific and successful agriculturist, than to grasp at the shadowy honors that are momentarily cast around the brows of political combatants.

There is much to console the husbandman in the reduction of the cost of the necessaries of life which he has occasion to purchase. Labor-saving machines are being introduced with still greater success. Mowing and reaping will, it is believed, soon be chiefly performed on smooth land by horse power. Some have regretted that modern improvements make so important changes of employment-but the march of the arts and sciences is onward, and the greatest happiness of the greatest number is the motto of the patriot. This is promoted by facilities in production, whether in manufactures or agriculture; and, if we are to compete with the world at large, we must readily embrace the offer of genius and skill; we must yield to competitors equal fertility of soil, and win the race by superior industry and intelligence.

There is, however, a dark cloud which lowers over the Republic. The incubus debt has lost its terrors, and obligation carries with it little self-reproach. Past experience is disregarded. The importation of goods into the United States during the last year will equal one hundred and fifty millions of dollars. Happily for citizens of this country, a portion of the goods imported have been sent on consignment, to be sold for the benefit of foreign manufacturers; and hence they must share in the loss. Still, these goods, if purchased, must be paid for in produce or specie. If importations must be increased, it is deeply to be regretted that it should take place when the value of agricultural products has so greatly diminished. Unfortunately, American stocks, once sought by foreign capitalists, are now refused; confidence is lost. The Bank of England is loaning its capital at 24 per cent. per annum, while our State stocks, bearing 6, and even 7 per cent., are far below par. Has not the time arrived for the South and the North to commence retrenchment and practise more rigid economy? The wheel of fortune will not turn out prizes, nor can patents be granted for paying debts. These must be worked out in the old-fashioned way; and when the people shall take a sober estimate of life, and moderate their wishes to their circumstances, then, and not till then, will they find permanent relief. All which is respectfully submitted.

Hon. WILLIE P. MANGUM,

President of the Senate.

H. L. ELLSWORTH.

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