The day, we apprehend, is coming when the whole system of patent granting will be done away with. The genius of the inventors will be directly rewarded by a bounty from Government, if his invention be of value; and if valueless, if will not have the prestige of a patent to disguise its vanity. We much doubt if the true policy of the public, and of the inventor, too, does not directly point to the abrogation of all protection laws. New York Times, October 16, 1851.
The bounty system has been tried, and found, though somewhat less convenient, far more just and discriminating. Under it, the reward reached the needy inventor, which now seldom does. Speculation was forbidden. Every mechanic, the poor and the rich equally, had the improved machine or process within reach. What he could not buy, he could at least make. The inventor, beyond the triumph of witnessing the general acceptance of his contrivance, and receiving the universal tribute of gratitude, had his pecuniary gratification. “The Rationale of Patents,” New York Times, April 29, 1852.