The evening telegraph. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, February 20, 1866, THIRD EDITION, Page 4, Image 4

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Evening clcflapli
Ts pvbltehctf wry afternoon (Sundayi excepted)
oiKo. 10b S. Ihird street. Pr'ce, Three -Cents
.Per Vui y (Double Meet), or Eighteen CetUs Per
Wed, payable to the Cdmer, and mailed to
- Subscribers out of the aty at Nine Dollars Per
Anr.vmt One Dollar and Fifty Onto for Two
Months, invariably m adoavce for the period
ordered. . .
'To insure the Insertion of Advertisements in all
of our Editions, they must he forwarded to our
office not later than 10 o'clock each Morning.
TUESDAY. FEBRUARY 20, 1SC0.
THE VETO.
Since tho eyor-meiUorablo days ot April last,
there lias no news reached our city that his
oc aslonod so proiound a spnsatlon as the Intol
lligence published in The Evemno Tbxe
OBAPU of yesterday, that the President of the
United States had seen lit to exercise his Con
stitutional prerogative, and returo without his
signature the "FreedmenV Bureau Bill."
The news of this action of Mr. Johnson,
couplud with a revocation of the order sup
pressing the Richmond Examiner, has natu
rally caused tho in tensest exctemout in poli
tical cire'es, which has spread Itself far be
yond the official rings which 4usually take
Interest in Congressional proceedings. Al
though rumors have bein afloat for ovor a
week that that was tho intention of th3 Exe
cutive, yet, as they came principally through
Democratic channels, the Union party
doubted that they were the authorized utter
ances of the President. Mr. Johnsox
has signified his opposition to the bill in
every lortn. A more emphatic veto has never
been sent to the National Congress. The
arguments advanced by him are of t'ao
greatest magnitude, -Iho causes which
led to the adoption' of tho bill are of
. equally vital Importance. When, thereforet
the great branches of our Government enter
into a conflict cl opinion in regard to an i m
portant pu He measure, it ill becomes tha jour
nalists of our land to decide on the merits ot the
case without careful deliberation. It is,
therefore, not our intention in the present
article to advocate or oppose the measure
but merely to condense the reasons givea by
hla Excellency in his message, whhh, how
ever the reader may differ In regard to Its
soundness of sentiment, all must admit to be a
powerfully written State paper.
Let us give in a few word the arguments
of Mr. Johnson, without urging any of the
replies whicb could be made by the advocates
of the bill. Let us, in fact, filter the docu
ment and give the gist of the whole in half-a-dozen
paragraphs.
lie is opposed to it because it is unneces
sary, as the Bureau created by the act of
March, 1865, has not yet ceased to exist.
It creates a military Jurisdiction over a
large portion of the United States, and gives
authority to step between tho ireedman and
bis employer and regulate his contract, when
it is possible that the agent is iguorant of the
necessities or justice of the case.
It makes it proper for a citizen to be ar
rested for iniur'ng a black, to be tried befcre
a court martial, convicted, and sentenced,
thus violating that provmion ot the Constitu
tion which prescribes that "in all criminal
proceeding? the accused shall eniov the right
to a speedy and public trial by an impartial
jury of the State or distrlec wherein the crime
bhall have been committed."
It entrusts to the President too much
power for any one man to exercise in a re
public, and enables him to wield immense
patronage for sinister and Improper political
purposes.
, It provides for giving homesteads to blacks,
and educating ihem, when Congress bas never
furni"bed o precedent for any such action,
ven in the case of orphans of soldiers.
It would make tbe support of a vast number
of Indigent people by the United States a per
manent department ot the Government.
It would make mill ary rule in the South
ern States a permanent policy of th United
States.
It would create dissatisiaction In the South
ern States, and tend to cause rebellion on the
part of the whites.
It seizes on property without duo process
of law.
It is unjust to tbe States most affected, b.
cause It was passed when they were not re
presented, and hence is an imposition on them
by legislation in which they were allowed to
take no part.
And lastly, It is unnecessary. bocauso, "with
the Federal courts restored and those of the
several States in the full exercise of their
functions the rights and Interests of all classes
of tbe people will, with tbe aid of the military
in cases of resistance to the law, be essentially
protected against unconstitutional infringe
ment and violation." Such is a condensed
statement oi the arguments advanced by Mr.
JOHN80N.
We have carefully compiled the opinions of
each of the leading journals of our own and
our sister c.tiei, which we append as a fair
exposition of the different lights in which the
action Is viewed by the various parties.
The Inq uirer says :
"The president expresses h' reret at belnr com
pelled w dissent from tho vie i of Congress a it
regards the lectures i the bill, oud deems It
inconsistent with the mbno welfare to Ktve ihj
nieasure his approval. He coupler, that the power
which if oonlerred upon tbe Executive by the linnet
went s ach ai, m tunes ot peace, e?rtain. y, ought
never to be intrusted to any one man.'
"rain in a hasty Riaiioe over ihs message, at an
hour too lata to do it Justice, we oono uda that tbe
President considers the bill as too expensive, that
iu :eis)atiou it uot rcqu.rod, and. fluailv, that it is
unoons iiutional. lie armies Iho quegtum, uud sub
jects tfTeiai sections to close auuiysis.and tnink the
Li 1 when examined in detail, open to weight !
Jeo tune "
The Press, in a letter from '-Occasional"
(Co'onel J. V. Founey), comes out strongly
in favor of the bilL He says :
'We cow realise the abundant sutlioritvof the
.Democratic uewsuapert tor awertinz that the l'mi-
THE DAILY EVENiNG TELEQKAPH. PHILADELPHIA, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY, 20, 18CG,
dent wan opposed to thl Important mMMiro a very
tinsulai e rcnnitsnco when cntravvl wit i fie 'act
tliev tli ttaonohrst, most ne f unci ilomir, and most
H.flticntfai jiatnoii in the land rem lined In almost
total iBLOiaica of hi intention uoarly up to the
ti mrni when h. veto u received.
1 w lte at too late an hour to tpeeilv the points
tha mo ni(n e'.tpd in oppomtton to hi mosi ico; on
will m'flice Tte aiieeaiion that cloven Maics of tan
Union i.ro nrroprere tod In Congress, aud that
their ab'ruce when this , bill was ia-s d
Is one ot the evidenoct of its mjjscios
and urcons'itutionaiitv, and that thmf
pitfpi.ce is riweiitial to eive h-ealitv and force
t legislation, it' It prone auythin , proves tnat all
tho inioitant legislation of ihe past tour yetrs, m.
tenced to rave aiid o reoue the Kopu ilio, and to
put down tl,e hobellion. w.,s i feai or unoon.-tin-tidtini,
I be patriotic paiple of the United Btitos
must now look to their Con .ress. Fortunate y lor
I lie laiure, Ihcse to groat Houses stand in Bulla and
in slern nirav arouait t o ineue.l i'bertioot thi
Li ion; but If thor are pxptoted to complete t ie
cictt mittfiou eutm-tcd to them tho? ninj be su
lan.fd and ttrcnt ,f ncd by tho ocople IhePnHi
edit 1ib csken bis appeal to th" ponp'e) uowl it
Ci i-eim go w tl him to tin ir rieat oous itionoy."
The Age commends the action, and utters
a seiri-exultant shout, as follows :
Yt sttrrlav afleruoon toe intoWtr-nco reached ns
tbnt tli I're.ooent had voiood the Froodinju's
1 urciiu Lil'.' This aiiuounoinent ooouioiuct pro
iound pei Ration in our city, as it will naturally do
throughout 'he country. An the veto nKaaare con
tains a distinct and emphatio onuuoiation ot the
l residmit's policy upon the mibj ot ot rooonatruo
tion, it will be rosd with inteune Interest 'Vtue
American people. That I. will OKiirciso a powifil
H.flunnceiu tho future hupintr ot eartios, there is
l ot the sliahii st dou'it and unum un art greatly
deceived, ii. Will rec.mvt tm untjui'tjlfi 'oio i"f
thone who eot with e t.nrst liiymtj for that peaceful
retttirtitiim which wit' open to tho Union a ttcto path
f glory unit prosperity."
The Ledger omits all mention, editorially,
of the fact ol the veto.
Ibe New Yoik Daily News (Copperhead
ord 4 11 44), commends the veto warmly
It says :
'o net of the 1'rcMd' Tit has prntiflod ui no mnoh
J one lias pivou vt so much ooi.fi Iouoh iu .hii.uutri
oiitni ono lntoiir ty j ne has iuc lued us t trust
so liot ofnlly to 1ns wisdom aiH h's slaienmanihiD
to Li'iiiu the coiinirr siitoly 'hrouh tliodn(fo'-s with
w hich the tiia.'i cs ol the Itadicals siih nurrounds :t
At oi c t onno no hus ricn to tho heisht ot hia riat
I pt rtui ity, ei.d domonsiratod u l devotion to tho
t oiipt'tution, i tid to thos i uiont pnnopesof Uor
eri ment wliioli ho enuuoialud so thttiuotlv In bll
ALDua. llcsfase. aiidwiiuh he so sinkinftly reite
rated in bis interview wit the Virnma delegation,'
Let a 'cw days apo.
''HoOccsnot return tho bill on nooount of any
trill. of objiot otig to lU duiails, out booamc it is
crft.-M.aIly uncoiiHtituiioual, uuncoosary, impolitic,
culiptrous to tho liberlit s ol the pooiilu, ruluoui to
tho ireeiiiiicn, and utjust to too jaop'o ol the
touth
"So part of the nifssacro desorroa or will attract
move fitioi.tion than tliut in viuch tho 1'rottden. ui
ciuiekthut tno Koi eii on bo lit: at an ouo and the
boiiti.ern 8a ea haviiii done all that t ,ov cou d to
rt- ct.tai I. Bi. tnoir ulutioris to tho Un.tod cjtatu. have
bicnuinndy iu!)v rettored, aud that com qujutly
l e 1oo;b it to I e Ins duiy to recommend to Cou 'rsss
'in tliemtere fx of peace., mill in tint interests of the
Uiiifrn, ihf atlmismim ot ttery State to it share of
public U yitlation.' "
The World, the leadlrg organ of the
Democratic paity, 6ays:
"I'rctsidciit Jon.BO.-i hus liob'y sn taineJ his char
ade ior B.ei.umehs oi pur. om nini po:iuojl cotirao,
l j the veto he sunt to tho tenaio. yesten av, oi too
bill lor enlui e.PK tlie powo s of tlie Frcedmcu'ii
Bureau the Veto llcssnyo ii a (iooument oi suuh
fiBvo coi stquouoe that it will b. attottt re.y lrfa i b'
ah who tuk i an interest in public affairs We will
notnuLuir tiio oaency oi is argument oy nnv at
tempt at abiidiuent. It is duo aliKo to tlie l'reni
Cei.i m.d too FU'ject that lu.i rr anon; 112 should bo
tare u Iv wcichLa in the jan;;uao 111 vhicU ha haj,
tern 1H 10 pres. iit it.
'jLt-i'vieiiii!' it as it bat alwavs lierftofore bonn
ur.utr.itood, be bos snowu that Uriu coull.louce 1 1 his
ow n jiulyuiout winch marks a iniud e. mure than
oidit.ary ttroui'tii, and a staunch honesty of pur
pose which no c.HUior ot au organized multitude
cun Kbako, Xlio t'rea'mt not l tiouerui Jackson's
Hie was a veto; aim President Johkson hus a lown
an Loiiost mtrepidit.- ihat is truly Jaousoutan, and
w 1 be tqaaii subirii ed tiv tlie oeole, wu. n tho
con.o to i.nue stand t ie ti ne n.crits of the question.
"JSrithor J 1 fit i. 1 son nor Jackhoi., our nvo irruat
Di niccra io jf re toeuts, ovur asaurte t wim suoU I'jar
less lino uy aim rinifins eui,ha'is the' funuaiuental
Vnncipksot c vn ure rly an i icsideut Jon.soa has
ooi.e 111 tuis nit BSD (f 1 : (or no occasion aioe unaor
tLeir iKliiiiinutrui.oiis callu; for a ich vigorous de
leiite ot a 1 that lieemou hold U ar. 1" is trmy re
vivinir, alter wnat the couutiy hai cono through tor
the luttt live yea. 8, to s e tho habeas corpus, trial by
jury unci other iuvuluablo rirh's ho Pj dlv SBsertod
by tno rresiupin 01 tnu unitou Mutei. dome i.iuatio
ot the Ihad. Stevkns stripe sa d. lu lu Urst year
ot the war. tli u the (Joust, tutiun must b ro.led up
and laid away til) niter its clone i rojidout John
bo has taken it down and unrolled ir ; and wnat is
mine, he lia tho good 1'aitti to acknowledge tuU it
nieoiis what ii says "
'Ihe Times (Conservative Union) says:
"The country will not le taken by furpr.'so in re d
ing the auuouucunieut of tho l'resiuout' veto of the
1 rcednien's liureou Bill. The veio imiiliei no osnu
tia dinnoi.ee 01 opinion bet ween the Lxocutive and
tnr uibloiity in Congress on the primary object ot
the bill.
"ihe wt'Olo tone of tho llossatro, however, shows
that too Lxccuiivo utuh. rity will not bu mton ooj
to piovont tbe enaoimcnt of any measuio vlnon,
witnout overthrowing the exiBling c ti; Jurisdiocion
olihoeouris hhau nmuro to t. e emancipated clans
at tbu bouth complete and tflecuvo pvoti'O'ion in
toeir ncwiy acquired riehls.
"in no ersoutiul point is tho l'roaidont at variance
either with ihe niujor.ty in Convene 'or with tne
couu'iy to far as tuo c uims ol tho freodmeu are
concerned. Ho keeks to roach the end aiiuea at in
the ve oed bin by other, aud what he deems ess
radica aciic.e3. It wil , tneref re, bo for Congress
ai d the com try to weifli carefuhy tho objeunon
ollereujuud at least to lespeor, f they cauuot as
eeiit, to ine icanonsou which the EJteouiive veto is
lased."
The Herald says:
"I he F eet men's Bureau bill bos, at the hands of
rrenioout JonKt-oji, mut wnh the late whicn it de
served, lie has, with iu objections, sent it back to
Ihe Senate ihu body in which it orimuatod he has
liiven it the veto, aud a very bioad, strong, coin
I l thenfive. ai d emphutio veto it is. He is oppood
to the bill, root and brunch, lie object.- to it on
coiiculu.lioi.al riounds, and on giouudi of expedi
ency. " I he bill may be passed over the voto; but In any
event the icbuu is ut length u.ado ootwoeu tue Ad-
11 in utmtion and tho rau.cai lautiou 01 conre
Lctwttu 1'ieBiieiit J on:, son aud luDbtU8
fcTKWN? ai.d tlieie Is no oner alternative Ihe
trup v. Inch it wuu botiou wou d catcii the Jrejfiieut ,
has iali d. He lukcs ins pomlion reardloaj of the
uppui;eiit odUH auaiiiBt him. It will now be the fame
ot tnu ruuiottio lo uowiiuout him,' aud to weaken
him in every )oi-iblo way. I'o this end vu are
not surprisou 10 hear tliut tbey are luuunir ouuly in-
iriguing 10 win over ueuerai uuu r num ui au
nuuistiatiou. We yu-B, however, tliut Gouoral
dliAM'wil bo ub o to ti kD care of hiuitoli. tho
itMi' is new unoij th s lioednien's Uu'euu bill. It it
is lobt the ba tie is euced at 01.ee; but it iho bill is
tiiutid our t, e veto, tho ilhl 11 jimt oorun. As
between 1'reBiceiit Joii.nbo aud I haihiKUS Stic-
Vl;e, we cani ot doubt ino una1 vio ory, wnatey-r
muy be tlie course ot t no prone.tt ouros lor the
country is with the Admli.i.nratiou "
The Tribune says, wirh that lrank honesty
which has ever characterized Its policy :
v. b cull l'reainent Jounsom as our Urst witness
thouh i' eio are luauy othurs to ihelaottnai tue
wh tes of the rioutn too cenoianv reira atuu niucus
with couteiui t and aversion W itnnk th 1'resi.
ctn, uuos too iar wheu bo uS4frU that the whi'et
would into avain In ii.su. reo ion, sua exrermina e
the Mucks, if iho latter were ucinihtcd to qoai nebts
with the Ibnmr; but ttiutaii auupathi very irone'uly
exists itbeoud d sputo Onlymak the ueero know
end keep bis place' under the heel of a master
aud the boulhrons like him as a man likes his noj,
or a woil hi uiulti ui but let tho 1 laec suera to aay.
'1 am a man, and 1 o aim all the liiruts of a mm,'
onu Y.t becomes 'inipucent.' 'insolent ' 'presumptu
onsj' and every whim- of the nuellm, d ep-drmk-iiu.,
gumhling class, leo's oblmed to taku him down.'
If e-vileai.d crnwinc, be is tolerated as a useiul
instrument; but be Is allowed noue of the rights ol
humanity.
' Ibe Vnedmer's Bureau is tbe nstlon's right
arm. pentiv but tlrmlv out tretci ea to keep the
peace tetw-cn tbos warring olasos its priuoipal
owlets are iiire:-l. lo e he blacks trom
itu.iui, abusit, and ma-acr. 8 lo t them at
work 8. to see that thy are cind v trea ed anl
'airly paid scrthiir labor. H is a cirautto enier.
priiw, nd ba ao'iieved a marvellous uoc H un
til edit ol tbuutalid a.e new industrious and com
t.,.i.l.iB Ut,er. with nol ov.r the T beads and
tood in ibeir cabins. io would have bi en prowl
im, thieving, burned, lamikbiug vavabouds in the
absxcce 01 tue nureuu. 11 nas paiieuur
rally dlsabueea the backs 01 the 110 ion that they
sre to share thotr manprs' 'ands and roedt t hal
plaiitcd fchooln, Incu caled obedience arid oilirouoii
so turn totemoBt In ail the onrj that ha litel
te al n ih outb. It thre million ba m of oittoa
re mam this year and w udire that there will Or
-tne Hopon-irn' Duieuu win hav givon n at Ina I
onr-bndot it, worth cot less than $100,00 J 000 io
pod. (
e.the riesidenthasretoed th bill provldtn? for
the continuance and renter eflloienov ot ttiU Bu
rrs n. Vi e deeply regret this) and we ttnnlr ho will
Ire to regiet it even mor kenlf For this t4
win I e viioerstood b all that is brutal iind rulllan'y
at Ihe 8011th i giving lieeme to any abuse and op.
pteRBion ol tho bia"ks ilutt w He inaiicnit? and ran
cmous lipto can devise. Jtwill os nndorstood as a
prnc amntion of license to ibe meaner whites td
wreak 'ho 1 , niance or their lut upon the hapless
and betrayed blacks JTi'ro aro thousand of in, o
cent r" ron now I vli whom 'his veio oonitrns to
a I amtiii death b fore the clo-e nl tlioourrent year. 1
Ol course, th Fieedmen's lturesu in anomaloanl
There is no dispme ns to that. JMav, morei it indi
catos a b ind, roui dboul wav 01 doing partia Jm
tice, wb n comp ote justice was (With the I'les'deut't
coi'K in ) easier and a.er 1 bine 1 ties in the Federal
Cons it u t on abolishing and inhibiting a'l laws and
ordinances Hint bo tow or wHiho:d privileges b'w
can. e 01 color would to wor-,11 sevoral Fioodmpu'l
llureoiTS Jnftlcc fqt:al rl?'it the rcoogm Inn of
bt n aiibood :hee hetx-s nvo wants not cdd1inj
and poi mi nv. ii you wd' tlm ho niutr ad bilorJ
kecan vote; buttlion don't lot wh t'-villains burn 111
J oor scboo -hnu-n. 8a , if you will, thai ho mint
lave t'Toprrtv before ho cm vo'pj but b Tory cam
ful that the low secures to him a'l heotrns. and civei
turn evrry reeded fnoility tor mamtamln his rigi s.
II you deny bim the neht of mfl'apo bcaue of his
ignointicp, look we I to it that yon do nothing 0 ilon
latptl to perH tiiate that ip-noranoe, and that vou mo to
him lo lenrn by profiei Ing h ra entranohioment as
the reward of his nilizenoe end acquirements, In
rhoit, n akn j our laws rigidly Just, then aoollsn your
soup-boiires. But until thou
ir. Johnson baa mare a irravo mistake. Ho has
relieved timi-e ivbo e eutod him ol a sroat rsnntisi
W'ltv bv taking It on his own shon'dors. Horoafter,
whnlevr wrenp may bo Inlliclod unou or Intlignrini
Fufieio i Yy the S mthnm blnoks wi,l be oharced to
the l'resident. who has lolt them naked o taeir
enem es. lime will show that ho has thorobv ir,i
c'ui ed a true and speedy res oration of tne Soinh,
end 1 flie'ed more las ing mi cry on hoi whites than
011 bor blacks."
GRAND TRIAL
SEWING MACHINES;
AT .
Iplfind Park, near Allmy, N. Y.,
The Willeox & Giubs Machine
V
TRIUMPHANT!
TUB TaIaL.
, At the Great Union Fair held at Island Park,
bctwet n Albany a'ad Tro.v, September 19, 20, 21
22, and 23, 1SC5, two premtuois wore offered on
Sewins' Kacliiues, one lor the Best Sewing Ma'
chne, and the other fcr tho Second Bast compe
tition being open to the State, 1
On thifjr&l day of Ihe Fair, the Troy Atrent of
the Florence S3!n;j Machino Company, havias'.J
jointly with the Albany Ap.eat ol the sanoe Ma-,
cb'tie, entered itlorcoinpetitioD.publtsUaJin the
Troy Daily limes a challenge to aijontj ot' other
SewSn? Machines to meet tbctn at said Fair ami
compete with them lor tlio primium. 1 i
The challenge was accepted hy the Troy and '
Albany Aceuts ot the Wllloox A Gibbs Manilla ). ;
And no other kiod of Sa ving Machine being la
couipetition, it, una left tor these two Machine!
(one representing the old double-throail, "lock"!
or ''thuUle stitch'' cluss, aud the other tho ne w, !
sinele-threafl, 'twisted loop Ftitcli" c?as.t), by j
this sinsle-hauaed contest, to docile the relative '
merits of thcee two n'.asscs of Soinar Machines. ,
The competitors being alio ved to choo.se the !
Judges, each party selected oao, aud taosetsvo!
selected a tlnrd ullof thampradical maohLiish, .
and t wo of tlieui sewinj midline experts; who, 1
being approved by tho ofllecrs of the I'Vir, warj
oppcintetl Jt'.dges, as will bo seen by the Olllcial
Certilicate bolow.
Eetore entering upon the trial, th folio ying
programme tor conducting it wai mutually
agreed upon between tho coutnutanU, and'
adopted by the ludges: Each party was to pre-1
pare and submit to tho ludGtas a list ot tho
several points of merit on account of which
superiority was claimed. These points wero t
bo separately considered, thoroughly Investi
gated, and practically tosted, by w ork done then
and there, uion each of the maehiue?; and then
decided In lavor of the machine which was
adjudged to excel on that "point.":
It was also agreed that each party should ba
at liberty to expo.se defects in tho competing
machine, and have the rigut to call for hsts to
prove the came.
Finally, It was agreed that the machino which,
at tbe conclusion ot ihe-trlal, should be found to
have the greatest number of those "points" de
cided in its favor, should be declared the "Bbst
Sewino Machine," and awarded the "First
rBEMlTJM."
Tbe Agents of the Wlllcox & Gibbi Machine
were assisted by Mr. 15attey, one of the Com
pany's General Agent, a Manager at the trial;
and the Agents ol the Florence Machiac by Mr.
Tucker, one ol the best Sewing Mac&ino experts
in- the country, in the same capacity. Mr.
Tucker was 1 orderly connected with the Flo
rence Manutadory, as an Adjuster of the ma
chines, and was probably as competent to repre
sent Ihetr machine efficiently, both in working
it, and In advocating its claims, as any person
connected with that efdablisntneut. Tho result
of the tiiul was that Willcox & Gibbs won the
victory and the prize by the extraordinary supe
riority ol thirty-fivt points, decided in It favor,
Of-'alubl two points in favor ot the Florence.
Full notes were taken of the trial, including
the practical tests made, tho discussion elicited,
and the fact developed. A few of the most
important of these notes will be found into
upersed in the two "Lint of roinfcj," each Nota
immediately lollowmjf the Point to which it
rejates with the Decision of theJudgejln
italics between the Point and tho Note.
ItErORT OF THE JUDGES.
To the Officers of the Union FainVfe, tho
undersigned, appointed a (special Committee to
inspect the merits of the seveial Sewins; Mn
comes entered for Premiums, wo aid reipect
lully report: That two Machine were entered
the Wdlcox it Gibbs and the Florence Sewing
Machines.
In prosecuting the examination, It was
screed by the. Agents repreeuung the two
Machines to render to .Your Committee, in
witiirg, ' the peculiar points on whioh
they based their claim ol ttipiTioriiy, and
in testing the machines each point was 10 be
taken separately, and after a fair trial, bdludged
to the best ol our ab.l'ty. Kttcu Aueiit presented
their claims iu due form, copies ot which will be
found below.
For the Willcox & Gibrs Machine, thirti-flee
distinct claims were made lor its superiority, all
of wh'ch were austalned. Whereas for the
Florence- Machine, but ten were presented, two
of whieh were sustained.
A'ter a thorough and Impartial trial, your
Committee have decided to award to tbo will
cox & GiDbs Machino tbe First Prrmiom, on
the ground of lbs excelling in the greatest
number ot points presented. To the Florenoe
Machino, for having the ad van t ago ot a "rever
sible Icod," and usinr tho leist thread, we
award the Fecund Premium.
September 22, 1805.
Stdnet P. Tuckrr, )
, V . L. C. CnssfPNEY. Judges.
Joseph WnEELoci:, )
List of Points In which Snpeilority was
' Claimed tor tbe Florence Machine.
1. A reversible feed. This claim was sustained.
Notc The capacity of revprslng tbe feel was
decided to be an advantage, but not to the extent
claimed; the alleged advantage in tav.pning olT a
scam being considered by the Judges invalid, as
neainut the Wllicox & G bba Machine, which
fastens otf its own eam quite ns eil'ccu-illy and
more neatly, without any extra labor, or any
rare, and without any special dovico lor that
purpose.
2. It makes four dlfloront sritohe's. Cairn oj
superiority not sustained.
Notf. After a very thorough trial on this
point, it was decided that neither of these four
i-titcbes is as good, tor general purposes, as the
"twisted loop stitch" ot tho Wllicox and Gibbs.
It was urged, in support of this claim, that the
extra stitches are useful in certain kinds of
work, where greater elasticity is required. But
it was the onluion of the in tires that tbe a 1 van
tage thus)gaiued was not sufficient to compensate I
or mo resulting complication or tue machine;
while it was proved, bv positive tests, that the
"Will -ox and Gibbs stitch" whicb is always
more platlic tuauthe "lock stick" mav bo made
more el irtc than ext'icr of their stitche3. by sim
ply shortening it, more or less, accord. ng to the
degrte of elasticity required,
3. It works from thick to thin fabrics, or over
an uneven surlace, without missing etitches, and
without chance of tension, needle, or stilch.
Claim tf tuj erionfy not sustained,
KriE. The trial test upon this claim was
si ort, but decisive. The Y ilicox & Gibbs Agent
tool; a pieoe of Hue heavy linen, and folded U
double, with a small roll of the samo material,
of twelve thicknesses, placed between the two
folds; and tewed across the whol, at right
angles w ith the rilae lorraed by tho roll, tbus
passing from two. over four ten thicknesses of
tbe poodp, repealing itseveral times, and then
handed it to the Florence Agent, who, on the
second attempt, succeeded in sowing across the
same. Aeain, the Willcox it Gibbs Agent folded
the pincc so as to do . bio the ridgo ovor longch-wL-e
upon itself, and without any difliculty
sewed from tho four thicknesses over the twenty
elaht, and buck acain; but the Floreuco Agent;.
n again a-tempting to "follow copy," broke h"
needle the morcoLt it Mruck the ridge, and
abnnconed any tuither ctlort to sustain tats
claim. j
4. Iho advantage of a double thread, a in all
shuttle machines. Claim of superiority not sus
tained 1
Note. This claim cave ri-e to a protracted
and teverely contjsied trial, the result of wnich
was, au unanimous decision ol the ludcos t'aat
the "advantage" is not ou the Mdo of a "do tble
thread," but on that of a "si'iglo thread" as used
by the Willcox ft Gibbs machine.. ,
6. It will do a greater range and variety of
workjtha'i any other machiao, being used for
shirt and collar making both in Albany and
Tioy; al.o for tailors work. It will hem (narrof
and wide), tuck, fell, bind, stitch, quilt, gather,
and sew on (or "pair"), and will do auytlilng
that can bo done on any other machln", except
embroidery; it. can also do ornamentul siilching.
Claim of svpertonly not sustained. J
Note. In the trial upon this cltlru, it was
shown, to the satisfaction ot tho judges, that the
Willcox and Gibbs macniae will do quite as great
"a range and variitv of ivork" as tho Florence;
while tho quality ot tho work done upon the
former "was pronounced decidedly superior to
that 01 the work douc oa the latt-r. I
Luriua this test one of the iudoes called atten
tion 10 tho tact that the patching of tho Flo?viiea
machine was much soiled with oil a defect which
he had coticcd, he said, in all tho woric 1J0.10 oa
that machine th'.is Iar during tho trial. This betug
regarded bv Ihe judges as a serious delect, espe
cially in nil kinds of work upon lotute eoods,
coi,fi(leruble time was spent in the effort to
ascei tain tho cause. The investigation resultnd
in a conclusion that the delect was owing to a
cause inherent in the machine itself.
C. It has a self-adjusting tension on the under
thread; the ttitch is alike on both sldos. Claim
of superiority not sustained.
Note. There being no other double-thread
machine in competition, thLi claim was impro
perly Tuaao since there could be no advantage
over the Willcox and Gibbs machine in tho self
adjusting character of a teusion which the Will
cox and Gibba neither had nor re qiiTud. It was
therefore decided that whether their undor-ten-sion
be self adjusting or not, their claim of supe
ricnly on this t'Oint was not sustained. Morei
over, it did not appear from the tests mado that
said tension is reliably uuilorm. but that it re-
quires attention; and hence the stitch is not
uniformly alike on botn sides, bat more or lesi
variable; being geneially the fairest on the upper
side. ' .... j
' 7. Tho stitches will not riD if ono is broken or
wornoll; yet it can be taken out, in case a mis
take is made in plac'ncr the fabric. C.aim of
superiority not sustained. j
Note. A variety of tests were made on thid
point, each terminating in the same result, and
provinar conclusively that tho Florence seani
will "rip tf a stitch is broken" and much mori
easily than than ihe Willco & Gibbs; and that
it is not so easily "taken out" wliea desired. j
8. It uses lees thread than other machines.!
Claim sustained. I
Note. This claim was not tested, the Atroati
01 the Willcox, & Gibbs niaehiue conceding it.l
At the fume time he remarked that tho peculiar!
wording ot this claim was all taat saved it; lor,
it it had been claimed that the Flor?nca con
sumed ICS'S thread thuu tho Willcox & Cibbs,
instead ot "ined" less, they could not have sus-i
tained ti e clat't, it being a fact, as he claimed,
that while the Florence tiws less thread in the)
seam, it wastes still more at the en-la of tho
SChlU. .
0. The DKiiiiHi in which the threads are drawn'
wh-u musing tho stitch; no dependence beinai
placed upon wire coils; every motion being
pobilive, and the stitch certainly and securely
drawn tij?ht. Ctain of superiority not sus
tained, j j
Nom Tho decision of the Judges on this;
claim wn, that the Florence has 110 advantage
over the Willcox and Gi'ily in eith.tr of th'
point a num-xl. ,
10. Tho Floienpc U as ra-dly managed a anyj
machine in tbe world. : Cairn of superiority w-itj
wslained. . , , , . -!.'
Notr. The Rbuiirdlty of this claim had bo;i;
already so thoroughly manifested, that no te-t.
was oiiertd or required. ' V !
List ol rcints on which Supoilftiiry was
Claimed in r tbe Willcox & Gibbs Machine.
1. It is the simplest. Claim sustained, ( j
2. It is the least liable to get out of ordev.
Sustained, ', ; .. . ' '
'3. It is the bost made machine; every part;
being an exact duplicate which is not the oa-.;
with the Florence. Sustained, . 1
4. It is tho chcapcEt. Stistalnet, ;'
6. It rups the stillest.. Sus'ajutd.
M 6. It nut tho eaeles. &uslaiiuL :, 1
v 7. dt runs the fwtust. .imiuusd. '
. 8. It has thaliest device to prevent the whe.-l
runnluir backward. Claim sustairoed.
Notr. The Florence machine baa no such I
cev.ee, -
9. It requires less mechanical skill t operate
it. Sustained,
10. It requires leas time and instruction to
learn to use it. Sustained.
11. It is the most certain and reliable In opera
tion. Sustained.
Nom It is fact worthy of remark, that
duringthe entire trial which continued without
intcrmistdon lor early seven hours not a stitch
was missed, nor tbo thread once broken, nor a
needle broken or bent, by the Willrox A Gibbs
machine. No kind of work was attempted to
be done on it that was not accomplished, an l
done in aperlcct and workmanlike manner; anil
no effort was made on it that was not entirely
surceFBlul; while neither of these statements
can be truly made In lavor of the Florence.
12. Its needle is the shortest. Sustained.
13. The needle Is also straight and less liable
to be broken than one eurocd Itse the Florence.
Sustained.
14. It is bevelled, and therefore stronger than
one with a small shack, like the Florence. Sus
tained. 15. The noodle Is secured In it place by a paten
ted dovico, which renders it self-adjusting, so that
neither skill nor experience is necessary In set
ting it It is not so with the Florence. Sus
tained, Note. This claim was fully conceded by the
Florence Agents, so far ns relates to tho capaelty
ot the Willcox and Gibbs machine. But they
claiming that the Florence niacniue has the
self-adjusting capaeity of the needle, also, and a
fpht be ine culled tor, ft needle was set in the
Florence machine, without, the usual adjustment
of its point alter sett ma It; and on attempting
to eew with it, the needle was broken at tho first
stitch. Another needle was then sot, with a
similar result.
16. It uses but one thread, and thus avoids the
necessity of complicated machinery, which is
required for two threads, as in th: Florence.
Sustained.
17. It sews directly from tho spool, thus
making it necessary to rewind the thread and
adjust it in the shuttle. Swtained.'
18. It makes (he "Willoox & Gibbs," or "twisted
toop-8tilch"& stitch original with tbis machine,
and made by no other which, for goneral pur
poses, is superlar to either mado by the Florence
Sustained.
Note. The trial upon this claim was very
thorough, and the practical tests minute aud
accurate. Kacb machino was requirod to uso
thread trom the same spool, mako the stitch of
tho same length, and perioral the test-work on
the same piece ot goods, with the lines ot e wuu
side by tioe. The results were all decisive, and
in crcr'u tost in fivor of the Willcox. & Gibbs
machine. ' . ,
19. Its scam has the peculiar advantage of
being readily takn out when it is desirable,
while it is les? liable to rip, in use or wear, than
the lock-stitdi. Sustained.
Note. This claim was also vry , severely
tested in the same manner as the last, and with
equally positive results all in favor o; the Will
cox & Gibbs machine.
' 20. Tbe scam is more elastic and stronger
than tho lock-stitch. Sustained.
21. The seam is also the most even aud bear,
tilul. Sustaine.di ' '
22. The seam is always i'f-fastened, thus
avoiding1 the necessity of a "reversible teed,''
or any other complicated device for that pur"
pose. Sustained.
23. Its tei fion is more simple and more easily
adjusted. Svslrined.
24. It will do a irreatcr variety of worlt than
the Florence can do, in equal prloction. Sus
tained. 25. The machine is more easily aud speedily
charged Jrom one kind of work to another.
Sustained. '
28. Mere work can be done wiih It in a given
lime than with the Florence. Sustained.
27. It cocs beautllul embroidery, which tho
Florence can not do. Suslxhud. ,
28. It has a shield to the wheel, which the
Florence has not. Sustained. .
29. Tho needle being carried in a perpendicu
lar bar, it has important advantages over ma
chines with curved needles attached directly to
tbo needle-arm, as in the Florence ono of which
is its non-liability to derangement from alterna
tions of temperature. Sustained.
30. In consequence of the shorter sweep of the
needle, there la much less wear ot tho thread
(rem its vibrating through the needle's eye in
the act ot sewing. Sustained.
31. A smaller needle can be used with the
same size ot thread, which adds to the strength
and beauty of tho seam, especially on linea or
othir nard goods. Sustained.
32. It has the best b em mors. Sustaincl.
33. It has the bent feller. ' HuslainPd.
34. It has the best braider. Sustained.
35. It has the best belt. Sustained.
Note. The advantages claimed for tke wjn:
cox and Gibbs belt consist in its non-liabi'ity to
git out of order, and the fucllity with which it
can be shortened when necessary. It was shown
that tbe Hut belt is very liable, on a sewing
machine, by the unequal stretching of its two
edges, to got out of adjustment, so as to run to
one sioe ot the pulley, causing the machine to
run Leavlly; diliiculty to which the round belt
is never liable, siuce, as it runs iu a groove, it
is irnpcsfcible lor it to get out ot place. ,
Additional Notes. The Agents of tho Will
cox and Gibbs Machino here stated that they
hve also a Quilter, aConler; and ft Tucker, each
of' them, ns they claim, superior to any others:
but these attachments not beiug present, they
could, of courue, uiuke uo claims on account of
them at this trial. 1
In regard to the decision of tho Judges upon
the several points, it may, in general terms, be
remarkid that, during the entire trial, there was
Bcurcely an instance ot d'Ueicuce of opinion
as, indeed, it wa hardly passible there could bo;
lor the plan adopte 1 was itnelf a surety both of
unanimity and a iut decis on; tho latter being,
in such a plan, neither more nor less than the
practical solution ot a uia.bematical probiom.
For, L.y dividing up the respective merits of
each machine into its simplest elements or
"points," and subjecting each point separately to
the test 01 practical work diue on each machine
in presence 01 the judges, their decision upon
each point is red.iced to too simple act of record
ing tbe facts developed,
lp.r lm-tniP! piteli eontestdnt r.ltilma thr mrwr.
elastic Ftitch. Then each is required to sew a'
uniin. at'ln Vvo a! ( Att iYitk 0 if O idann r. f ln..
tic soode;nn4 the judge taices tho piece, and
etretcbt'B it lcnctliwUe of the seams, till one
seam breaks; he still oont nuei the stretching,!
but the other seam refuses to Dreafc at all. How
ever di. appointed his expectations, that tudire
will hardly enter ou the record that the broken
seam is tho most elastic.
Again, each party claims that his stitch is tho
leat liable to rip by the ordinary strain upon the
seam ol a garment in use. The to requires a
row of parallel stitching to be made by each
machine, lengthwise, scioss a narrow strip of
two ibit'knetiscF of imiiliu; and tnia strip U then
cut itcrotH at every halt an inch, malt in? it Into
smaller sttips, each as long as tho width of ihe
original pice1. Each ludire Mkei one of theso
t trail strips, and opening tho folds 00 the "lock
stitih" bWIe, pulls 011 the ends in opposite direc
tion?, ai'd Die loek-stiten seam nos out The
lolds beluur thus openpd to the Willcox & Glbbi
sea 111. he continues pulling, but this seam refuses
to rip. He pulls stronger, but this only tltrh'eus
the Mitch: the material gives way, but the scam
holds fast. Tb dechdon of fbe Judge. thoKrfr ft
may oe navf itb to ins pmriatcc, will ot ftftces
sitv b in ftccordanee with tlie facw.
Again, ch A (rent claims suneriornr in thtt
facility with which they can sew across seams.
or other oneven surfaces. The test is made;
and the Florence Agent In vaia t tens pi, to
pass over ft scam which the Willcox A Gibbs
Machine has crossed and recrossed without difficulty-
brchks his needle tbe moment it strike
ihe seHm. Of course, no judea can be found to
oectrjp, in sucu ft case, in favor of th broken
down machine.
Such were the tests ftnA such the inevitable
decisions on those poin'n: and such also- wm tha
cbamcfer of all the other tests, aud their re
st ective results, throughout the whole course of
this unexampled trial; ft trial which, as It is tha
first ever held on so ins; machines in this country,
if riot lathe world, at which any attempt has bee
made to conduct the process on a purely practi
cal and sclea .ltlc plan, can not tall, it Is oettered.
to exert a bcucUcial influence on mttire trials of
this kind; for, with this example before them,
the managers of our State and National ilrs can
not long tail to recognizo the necessity of system,
practieal test, and trioiitidr accuiacv, ai well in
the trial f a machine for universal household
ue. as in that ot nloueh. mowers, and other
implements of hushnnitrv.
Official Ceitlficate. I
This certifies that the Union Fair, held at
Island Faik. in the county ot Albany, la tha
month ot September, 106', was cstaollshed b
the joint eflofs of tbo "Albany County Aanoufr
tural Bocietv," and the "Konsselaer County Agri
cultural and Manufacturers' 8ocicty."
That only two kinds ot Sewing Machines wero '
enU-itd tor premium at said Union Fan; and
that one kind was called the Florence 80 Ine
Machine, and the other kind was called the Will
cox & Gibbs Be wing Machine.
I 'lhat bj some error in compiling the "pre-mium-listt"
tor said Fair, Sewing Machines were
classified under "Farm implements." and com
plaint thereof was made to the officers of said
Fair, who Immediately withdrew Sewing
Machines from the examination of the Judges
on Farm Implements, and decided upon ih
appointment 01 Special Judges, and determined
to Dei m it tho acent of each kind of bowing
Machines entered for premium to select one
jndge. and to empower the Ju iees thus chose
to select ft third Judge. Whereupsn Mr.
Clarence W. Waters, 01 Troy, N. Y., oIalm,d t
be one of the agents of the Florence Maohin
interests, and as such agent reported to said
officers that he had chosen Mr. Sydney I).
Tucker for judge.
Dr. N. 1). Boss, of Troy, N. Y.. clalmod to be
one ol the agents ol the Willcox & Gibbs Machine
interests, and as such agent reported t3 said
officers that be had chosen Mr. Joseph Whee
lock as judge; and Messrs. Tucker ana Wheelock,
with the content and approval ot said agents,
and in presence of said otlicers, selected Mr. L.
C. Chauipney as the third judge; aud said officers
appointed said Tucker Chairman of sai.1 Com
nil' tee of Judges, and theso judges made a writ
ten repert to said officers, and awarded tho First
1 bemicm to the Willcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine,
aud the Second Premium to tbe Florence Sewing
Machine: and no awards were authorized or
made for 8owir g Macbinet at said Fair except
those rerorted by Messrs. Tucker, Champney,
and Wheelock, as a 'oresaid.
In tebtimonv ot the foregoing facts, the un
dersigned, Secretary of the Albany County Agri
cultural tiocie'y, oos hereunto subscribed hia
name, ana caused tue seal ot said Society to be
affixed, this fourth day of January, A. L. 18C6.
J. M. Bailst, 1
Secretary Albany Co. Ag'l Society.
In witnes wt the facts stated in the foregoing
certificate, I Lave hereunto subscribed my name,
and caused the seal ot the "Kensselaer Ccuuty
Agricultural and Manufacturers' 8 icltty" to bo
hereto affixed tbis second dav of January. A. 1).
1S66. Chables A.-Mott, .
Secretary P.enssclacr Co. Ag'l and Man. Soc,
6TATEMENT OK MB. TCCKEIt.
Tnov, N. Y., January 3, 1866. Mr. James Wlli
cox Sir: In replv to inquiries mado of me
rest ect ng my connects n witft tbe Florence
dewing Machine Manuiuctory, and the character
ot my eiigngt'tncni there, I would here state that
in the month ol September, 1803, 1 was employed
by that Couipiinv, at an advanced salary, to not
as Inspector 01 the aiuerent parts of their ma
chines; and at, that time, tbe necessary prpira
tiens tor Iho inspection ot work not being com
pleted, I turned mv band to adjusting the ma
chines, which had been a familiar occupation to
me dur ng tbe eitiht years previous I continued
in that branch ot the business for more than
three roonth, became thorousrhly acquainted,
and I must say not a little prejudiced in its lavdr,
so far as some ot its '.catures were concerned. '
At the Albany and Kensselaer Counties' Union
Fair, I served on a Committee to adjudge the
merits of Sewing- Machines the contest being
between the Willcox & Gibbs and Florence ma
chines. I was selected by my friend, the o;eat
ot tha Florence Company, to assist in conduct-
iug the trill 01 their midline, which, regardless
of my stmpathios with it, I endeavored to do in
an impartial manner. The trial resulting greatly
In lavor of the Willcox & Gibbs Machine, it was
awarded tho First Fremiuni. I think a similar
decision could Lot tail to be made luthe minds
of practical men on any thorough trial of the
above machines. S. D. Tusker
REMARKS.
This rernaikablo trial can not fail, through
the facts developed by it, to bo productive of
important remits. It has raised the veil aiid
exposed to public view the true character of the
opposition, who will no longer be able to de
ceive tho public by misrepresenting the char
acter sad merits of the Willcox It Gibbs machine.
1 By this trial more thorough than any of the
kind ever previously attempted a trial before
an able and impartial jury, the justice of whose
verdict none can dispute it has been proved,
decided, and published to the world that the
Willcox & Gibbs machine is just what it has been
claimed to be an improvement on double ttread
machines.
The relative merits of tbe two kinds f stitohes
mado by these two classes of machines were
there subjected to the most rigid tests, by work
done upon each machine, ou the same piooe ot
goods, and with thread Irom the same spool;
and the result wa an unanimous decision that
the "Wllicox in Gibbs," or "twisted loop" stitch,
instead id being less reliable than the "iock"
stitch, as iepii's-nted by its ooponents, is even
more to; that while it may be ravellod by a cor
tain process, when necessary, it is less liable to
rip than that stitch, iu ue or wear.
In order to appreciate lully tho importance of
this trial. It is necessary to consider some of the
peculiar circniu'tanccs connected wilh the early
history of th' Willcox & Gibbs machine, aud its
relation to other leadin? kinds; ull which, it is
well known, are of the double-thread class.
Frevioisly to the introduction of this machine
the country had become so flooded with cheap
and worthies' ones, and the public mind so
generally prejudiced in favor of the high-priced
double-thread machines, that most people were
prepared to accept as truth the teaching of thosa
interested in the latter class, without question;
and since many of those cheap machines were
single-thread ones, It was no difficult task to edu
cate tbe public luto the belief that alt single
thread machines, as well as all cheap ones, wero
necessarily worthless. And so faithfully was
that task performed, that the double-thread In
terest was thereby enabled to acquire and for a
time t maintain a mononly, and to keep their
prtcei up to a point which forbid the useot
sewing-muchines to thousands ot persons of that
cla;s who most need theni, but are leoet ablo to
buv.
It was at this period, end with a view to sup
ply a great pnblio need, by the production of a
simpler and b-tter, as well as cheaper machine,
lhat the Willcox & Gibbs nas invented aud
placed before the public
The double-thread trsternlty, perceiving ita
great merit, very naturnlly became alarmed A.
rival so danpeious to them all was not to be dis
regarded. With the exception of merit, tne a-1-vantage
was H on their tdde. Each had their
thontauds of uceuls scattered over the country
who would open the mouth at their b.d ilu'
while the Willcox & Gihb, with here and there
ft solitary enoeption. an yet had none. The word
was eiven, and the key-note sounded, "A slnele
thrcud l" "A sing thread !" and tenthousaui
agents' voices echoed, "A single thread 1"