CHAPTER 29

THE LAW'S DEFINITION OF PROPERTY--AND PUBLIC POLICY

Evidently the law's definitions of "Industry and Property" are only that which were known and accepted as such before the Era of Mechanical Inventions. And while the law is sufficiently modern in exacting a fee from this modern class of toilers, yet it has not modernized sufficiently to extend to them the encouragement and protection that in all reason and justice they are entitled to, even without additional exaction from them, and it is also against public policy.

"Full many a gem of purest ray serene the dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear."

"Full many a flower is born to blush unseen and waste its sweetness on the desert air."

Many a great invention to increase human comfort and happiness would be given to the world, if inventors were given that encouragement and protection which their genius, industry and usefulness deserve.