In Belgium, it is true, much action has of late been taken in order to do away with Patents; but there, as well as in Prussia, the movement is rapidly decreasing. The hon. member refers to the “Nederlandsche Industrieel,” a periodical which, though strenuously in favour of abolition of Patents, nevertheless mentions in its issues of 14th and 21st of February, and 20th of June, what has lately occurred in this respect in Germany and elsewhere. In Great Britain also the question has lately been discussed in Parliament, but the member who moved it did not even take the votes upon it, but quietly dropped the matter; such was the impression made upon his mind by the arguments brought forward [!]. The subject has equally engrossed the attention of the “Société Economique” of Paris, when eminent economists, amongst whom Wolowski, declared in favour of Patents. This is mentioned in the _Economistes_ of June [see page 164]. For all these reasons the hon. member recommends to the serious consideration of the House that, for the time being at least, the rash Act be not consummated. Do not throw such a stain upon your Legislature, he emphatically exclaims. Do not step backward; beware of relinquishing the protection of any description of property. Do not cripple the law by ignoring a principle which protects the fruit of human intellect. Beware of laying violent hands upon property, of whatever kind it may be. Let us do better than that; let us reject the bill. Persuade Government, there being no haste whatever, to propose to the Chambers that the subject be deferred until next Session. At all events, nothing would be lost by it. Meanwhile Government would be enabled to reconsider the subject, and to make inquiries abroad as to the state of legislation on this head. No prejudice would be occasioned by deferring the matter; for the hon. member expresses his firm belief that a dangerous measure is about to be adopted with regard to a subject with which the utmost caution should be observed.