to a special superintendent under a separate organization. And now that the British Government has decided to follow our example, and collect materials also for a series of wind and current charts, a special department in the Board of Trade has been created therefor, and one of the most distinguished and accomplished officers of the British Navy placed at the head of it.
"It would appear, therefore, that the American officer has carried out his idea, not at the expense of his duties proper, but in addition thereto. It may be supposed that he was stimulated to their performance by the energy that originality gives, and the excitement which is always attendant upon discovery and conscious progress towards the development of useful results.
"The facts that hydrographical officers have existed for ages; that none of them have led off in the construction of such charts as those under consideration; and the fact that England, with her hydrographical office, venerable with years and renowned for works, should, within the last year only, have created a new department and appointed a special organization for the purpose of carrying out the object of these charts, are significant proofs of the originality and merits of Mr. Maury's labours.
"Will it be said that Mr. Maury might have secured a copyright, and thus have reaped a reward for his labours? Admitting his right to have thus secured himself, should his omission to do so lessen the expediency and justice of remunerating him?
"Considering the profession to which the officer belongs and its tone, this waiver of right by him in the beginning, so far from operating to his prejudice now, ought to be held in his favour. Suppose this same officer should now discover some improvement in the means of navigation by which all the dangers of the sea might be canceled, and wrecks and
