They but
augment the deep and sweeping thoughts which overpower all others and
conduct the world at last to fortune."
It was the writer's privilege in 1891, to deliver the unveiling
address of a monument to Symington at his birthplace, Lead Hills,
Scotland. In the tribute then paid to the genius of the great
Scotchman who had done so much for invention in many directions, he
said the difference between Symington and Fulton was this: "Each
worked diligently at the same idea, but it was the good fortune
of Fulton, so far as the steamboat was considered, to make his
'invention' 'go.'"
* * *
I see the traditions of my fathers are true; I see far,
far away the big bird again floating upon the
waters, so far my warriors that you cannot see it, but ere two
autumns have scattered the leaves upon my grave, the
pale face will claim our hunting grounds.
_Aepgin, King of the Mahicans._
* * *
To quote from a British writer, the "Comet" of Henry Bell on the Clyde
in 1812, was the first example of a steamboat brought into serviceable
use within European waters, and the writer incidentally added that
steam navigation in Britain took practical form almost on the spot
where James Watt, the illustrious improver of the steam engine was
born.
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