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The Sewing Machine 371 be an infringement of Howe’s invention inasmuch as it gave the continuous lock-stitch, which had to be formed after the lines laid down by Howe. Con- sequently Singer, in common with every other sewing machine inventor, had to pay tribute to Howe until the master patent expired in 1867. Singer was bitterly disappointed at the decision against him, as thereby all his ambitions appeared to be dashed to the ground. The cheap machine was rendered impossible. But practical and financial assistance came from an unexpected quarter. Clark, his leading counsel in the case, came to him and suggested that if Singer would allot him a half-share in the invention, then he would push it for all it was worth, and convert it into a profitable enterprise. Seeing that Clark, by virtue of his eminent position, was likely to fulfil his promises, an arrangement was drawn up. The moment the partnership was signed the future of the Singer sewing machine was assured. Clark was a man of energy, action, imagination, and unbounded enthusiasm. He approved of Singer’s great idea of introducing the sewing machine into every home. It was merely a question of organisa- tion and adequate financial resources, and the firm of I. M. Singer & Co. was founded. Clark had the capacity of judging men, and he selected his staff with care, securing the right men for the right posi- tions. In 1856 Singer’s original plan came into com- mercial application. He had cherished the idea of selling the machines direct to the public and without any intermediate agency whatever. Also he urged that the system of sale should be such as to enable the poorest individual worker to be in a position to