172 Transactions op the 



for which we desire to receive the gold medal of the Fourth Depart- 

 ment, for the most meritorious exhibition of California manufacture in 

 that department. We claim: 



Firstly — That this is the first billiard cushion manufactured in Cali- 

 fornia, after many arduous labors in perfecting its manufacture and 

 competing against Eastern manufacturers. 



Secondly — We claim that this cushion, being manufactured from a 

 combination of rubber and steel, and out of several parts combined, will 

 last longer, and be more uniform, and give more accurate angles, than 

 any other cushion heretofore known. 



Cushions have always been manufactured in New York, and we are 

 now engaging men to manufacture billiard cushions in California. This 

 cushion was patented May fifteenth, eighteen hundred and seventj'-four. 

 The manufacture of billiard cushions is at present very extensive in New 

 York, and our aim is to introduce its manufacture here, and maintain it 

 within California, and if its manufacture meets with success, we can em- 

 ploy a large force of men. 



We inclose you a certificate signed by three of the best billiard play- 

 ers of Sacramento, who, for three days, have played on these cushions. 



That this enterprise, which is as yet in its infancy on this coast, is 

 deserving of your attention and encouragement, is obvious, and as it 

 attracted the attention of all billiardists, we are willing to leave the 

 matter in your hands, and willingly abide your decision. 



For further reference, please refer to inclosed statements. 



We remain, yours, very respectfully, 



P. LIESENFELD & CO. 



To the Gold Medal Committee: 



Gentlemen: As you are practical business men, you will doubtless 

 award the medal in the Fourth Department to that exhibition which, in 

 your judgment, under the circumstances and at this particular time, 

 promises the greatest pecuniary benefits to the State. Permit us, then, 

 to state that our exhibition was the product of a comparatively new 

 industry on this coast; we exhibited a larger assortment of potteryware, 

 consisting of stoneware, fire-brick, floor and roof tile, terra cotta, Eock- 

 ingham, and yellow-ware — the three latter articles have never before 

 been successfully made in the State, although frequently tried. This 

 discovery of the material, and the peculiar combination necessary to 

 make them, is our own, and cost us much time, perseverance, and money. 

 The importation of these articles has cost the State millions of dollars, 

 which, through our discovery, may be retained here hereafter. The 

 manufacturing of these articles will give profitable employment to a 

 large amount of capital and labor, and make a home market for our agri- 

 cultural products, and contribute greatly to the general prosperity of 

 the State. We claim the medal, then, 



First — Because of our invention or discovery of a valuable new pro- 

 duet. 



Second — Because we are making the pottery business a success in its 

 most valuable departments. 



Third — By the success we are contributing to the general prosperity 



