Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-01-12
From the New- York National .Advocate.

From the New- York National .Advocate.
JOHN BULL IN NETWORK.
That our country and city should be OBJ.
jects of curiosity TO Europeans, is not to be
wondered at; and that prejudices should
exist against some of our habits and lnstitu-
tons. in the minds of persons hostile to the
nature of our government, must be expect
ed,
This writer appears to have been sent
out with the view of ascertaining the situa-
ton of manufactures and mechanics, and
he commences his observations by publish
ing the result of his enquiries in relation to
trades generally ; and in his distribution of
the various branches, and their advantages,
he has been peculiarly minute, and, in ma
ny cases, very just. He seems TO allow,
that mechanics, generally, in this country,
if they are industrious and capable, cannot
fail of doing well. On this head, his repre-
sensations may be mutually Of service.
From trades he goes to literature, and as
serts that ga native standard work is not to
be found. 1t is very true, and is much to be
regretted, that we have accustomed our
selves to be so completely governed by the
standard of British taste, that Americans are
fearful of hazarding an attempt to turn the
current into different channels. There are
some few, however, who have had courage
and enterprise to stem this current, and
have succeeded. If Americans, generally
will encourage native productions, a native
literary character would soon be ours. and
these English gentlemen would not upbrald
us for being ever indebted 10 the British for
an intellectual repast.
Let us hear this traveller on the subject of
professions:
"Our friends A and N are unfortu-
nate in being Learned gentlemen" Law
yers are as common here as paupers are in
England. Indeed for those friends | see
no kind of opening. Professional men lite
rally swarm in the United States. An am
ecdote is told of a gentleman walking in
Broadway friend passing, he called
doctor" and Immediately sixteen persons
turned round TO answer to the name. This
is even more characteristic of lawyers. At
almost every private door, cellar, or board.
ipg-heuse, tin plate is displayed, bearing
the inscription attorney at Law" Clerks
are not in demand in this or any other oc-
cupation. There are here no very large
concerns, and most men are capable of al
tending TO their OWN business. A shopman
or clerk, who would receive in London his
board, and salary of from 30l. TO 1901.
sterling per annum, would here experience
great difficulty in gaining situation and
if fortunate enough to obtain, one, he would
not receive more than from 8 10 dollars
per week. exclusive of board and lodging.
The causes which generate sogreat num-
Der Of legal friends" lie beyond the sour
ces of my penetration. Perhaps We may
date the frequency Of litigation 10 the intri-
cacy Of the profession, which is bottomed
on English practice while the cheapness
Of college instruction, and the general diff
fusion of moderate wealth among mechan-
les and tradesmen, enable them to crafty
their vanity by giving their sons a learned
education. This also opens the door to
them for an appointment and by the way,
the Americans are great place-hunters."
This is pretty well!- BE last is the Sc
verest cut Of all; and it's unfortunately
true, that instead of children being placed
out to learn useful trades, and to acquire
solid independence, their indulgent fathers
give them profession for which they are
not qualified. and they become politicians
to look for office.
On the subject Of boarding he has Gu
rious paragraph. ,ny person who has been
in London can be no stranger to the mode
Of living, and must have been familiar with
their cold drawn tea and one egg and slice
of toast for breakfast, and can, therefore,
Judge how true is the following account:
"BOARDlNG-Persons who are not
house-keepers generally live at Boarding
houses or Hotels. A Mechanic pays for
his board and lodging, lbs. Sd. 70 les. per