Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-10-03
MECHANICS.

well written communication, sgneu " II me-
ehan:e," which we should consider ourselves
bound to publish. did it not speak in terms Of
unmerited rcproach, Of those young gentlemen
Of Providence, who follow pursuits. widely at
variance with Mechanism, and had the writer
net iudu'gcd in angry personalities and bitter
reflections The sum total Of his complaint
rests on this; that the young gentlemen clerks,
sad those who are engaged in professional pur-
suits. aro hostile to Mechonics-treat thom
with gross indecorum and neglect, and make
every effort to insult them, and wound their
sensibilities.
OF tho truth Of to allegations, We are FAR
from boing satisfied. and as far as our observa-
sioa will warrant vs. in making up Judgment.
we arc prepared to say, that they arc not con-
sistcnt with the facts. und that every young
mechanic, who behaves himself with proprety
and docorum-who observes q proper regard
for tho deconcics Of life and Of character, is
as well treated, and as highly respected, as any
other useful member Of respectable society,"
And why should they not be thus treatcdl
For mechanics, we entertain great respect
we bear for them fellow-feeling delight
in their prosperity, and rejoice when they 70.
joico, and are prepared to congratulate our
solves, on the fortunate circumstance, that We
have tho honor Of reckoning goodly number
Of them. among the lists of our indulgent and
liberal minded patrons; and We entertain u fond
hope. that We, who are ready and determined
TO advocate their interests, will receive an ac-
cc,,ion Of their favors.
We do know. that mechanics have been
snoered at, and dcrided by the young. thought
less and ignorant few, who consider. that he
whose hand is as soft as the glove Of my Lady
Helen Somcrs. possesses the strongest claims
on the respect Of the world; and, that he who
tolls at the bench Of the industrious carpenter.
tho shop-board of tho tailor. tho anvil of tho
blacksmith, or the mallct Of the caulker, is
not entitled to tho good will Of society, and
should DO secuted from tho respectable and
fashionable ranks Of the community. But
thero are few. who entertain such ridiculous
and idle notions, and even they who do enter
tain them, i'm nine cases out often. arc, in the
end. compelled to respect tho very individuals
whom thoy affect to despise, and who are in
dustriously pursuing their way towards the goal
Of distinction. The world has probably re-
ccived greater acquisitions of mon Of genius
and eminenco from the mechanic ranks. than
from any other, and If We look toward the past
Ill 60 In
stances Of the rise Of individuals, whose carly
days wore passed in toiling at some mechanic
al vocation. and sweating under the rays Of
midday sun, whilst they tuggod for an honest
and ON humble existence.
That gallant and accomplished officer. GEN.
rRAL NATHANIEL GREENE, famed as one
Of tho heroes Of tho Revolution, and as the
second in command, during TIM arduous war
for independence, was found IN his youthful
days, toiling at the anvil Of tho nnchor-smith,
and whilst thus employed, exhausing every
moment Of leisure that was Afforded, in dra w
ing from the fountains Of learning portion of
thoir treasures. Though Mother from nocessi-
ty or compulsion was he induced to the forge
and anvil, he Iaborcd at both with joy and
satisfa otion. till the cxigences Of his country,
warmed his young heart with military ardour,
and cailod him to the field of glory, to dofend
the liberties of rising people. And although
his hand had often clenchcd tho hammer. and
his sinowy arm had welded the sledgc, and
smo,e the ponderous anchor, his mind was not
crampcd; but the moment the tocsin Of war
vas SCUM led, he wont forth TO battle, to great
moss and to glory IIia, was mind that was
formed for tho achievement Of deeds Of great
moss, and having accomplished the objects OF
tho war, he retired like Cincinnatus 10 the
plough, and now like Washington, lives in tho
realms Of Immortality.
Doctor BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, the cele-
bratod statesman, philosopher, writer, and pa
triot, spont the earlier period Of his life at the
press Of the printer, and like too many Of the
craft, often had to wander round tho wide
world to gain honest livelihood. But
though the world fiowncd upon him, and he
was often deceived by the Will any Of man.
Kind, ho was not intimida,ed by tic frowns Of
the world, but steadily purcued cause of in
dustry and prudence. and aimed at that point
of cminence which he subsequently obtained
The early advantages of education were de-
nicd him; he inherited no proud patrl'nonial
estate from his ancestors, and had no one but
himself TO look up to, in laying the foundation
Of his fortunes. But he was sensible that he
possessed talents, which, if properly employed,
would ultimately crown his efforts and, con-