The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1830-05-26
HARD TIMES

Inc Philadelphia Inquirer states that an ad.
Vertisement for clerk, inserted in that paper.
ELECTED several hundred applications within a
few days. We can readily believe this state.
ment, Tor not week passes away during which
the sane circumstance does not occur in our
own office. So far as it indicates depression
IN business, it is to be deplored; but we are
mucn mistaken if this greedy ard continual ap-
pllcatlon for cerkships does not proceed from
something far worse, in the view of consderate
men: than any momentary or local vicissitudes
IN tfade-a want of proper energy in the yonth
II not IN the parents. While there is no feeling
more deeply implanted in the breast of father,
than the fervent wish for the success of his
children, perhaps there is no subject on which
parent is less qualified to Judge properly. No
man, or at least very few men, in independent
circumstances, think of bringing up their chill
dren In any pursuit requiring manual labor, and
me children OF such men are apt TO look with
Dislike upon what they consider the humber
pursuits of mechanics 1t is as vain to denv
that this is natural and a very common feel
ing, as it is impossible that the community in
which 1t is fostered or has being, can be in
healthy condition. There is another class
portion OF whom, at least, have quite as little
inclination to make mechanics or apriculturists
of their children these are the men who have
themselves traversed the lowest places of nov.
erty, who have, by unremitting toll, raised
themselves above the pressure of the times.
and who enjoy, in ripper years, the proceeds of
their early industry. These men are qualified
to estimate correctly, the difficulties of passing
through life, but they hardly follow the dictates
of prudence, when they prepare their children
for better times than they have themselves ex-
perlenced 1t can hardly be thought wise for
individuals In mddling circumstances, to edu-
cate their children, as many do, in a manner
which, instead of qualifying them to move in
more exalted sphere, in reality unfts them for
coping with the troubles which most men are
destined to encounter. No prudence, no fore.
sight, no watching, neither friends, nor PRAYERS.
nor tears, will suffice, of themselves TO repel
the visits of poverty. Like Death, it is an ac-
tive enemy, always on the alert seeking whom
IL may deVour. InduStryis its natural and sue
cesstul opponent. 1t behoves both parents and
children to learn the proper channel for their
industry, which, if followed steadily, will as
certainly lead to comfort and competence, as
time leads to eternity. 1t would be infinitely
better for the community, if every boy com
menced his apprenticeship at fourteen with no
property but the parental blessing Such bows
make the free men of the country Thew are
the country. Their industry is its wealth.
They are its defence in war, its help in peace,
ITS hope in adversely, its strength at all times.
were tHere none out the rich, our institutions
would languish, deprived of all support but that
of purchased minions, instead of receiving the
grateful aid of filial sons. The last and the
present generation have given that aid, and the
prosperity Of the country affords ample evidence
that the toll of the laborer has been rewarded
Our resources are as ample as our territory, and
can support all its children if their pursuits are
rT-sTfsiw H61t-;faais1, 1rUnh,51Nuw DIuuswIen vi
Texas, single substantial excuse for extreme
poverty. 1t IS bad enough to see old men in
pecuniary difficulties, but it is tenfold worse TO
see strong, able-bodied, young men, who should
earn their bread by the sweat of their brows,
crowding into cities, and pursuading themselves
that clerkship or counter are more honora-
BILE than the tools of the mechanic or the i'm
plements of farmer-Boston Courier.