Mechanics', operatives', and laborers' advocate., 1837-02-13

noble truths of republican government, of freedom and equality (no equality of wealth. but equality it regards the liberty and actions of every citizen. How can man be said to be free when his very liv- ing depends upon the caprice will of another who may plunge him at once into misery ind wretched. ness! Such man is under bondage than tho mere chains of slavery which affect only the body; for here the mind, thoughts, and very feelings must constantly be under anothers subection. He must acoustom himself to the degradation, and confne his thoughts, ii different from those of his employer, dcep-deep in the of his heart and at last deavor to forget himself man-A FREEMAN
 To the American citizen, the thought of Freedom should never give other than delightful sensations. But what must be the feelings o him who surround ed by numerous family, is obliged to forego every thing that is independent and honorable, to supply their bodily necessities, while he them growing up around him in ignorance and mental bondage, knowing not that they can raise themselves any high CT in the scale of honor moraty-becoming fit machines for the master to be buldened according to his pleasure. But perhaps the question will be asked why does he not educate them The answer can bo given in few words. The owner knows too well his interest to suffer them to be educated. lgnor- ance is his object Consequently, as the chl. dren of sufficient age they wanted in the mill, and the father not being able to support his family without their assistance, they turned into the pany of the dssoute without any fixed moral habits, and ready to imbbe and follow the actions of their companions, especially when they tend as they gene rally do to the qualification of their baser passions
 Thus see that the rising generation are fast grow ing up to meet the wishes of their employers--grow ing up in ignorance, in wretchedness and vice, and every hour that the present system continued, binds still firmly and renders still more lasting, the bonds of the oppressor. Who then will now de- ny that this is not time for instant action? Who then will now deny that this is not subject which requires instant and close attcnton9
 Yet further The system now under consideration, requires too much lasor of its operatives Obliged to
 toll necessarily from early hour till eight, per haps nine in the evening, we would ask what time the operative will have for mental improvement, or for social and domestic happiness? Debarred the rights and privileges of free citizen he becomes discoura- ged He sees nothing but gloom and darkness in tho horizon of his future years And to down the remem- brance of his present sate he sezes the intoxicating bowl and loses all his relish tor viruous and mo- ra actions and the example which is set before them by an intoxicated and bcfstly father the to lead the children astray from the path of rectudo into the haunts of pollution and infamy, from which they rarely if ever, escape. Why then will the ope
 ratve slumber upon the brink of destruction? This is not the with all the operatives of New England. Some are as yet unconaminated and pur- sue strict and independent To such, cali upon by every principle of justice and honor-by ev- cry argument of humanity and freedom, to arise and rescue their suffering brethren. Gird the of fortitude, and meet boldly and fearessly the proud ranks of aristocracy. Quail not before the minon glance ofpower, but plant firmly the banner of liberty upon the walls of freedom, and say to the boiling
 waves of arrogance and wealth. Thus far, and tar-
 her.