Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1841-06-16
From the Carolina Temperance Advocate
MECHANICS.

ated than mechanics. We hold that ev-
cry occupation is honorable, that it is USE
ful, and it is the manner in which it is
followed alone that makes it disreputable. 7
Is is a false and ridiculous prids that
men to look upon mechanics and !
other loboring men in the country as an Il
inferior class of society, and elevate them
selves in their own estimation, above those
who are in reality, every way their supe-
riors. There is almost universal mistake
among parents as to the natural abilities
of their children to learn trades. If there
happens to be in their family bright son,
he of course must be educated for some
learned profession; and if dull one, he
is to be apprenticed to some hard work
ing mechanic with hope that by this
means he may be able to make his way |
through the world. This error IS too
often as fatal 10 the success OF the DIFF |
ferent mechanical branches, as il is to the |
success of the individuals engaged. A
dull boy will succeed as well, and usu.
allv better In some of what are called
the learned professionals he viii in some
of the higher branches OF me mechanical
business. 1t requires good natural parts
and a strong active mind to understand
well the principles of mechanism,the phy-
steal laws by which those principles are
developed and governed. Hence we may
easily account forthe awkard aud unwork-
manlke manner in which such great
portion of the mechanical work OF our
country Is done. Boys are put TO trades
which they have no capacity to lear their
apprenticeship is usually about half as
long as i. should be, and the consequence
is their work through life is bunglingly
done. We do not mean 70 say that all
bows should be mechanics, any more than
all should be physicians, ministers, OF
llawyers, but we do mean that all who are
put to intricate trades, be of good natura
parts: well educated and made 10 serve al
apprenticeship long enough TO become
we'll acquainted with the business. III
too common neglect TO educate boys &c
signed for mechanics, beyond the neres
elementary principles of an English edu
cation, is a great and in many instances
fatal evil. The laws under which seVera
classes of mechanics are continually opeI
ating, can only be understood by an az
ouantance with the leading principles
natural philosophy, chemistry, and at lea
so much Of mathematics, as IS embrace
in Algebra, Trigenometry, Geometry,ar
Comic sections. They should kno
enough of History TO be able 10 no
the origin, trace the progress and ma
the changes and improvements IN the
own branch of business, aud enough
Geography, and Chronology, to tell /
PLACES and times of their occurrence, a
while they acquire this information TN
will almost necessarily become acquaint
to a very great ard profitable extent, W
the leading doctrines of natural science
There never was more palpable er
nlacuanlc. " Z ni.0 = N''o -
country, in the ministry, at the bar
nrocticing medicine, who have neither
sanse nor education necessary 10 max
GOOD mechanic; and we are sorry TO
tb,t in many instances, mechanics \
less than they. This comes OF the pr
lence ofthe error of which we spea'
We would not be understood as uncel
uino the learned professions. BY no me
.oo For the office Of the ministry, we nav
and most profound veneration. For the
.ndure cassion ofIaw, and the science OF med
ID, as we have the highest respect; Out LOT y,
Ii suit ty-headed coxcombs who, through "
nee OIL duence of friends, the power OF veal
10 CRAFTY personal vanity are lnfus'
-oros- tbeea professions because It's thong
a YES ron,eeI to work, we have the most
r dates c,ihable contempt. But why TINS e
le news 1ienosition among such great port
u. the community TO raise their sons
, ,eo p 1%s subiecting them TO manual LABOR;
' avned,- more uerteel to handle yard STICK
10 nlona9 tn cut tape than wood! &c
contains about the counter than WORK peu
lifted by !, he more refined TO make PMS ina
Harlow, ,,re-to shave notes than timoer-lt
edmond, - tho cloth than to make tine co
= !. tho re- really must confess our Inaoil1y %
y on9 da,,- +, some instances, we have 70 dou
the pris- owing to belief on the part OF the
rs blood. that their sons car pass more easily
large the world with profess on, or as
OF when chant. than if they were put 10 a y
an1c. nc IN a farm. To this the mistake IS
! tlle si.itt 90 in the former case. There IS a
, n der the anxiety, health consum ng, and
te the hor- destroying diligence, and Perserv'aa
cessarv 10 success r a profession
which the farmer and mechanic K
for presl- thing. and fine young men are rul
preslsuen9, nv in character and property, IN the
life. to one among mechanics. II
that the sarv to the welfare and posperl'
this season community, that there be farmer
timated by dnce the raw materials and arr
i, which is tbro ' il into forms convenient a
he way 70 and that there be merchants to
:. 49, #. It is also necessary that
~, |. H Nous professional! men in every conn
one of these is just as necess;
other. and the distinctions at.em
DIV cltizsns' made IN society solely on the
posed tO'try occunation, provided that occ
~ saor,e " useful and necessary,is foolish a
,nrv Blake, Men should always pass on the
Rod Of his moral worth, and the country
bile to agree be cursed with young men RAJ
r was after- ness, and vice, because It was
as, however, gen,eel TO work, whIe they d
IS mere ano The mind nor industry for pr
curly glven' THE ST. LOUIS MURDERERs:--
IT, that nooo- anatber column the particulars :
| Gfany) CIV ron Of Madison and Brown :
names OF the ' Vol Seward alias Sewel, was
i'd said to De The The st. Louis Republican says
before whom verdict was pronounced, the pitlssso
ed, has deciia- anneared greatly affected In
he suplecl.-Te d,d rot occupy exceeding ouI
'Ponsaon ~ Thursday, w arrlck; ene ''I 1,,lIo,