Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1844-12-05
The American Mechanic!

Among all The varieties oil men That diversity
The human race, there is no more honorable
character Than the American Mechanic. Free
in his heart and uuwarped in his preJudces;
elevated above The condition Of that inferior po-
Iucal grade, in the same calling, in the old
world: removed from The seductive alluremanis
10 luxurious vice; depending upon his daily ex-
erons for his personal comforts, feeling indus
Try essential for the support OF those who live
by bis energies, s,-always able 10 procure with
oul difficulty the shelter Of a convenient home,
and an abundant supply Of good things for the
physical man, he charges himself wlihou, ankle
ty with the expenses Of family, and enjoys that
measure of happiness, 10 be had only amids,
the duties and employment Of domestic life.
Industry and economy enable him 10 sci aside
by Titles, store for sickness and old age, and
gradually TO add The advantage Of capital 10 his
skill and energies. Unshackled in thought, he
forms and uuers his opinions at pleasure, sees
in himself guardian of The institutions Of his
country, and one of The governors of mighty
empire; he knows that the common veal is
committed partially 10 his care, and mus, be in
fuenced by his virtue and intelligence. He is,
in fact, one of natures noblemen, and il, with
such advantages and inducements, he does not
improve by reading and reflection, fiji himself
for bis high and dgni6ed duties. If he is mol in
dependent in mind and honorable in his feel
Ings, if he is noi viriuous and happy man, the
blame rests on himself.
Ii is the peculiar merit Of our institutions that
they are all moulded and fashioned by the peo-
pie: it therefore becomes the duty of The peo-
pie TO prepare themselves for The resulting OBJ
hgalion 10 fashion them wisely.
We have lived but a single day in the age of
nations, YET all the maurily OF refinement, which
belongs 10 the old world, is visible in the new,
in arts, in power, in population. our equaled
progress earth has never seen, out-siripPing
fancy's widest dream. 1lis not enough, how
ever, tina, we contemplate the solidity and ex-
tent Of the materials in The fabric OF our nation
al greatness; we must build j, up and sustain
ii. Ills to this conviction we would bring eve-
Ty American Mechanic; we would have him
feel The important influence which he mus, ex-
ercse upon the desiinies Of his race. We
would have him understand that he is liable to
be called upon 10 aid in administering the GOV.
eminent, and merit the con6dsnce of bis fellow
men in their honorable service. We would not
have him limit his range OF thought TO the me-
ehanical rules OF his particular employment. or
circumscrbe the movements OF his mind to mar
row channels, bgt lsbous 10 acquain. himself
With the whole science Of government. and eve-
sylhing connected with The nature and business
81 men. for without this, he will find himself
t'werless TO resist The Intriguing or displined
pnillician. The American Mechanic is HIM
sell, by birth and Irem necessiiy, politician
lie should besa liberal and enlightened politi-
ran. lsfssf s E6t reg
The American Mechanics from whose la
Tours The wealth and conyeniehces of society
IRE derived, and ia whose society recognizes
'spride and defence, il he is an American in
feeling and in interest, aud il he employs his
tine, a. he ough, TO employ il, between his pro.
'e'slona| duties and the maintenance OF bis fam