The Evansville journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1834-184?, 1845-02-27
THE AMERICAN MECHANIC.

an exchange paper, without knowing to whom
the credit of writing 1t, is due:
Among all the varietie of men that diversi-
fy the human race, there is no more honorable
character than the American Mechanic. Free
in his heart and unwarped in his prejudices; ele-
waited above that condition OF that inferior polit-
ical grade, in the same calling. in the old world
removed from the seductive aiiurements to lux
urious vice; depending upon his exertlons Tor
his support, aud feeling industry essential tor
-the support of those who live by MS energies,
always able 10 procure without difficulty the
shelter oil a convenient home, and an abundant
supply OF good things for the physical man, he
charges himself without anxiety with the ex-
penses OF his family, and enjoys that measure
of happiness, to be had only amidst the duties
and employment of a domestic life. Industry
and economy enables him TO set aside by l%itties,
a store tor sickness and old age, and gradually
10 add the advantage of capital to his skill and
energies. Unshackfed iusthough he forms aud
utters his opinions at pleasure. sees IN himself q
guardian OF the institutions oil his country. and
one of the governors OF a mighty empire; he
knows that the common veal is par
italy TO his care, aud must be influenced by his
virtue and intelligence. lie Is, IN TACT, one OF
NATURES noblemen; and IT, with such advan-
tages and Inducements, he does not Improve by
reading and reflection. tit himself Tor his high
aud dlgnIfied duties; IT. he 10 not md ep endent 10
mind and honorable in his feelings; ii he is not
a virluous and happy man, the blame rests on
himself.
Its the peculiar merit OF our institutions tina,
til ey are all nodded and faslII3ned by the peo-
pie; il therefore becomas the dnty u the people
to prepare Ihemsel es Tor the resulting oOllga-
ton TO fashion them wisely.
We have lived but a single day in the age Of
nations, yet all the maturity of refinement.
which belongs to the old world, Is visible IN The
new in arts, IN power, IN popuiaiton, our equait-
ed progress earth has never seen, oulstriPing fan
In. fAnF .nn nAn
template the solidity and extent OF the materials
in the fabric OF our national greatness; we must
build il up and sustain 10. 1t Is TO this cenVIc-
ton we would bring every American Mechanic
we would have him feel the important influence
which he must exercise upon the destines OF
his race We would have him understand that
he is liable 70 be called upon to aid In admins
tering the government, and merit the confidence
OF his fellow men in their honorable service
We would not have him limit his range OF thought
to the mechanical rules of his particular employ
ment or circumscribe the movements OIL his mind
to narrow channels. but labor TO acqualnt him
self Of the whole SCIENCE OF government. and
every thing connected with the nature and busi-
ness OF men, for without this, he Will lind him
self pow erless TO resist the IntTIguing or dIscl-
pinned politician. The American Mechanic is
himself, by birth and from necessity. a politi-
cian--he should bel liberal aud enlightened
politician
& II n al hA6AA NhOSO A0S0A
the wealth and conveniences OF society are de-
rived Hand in whom society recognized lts.prlde
and defence, The is an American IN feeling ane
III interest, and il he employs his time as Ia
ought to employ It, between his professional
duties and the maintenance of his family. the
imp toy emenI of his mind, and the exercise o
his political rights, is the highest order OF man
In this country, no Invldlous ~ariIlcla al distinc'
tons exist TO deaden his enterprise. In the ole
world wealth and greatness cit encompas sed by
their tow ers, and enriched with their treasures
and filled with self-complacen mt satisfaction at tls
view If their possessions. hardly beslow a though
on the masses OF the people around Thorn Here
all stand on the same level of civil rights-the
highest motives TO industry are held out TO all
all are urged to exerton by the noblest, as wei
as the IN ost selfish feeling oil their human natures
Industry and thrift are Pot derogatory here, buI
are regarded as merits; aud strange as it ma
sound IN a foreign ear, the ldler can hardly man
tain a position in society. Our people recognize
the general truth. that the mind, undIrected bJ
prominent influence, will necessarily form TO
itself occupations out oil accidents and take
bias IRON the fortuitous impulses OF circumstan
) ces and perhaps inbIbing It's principles iron
/ chance, lose its moral integrity for the want o
a fixed employment.
Properly can only be accumulated by indlv1 d
ual effort. No unequal law perpetuates wealth
u in families; death will relax the rich man
5 grasp, aud unseen hands divide his acquisii ion
/ among his heirs. Our institutions guard ind
vidual rights equally with the public safety, an
, 1protect the enJoyinents ofiths humble alike wit
j the possession of the fortunate. The iudepen
g dent American Meehanic, living under, an
Il himself sustaining these liberal instItutions; cur
!. sed with ''nelther poverty nor riches;'' tree [
think, and Tree to act; occupies a position In tn
scale of men which has no parable i'll the oil
e world.