The daily national Whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1849, 1847-10-08
Manufacturers, Mechanics, and the Useful

Feeling deep and biding interest in the success
of the mechanics and working men of the District OF
Columbia, and impressed with the proprety of rem
dering every assistance in our power to forward their
interests and success We propose from time to time
to devote part of our columns to these important
interests and accordingly invite the manufacturers,
mechanics, and inventors of every useful machine,
&c to give us description of their several establish
mcnts within this District that we may notice the
same. ..a
We more earnestly invite this to disprove the i'm
preston generally had that the mechanics and work
ing men of this District far behind those of other
sections of the country in their workmanship and
mechanical production And in order that the NOR
al and intellectual character of the mechanics and
workmen of this District may be sustained, and for
which we claim for them as high standard as in
any other section Of country, we propose TO make
such remarks on Chemistry, Mechanical and Natu-
raj Philosophy as may render easy and pleasant refe
renee the most approved authors and treatises
the above mentioned subjects 1t is by the commu-
nicaton of this important information that the me-
chanic becomes acquainted with what is done and
doing in this country as well us in others, that his
mind may be expanded, and that his own inventive
powers may be brought into action. The theoretical
mechanic may conceive invent the several parts Of
machinery either to execute work in itself or to i'm
prove parts Of machinery already in operation but
not being acquainted with the details of machinery
practically he may expend much time and money
usclessy, without benefit to himself the commu-
nifty in which he is placed not SO with the practical
mechanichis inventions are generally the result Of
practical observation and experience-he knows the
value and effect of certain improvements to be made,
the principle with which he starts being correct and
in conformity with the known laws of mechanics
and mechanical philosophy, he is nine times out OF
ten successful .&
In support of this position we refer to the rapid in
crease Of the productive arts in this country, the
multiplication of the manufacturing establishments
the improvements in progress and the constantly in
creasng value and excellence of the articles produced
throughout our country If necessary to give further
proof will refer to Patent Office notwithstand-
ing the great fault that has been found with the ex
listing patent laws and their administration, and the
serious impediments which are placed in the way Of
the mechanic and inventor. This Department, to
the great credit of the mechanics and inventors Of
this country, has been supported without charge tc
the Government, and is the only branch which ia in.
dependent and pays its own way.
Is it not time then, let ask, that the mechani.
cal interests Of this country should be properly
tanned and supported, that the intellectual powers
of the mechanic should be cultivated, that he
should no longer be considered the mere manipu
ator or operative? Hand in hand with the agricu
turist and merchant he has assisted in bringing this
country to the proud eminence which she has attain
ed, and through their continued and united efforts
will sustain the happy institutions of which ever,
American may be Justly proud +.