Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1847-09-24

these are the invention oi !. few wears
When We look back on the contrii,,l-
tens. The genius Of our co.nirymen has
renccrtd 10 the world. since our nicpe--
dcnee, we may feel a Just pride that We
are Americans. Though IN Population
we are Lut . mite, IN comparison with
lie 6Cp,0G0 COZ who occupy lAc zoe;
stlIl tho United States have hcen ..he
great nation N the uarch o /. .t.naa IL
prevenen+
We need not go back TO franklin
discovery OF electricity. but we may refer
to .'uiton's application OF steam TO the
propulsion of boats. Ii is the more re-
markable, because NAPoL EoN himself
whose glance seemed 10 be as clear as
genius itself, after Fulton's Invention had
been fully explained TO him, pronounced
IT 10 he Visionary and impossible; vet that
gifted American persevered in giving
greater agency, in civilizirg and LIBERAL
izing the world, than any otner invention
except the art OF printing. Neither will
the cotton gin-which VIII literally ena-
bic the whole human fJmiy to be clothed
IN cotton-be forgotten, while the Mag
netic Telegraph seesas like placing in
human hands, the wand of the Almighty
The more 1T is examined, the more 1t ex-
cites surprise, uatll, the mind is lost III
woDderment.
! We thank Germany for the invention
! of gun-cotton, and also for the priceless
art of printing. France has given as the
Daguerotype and England the locomotive.
! But American mind has not been content
with what 1t has received. The Amer-
can locomotive,aEd the Daguereotype, al
ready exceed anything Of the kind III the
old world. The letheOn is also offered to
still the cry of anguish in the hospitals of
the world, while the statue machine will
rob Italy of It's proud pre-eminence. III
possessing the busts of Angelo.
Waen we look back upon these mighty
triumphs OF American genius, it is scarce
ly wonder that the young men of our
country are such enthusiasts in the
cause of progress and liberal prime pies.
The conviction is deep and abiding that
1t Is our free institutions that has walked
this inventive spirit te life, and has literal
ly carried the whole world forward centu-
ries, in the brief span of life
IN too many countries. government
hangs like a Ieaden weight upon the peo-
do not deny at times, It's functions have
been sadly perverted 10 bear as lightly
as possible on man, and let him freely and
fully use every faculty God has given him
for the improvement Of himself and the
condition Of his fellow man; and the *
suits have shown nation almost Of yes
terday, taking a position OF influence and
useful benefcence in the world, not given
even to the most powerful mona:chics
PURsUIT OF KNOWLEDGE UNDER Dir
iFICULrIEs-The following is most re-
markable and praiseworthy instance by
what perseverance and industry, right d.
rected, are able to effect. Among the
graduating Glass at the Commencement
last week, at Williams College, was one
bv the name Of Condit from jersey
! This gentleman Is shoemaker, Is mar
ried, and has Il family of four children.
Six years ago, becoming sensible OF the
blessings Of an education, he commenced
LEARNING the simple branches, such as are
taught in our primary schools. One by
one, as he sat on his shoemaker's bench,
he mastered Grammar, arithmetic, Geogra-
ply, &c, with some occasional assistance
liom his fellow wolkmen. AT this time
he determined TO obtain q collegiate eda-
Ecation Without mans, IN with large
family depending on hlm for support, he
commenced, and learned Latin and Greei.
in the evenings, after his daily labor was
over, under the direction Of friend, ana
after the lapse OF a year ana IA half
prepared himself and entered the class Of
Williams College.
he brought his bench and tools as well
as his books with him. The students
supplied him with work; the faculty
assisted him; and together with the fund
for INDECENT students and some occasional
assistance from other sources, he was
enabled to go through the college course,
and at the same time support his family.
lie graduated last week, on his birth day,
aged thirty-two He stood high in his
class, and received a part at the Com
mencement, but declined. At the farewell
meeting of the class, IN consideration OF
lis perseverance,, talents and Christian
character, they presented his wife with
an elegant set of silver spoons, tea and
table, each handsomely engraved with
an appropriate inscription.
Mr.. Condit viii now enter the Thee
logical Seminary at New York, and wall
no doubt, make a faithful and popular
Minister.
What young man in this country viii
ever, after such an example as this, despair
of obtaining an education ?-SpriHg feld
Republican.
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