Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1850-02-27
From the New York Organ.
A Word About Apprentices.

A Word About Apprentices.
1t is source of unspeakable pleasure
to US that The Organ is welcomed in thou
sands Of families as friendly counsellor,
and we have ample encouragement to be-
lieve that those families give US credit for
sincere desire to promote their best in
terests. We are persuaded, in advance,
that they will receive what we are now
about to say, in the same spirit Of kindly
confidence.
We wish to speak more particularly 10
those families whose sons are sustaining
the relation Of apprentices, and we would
call their attention 10 the fact that multi
tudes Of youth liz that relation are suffer
ing incalculable damage in their charac-
ters and prospects for the future by their
instability, dissatisfaction. and disposition
to rove from place to place. and from one
employer 10 another during their minority.
Many lads. after spending a few N ,n'hs
at one place. are tempted by ,rilin2 al
vance in wages. or by the hope of having
little more liberty, or by some other sup
posed advantage. to change masters,
And too often parents fall in with the
whms and caprice Of their children. and
sanction their instability. The conse-
quencc is, their boys acquire vagrant and
wandering habits. and grow up ignorant
of their business, and withou, having laid
foundation for future success. in the
friendship and confidence Of those who
have known and employed them.
\ lad OF good principles who steadily
adheres to good master. till he finishes
his apprenticeship, has already won half
the battle Of life, and he commences as
journeyman or master with great advan-
tage lie has formed character. which
is the best sort of capital. lie carries
with him the respect and confidence of his
fellows who have grown up with him-ot
his master whom he has faithfully served.
and Of that portion ofthe public who have
seen his early life. Such persons almost
always prosper, often entering into their
masters business, and succeeding TO his
prosperity. Restless, wandering boys, on
the contrary, almost always fail as men.
They are remembered as sort Of young
vagrants who were always rowing. and
never stayed long enough in one situation
to acquire good name.
Look at the thous ands ofhonored. pros
porous mechanics in this city, who have
risen by their industry, honesty and skill,
and you will find that they commenced
their career in a steady. stable industrious
apprenticeship. Look at those other
thousands Of mechanics who live from
hand to mouth, always short Of funds.
often out Of employment, and never above
the lowest round Of the ladder. and you
will find that when boys they we're restless.
unsettled, and changeful. Parents, think
OF these things. YOU whose boys are des-
tined TO learn some useful trade or art.
first be careful to find good master for
them. and then use all your influence to
make them steady and faithful. Shut
your ears to those trivial complaints which
all boys make. and encourage them to
perscvere to the end of their minority
They will bless you for it by and by. when
they come to reap the reward Of constan-
cy and fidelity to the obligations Of their
boyhood.