Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1850-10-14
OCCUPATIONS.

The following excellent remarks from the
Waverly Magazine, are SO strongly characteriz-
ed with good sense and practical every day ap-
plications, that we have at once set them down
as sound doctrine:
There is most radical error pervading So
ciety at the present in regard TO plain, honest.
hardy industry. A greater or mole foolish mis-.
take never associated itself with popular preu-
dices, that it is the nature of his avocaton that
gives character and dignity 10 the man. For
our part we should be sadly puzzled 10 discover
the distinction between any two of the varied
occupations which employ the industry of man,
that would raise the operative in one case above
the one in the other. One occupation is pre-
cisely as creditable in itself, and as commenda-
Bile to its industrious pursuer as another, provid-
ed it be honorable, and in perfect harmony
With the laws OF God and man. 1t is the man
that ennobes the occupaton not the occupation
that dl2nlties the man. 1t is we'll we are not
all fitted by habit education and taste, for the
same avocation. However, these natural divi-
sons are by no means distinctions. It's the
diversity OF taste, together with good and whole
some laws and regulations, that harmonic this
vast workshop of intricate industry, the world
Without this diversity, all would be riot and
confusion, and physical power alone would reap
strong have each their separate and appropriate
alotments.
The man who follows in the wake of the
plow-share, in his striped frock, and with bronx
ed and toughened hands plants his seed-the
man with smntty face and leather apron, who
with strong and vigorous sineWs, swings his
changing sledge from early morn TO twilight eve
Or the man who bends over the ringing lap
stone the live-long day, is not one whit below
the smooth faced, keen-eyed merchant who fol-
lows the feminine employment of measuring
tape and ribbon-the eagle-eyed barister who
expounds or rather mysties the law, or he
whose stately tread resounds in the halls of leg
islaton. Still, there exists in the community a
low and banetul prejudice in regard to this mat.
ter of labor. Why fathers NOWADAYS must
keep sharp eye on their sons, lest they stray
from 'sthe learned professions" and take up the
degrading occupation of mechanic, and thus
entail calamity upon the family which can
never be wiped out. The daughters too must
have maternal spy upon their every glance
and footslep, lest she be Chipping the light
o. her zee upon some poor meohanicW Horri-
Bile! Why, the good lady would as soon think
of linking her daughter with Patagonian hea-
then as a mechanic
Are not the use of the trowel, the anvil, the
spade, and the hammer, just as laudable en-
ployments hefeWllh TO Dulld up the comforts
of life as the yard stick, tine pestle and mortar,
or library? Equally as honorable and respect.
able, since they are all employed for the same
purpose. Labor is labor, whether performed in
the field and workshop or behind the counter,
and in study. Honesty and honorable labor are
the same whether performed by the king or
peasant, by the priest Or layman it is just as
honorable in one as the other, and as worthy of
the respect and admiration of the world.