Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1850-1854, 1850-07-19
THE USE OF LEARNING.
BY 7. 8. ARTHUR.


him. don't see any great use for my part, in
studying geometry, aud navigation, and sur
veying and mensuration, and dozen of other
things that lam expected to learn. They'll new
er do me any good. am not going to get my
living as surveyor, or measurer, or sea captain.
How are you going to get your living Herbert?
his young friend asked in a quiet tone, as he
looked up in his face.
Why, I'm going to learn trade; or, at lea st
father says that am.
And so am l, replied William. And yet my
father wishes me to learn everything that can
for he assures me that it will be useful some time
or other in my life.
I'm sure | can't see what use I'm ever going
to make, as a saddler, of algebra and survey
ing.
Still if we can't see it, Herbert, perhaps our
fathers can for they are older and wiser thsn we
are. And we should endeavor to learn simply
because they wish us to- if in everything we are
expected to study we do not see clearly the USE
Ican't feel so, Herbert replied tossing his head
and Idon't believe that my father sees any more
clearly than do the use of all this.
You are wrong to talk so, his friend said in a
serious tone would not think as you do for
the world. Our fathers know what is best for
US, and if we do not confde in them we will sure
ly 60 wrong
/ am not afraid, responded Herbert, closing
the book over which he had been porting reluct-
antly for half an hour. in the vain attempt to fix
lesson in his unwilling memory; and taking
some marbles from his pocket commenced anus
ing himself with them.
William said no more, but turned to his lesson
with earnest attention The difference in the
character of the two boys is too plainly indicated
in the brief conversation we have recorded, to
need further illustration. To their teacher it
was evident, in numerous particulars in their
conduct, their habits, and manners. William
recited his lessons correctly, while Herbert new
er learned a task well. One was always pune
tual at school, the other a loiterer by the way
Williams books were taken care of; Herbert
soiled, torn dishgured and broken EXTERNALLY
and internally.
Thus they began life The one obediant, in
dustrious, attentive to the precepts of those
who were older and wiser, and willing to be gu-
ded by them: the other INDECENT and inclined to
follow the leadings of his own will rather
than the more experienced teachings of others
4 y
As men at the age of thirty FIVE, we will again
present them to the reader. Mr.. Wheeler is an
intelligent merchant in active business,w while Mr..
Allen is journeyman-mechanic, poor, in en-
barrassed circumstances and possessing but a
small share of general information.
How do you do, Mr.. Allen? said the merchant
as he entered the counting room of the former
The contrast in their appearance was very
great The merchant was we'll dressed, and had
cheerful look, while the other was poorly clad
and seemed sad and detected
| can't say that do very well, Mr.. Wheeler,
the mechanic replied in tone of dependency.
Work is very dull, and wages low, and with so
l.-,- for have in ,,rh f<,
get along under the best circumstances.
I am really sorry to hear you say SO, Mr.. AL
len replied the merchant in a kind tone how
much can you earn now?
IF had steady work, could earn nine or ten
dollars week. But our business is very bad;
the substitution of steam engines on railroads
for horses on turnpikes, has broken in seriously
up on the harness-making business. The con-
sequence is that do not average six dollars a
week the year round.
Is it possible that railroads have wrought such
change in your business?
Yes, the harness-making branch of it espe-
cially in large cities like this, where the heavy
wagon trade is almost entirely broke up.
Did you say that six dollars week were all
that you could ayerge?
Yes sir.
How large is your family?
/ have five children, slr.
Five children and six dollars week!
That is all sir. But six dollars will not sup
port them, and am in consequence, going be-
hind-hand.
You ought to try to get into some other bust
ness.
But don't know any other.
The merchant unused for while, and then said
perhaps can get you into something better
i am president of anewly projected railroad, and
we are about putting on the line company of
engineers, for the purpose of surveying and en-
cheering, and as you studied those sciences at
school the same time did, and suppose have
still a correct Knowledge of both. | will use my
influence to have you appointed surveyor. The
engineer is already chosen, and at my desire,
will give you all requisite instructions until you
revive your early knowledge of these matters.-
The salary is one hundred dollars per month.
A shadow still darker than that which before
rested there, fell upon the face Of the mechanic.
Alas! sir, he said, I have not the slightest
knowledge. 1t is true studied it, or rather pre-
tended to study it at school, but it made no per-
manent impression on my mind saw no use
in it then, and am now as ignorant of surveying
as if had never taken lesson on the subject.
lam very sorry, Mr.. Allen, the merchant re-
blied in real concern. If you were a good ac-
countant, perhaps could get you intola store
What is your capacity in this respect2
ought to have been good accountant, sir
! for studied mathematics long enough; but took
! little interestin figures and now, although was
many months at school, pretending to study
bookkeeping, am utterly incapable of taking
charge of a set of books.
Such being the case, Mr.. Allen, | really do
not know what can do with you. But say! |
am about sending out an assorted cargo to Bue-
nos Ayres, and thence round to Callao, and want
man to go to superintend who can speak the
| Spanish language. | remember that we studied
| Spanish together. Would you be willing to
leave your family and go? The wages will be
one hundred dollars month.
1 have forgotten all my Spanish, sir, did not
see any use of it while at school, and therefore
| it made no impression on my mind.
The merchant, really concerned for the poor
mechanic, again thought of some way to serve
him. At length he said, | can think OF but one
thing that you can do Mr.. Allen, and that will
not be much better than your present employ
ment 1t is a service for which ordinary persons
are employed, that of chain carrying to the sur
veyor on the proposed railroad expedition.
What are the wages sir?
Thirty-fve dollars month.
| And founde
Certainly.
Twill certainly accept it thankfully the mar
said It viii be better than mr. present employ