The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1851-11-20
A WORD TO MECHANICS.
By ONE OF THEM.

W
In the following article of merit from the
Ber.uiek Telegraph We think we recognize .
young printer whom our town has had the
honor of giving TO usefulness. .--ED. STAR.
have thought for some time past, Of of.
ering few reflections upon numerous and
noble class of OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
ally in regard TO the position they actually
sustain, and the position they should sustain
in relation TO the other classes of society
Their name is legion, and they are more Of
less Identified with all the departments o
business and life. They are the Clever ol
Archimides," which moves the world. But
are their importance and position duly con-
sidered and respected mean in the ag.
gregate.
know when some splendid luminary, like
franklin, shoots up from the sphere, and
bazes through the world, attracting its gaze,
il lights up by its reflection the rank Of me-
chanic, md confers temporary pride and
dignity on the sphere whence the orb arose.
But also know, that when mechapic, by
his industry ard skill, or by fortunate COM
biuation of circumstances which confer no
honor OIL himself, emerges from obscurity
and poverty, and rolls amid all the laxuries
of uncounted wealth, he often seeks to forget
his origin in Difference TO the blind rrejudi-
ces of society, and the dictates OF pervert-
ed and faltered heart, worse than cowardly,
denies himself to his great family kindred.
and turns up his pampe'cd nose at the mere
mention OF the name that forms the subject
of this article. This place, even amidst its
fashionable walks is full Of such pictures
Such facts speak more eoquenty than words.
Why should mechanics, who combine and
exhibit in their diversified range, the highest
and most plastic energies of genius; on
whose laborious, never-tiring skill, wealth
and luxury depend, and 10 whose power
and circums tances" be treated as inferior be.
ngs, among the moving mass of the same
humanity2 Is il because their hands are
harder or more stained, or because their
hearts are less capable of those sentiments
and affections which soften and elevate soci-
ety2 If the former, the cause must be adj
mitted; but protest against the effect as I'M
natural and unjust. I deny that the proposi
lion in the latter alternative is true but as.
sert on The contrary, that in this class natural
and wholesome affections of The heart are
TO be found.
Merit should be the only passport 10 socie
ty and consideration, and the state of socie-
ty will be artificial and disordered until mer-
it shall be thus respected. viii admit that
the inferior estimation in which mechanics
are regarded, is 10 some extent attributable
TO their ow fault They do not assert and
properly defend their rights. Let them as a
class, cultivate greater dignity and polish of
manners-fill memory's storehouse with
food for the mind 10 feast upon-and attend
generally 10 those minor ompilshments
which constitute, in The eye of correct.
moi siekly iasis. the-trnc -nenileman- And
by doing This they will commend themselves
as the true representatives. of that skill and
genius which they exhibit in their various
departments, and be respected as such dele
gates, unencumbered by fictitious impede
ments.-Yes, Mr.. Editor, methinks | see in
the movements of the age, a progressive
tendency 10 the spirit of equality advocate.
1t is not the Agrarian principle of Equality
in spite OF dollars and cents ~ II is foun-
ded on the recognition of the internal man,
in whatever guise he may be found-the
valuation of the jewel in the midst of its re-
pulsive incrustaton, The discernment of the
true ore, though deeply embedded in the
common earth. II is the test OF the equality
TO which the great Scottish poet alludes:
''The rank is but the guinea's stamp,
The mans the gold for a. tha:."
The operations of our Democratic institu-
tions is helping on this moral consumalion.
1t is planting on every side free public libra
ries, and other means for the development
and improvement of the mind and heart,
and Offering 10 all, facilities, in spite of dis
parties OF external advantages, to achieve
an equality with the highest standard of
mental and moral excellence. To the me-
chanic, say, lift up your eyes 10 this STAN
dard and keep it in view. Do your part in
the movements of the day, and compel, by
your efforts, recognition of your just position.
$50 mote it be-" ALOHA.
Wilkes-barre, Nov. 1851.