The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-09-24

Public Works, then IN process OF construc- |
ton in the vicinity of Dayton. After earn
ing by his hard and cheerless toll, few
dollars from his employers. he determined
to seek his fortune in different capacity.
With his scanty pack of clothing flung
upon his back, he started on foot for Co.
lumbns. Arriving here, weary and foot
sore, he applied for situation as "Print-
er's Devi'' in the Ohio Statesman Office.
Interested in the story Of this boy of ten
years of age, who had evinced such ener-
gy and perseverance, without friends to
direct and encourage him in his honest
and unassisted struggle with circumstances
of poverty and destituton, we unhesitat-
ingly yielded to his application for stu
alton. lie entered himself as an appren-
tce with us, to remain until becoming of
age.
We were not disappointed. Every du-
ty imposed upon him, during his connec-
ton with US, was discharged with all alac-
rity and cheerfulness. He lost no oppor.
tunity to promote the interests of his en-
ployer, was ever at his post, and never
seemed to dream that there were pleasures
to be found elsewhere than at the case,
during working hours. Nor was he idle
at other times. He, like many others in
our land, whose beginning in life has been
similar to his, and who have risen to the
highest places, did not forget that there
were objects ahead, and within bu.
man attainment, far higher and nobler
than the mere acquisition Of bread and
apparel. He spared no pains to satiate
the cravings Of his mind for that general
information which has been the means of
qualifying him for posts Of public service
TO which he has since been elevated. Few
persons appreciate the ten thousand facil-
lilies afforded by the Printing g-office, for
the acquisition of that "good, large-round-
about common sense" which was SO high
ly eulogized by old John Locke, as the
great thing needlul in practical life. OF
these facilities, Mr.. BaEsLlN ever availed
himself to the utmost. 1t has been re-
marked, that to an industrious and think
ing boy, the Printing g-oflice is equal to a
University, as affording means of practi.
cal education. The Benjamin Franklins.
the Isaac Hills, the Thomas H. Stocktons,
the Thomas L. Hamers, and the Horace
Greeleys, furnish proof of the advantages
afforded in printing. offices, and without
meaning to claim for Mr., BREsLIN high
er rank among the intellects Of the land
than he deserves, willing to trust him TO
the future for that, we can say, from our
knowledge of him, that none have ever
been more industrious than he in inform
ing his mind from every source within his
reach. The public have seen much of Mr..
BREsLIN, and they know well that he pos
sesses talents and information enough for
any position to which he may aspire.
More than year before Mr.. BREsLlN's
term of apprenticeship expired, he ascer-
tanned that he could obtain ownership of
the Democratic Press Of Seneca county,
Ohio. He had been for years faithful and
industrious. His employer felt that he
could not Go less TO assist him in making
start in life, than to release him from fur.
ther service, which was done. He was
not then quite twenty years of age. He
assumed the sole control Of the Seneca
Advertiser, published at Tiffin. He has
continued his connection with this estab-
lishment to the present time. His rank in
the press is we'll known, and is worthily
prominent. His chivalric observance of
etiquette, his respectful treatment Of his
cotemporaries, and his ability, consisten-
cy and lirmness in laborng for the further
ance OF liberal democratic principles, have
elected universal esteem and regard, and
rendered him one Of the most widely
known and popular editors in the State.
A conclusive evidence Of Mr.. BREsLIN's S
influence and talents is found in the effects
Witnessed in Seneca county politics since
his connection with the press. When he
first took the helm Of the Advertiser, the
parties there were nearly balanced. In
but few years, the democratic party was
largely increased, until that party became
permanently dominant in the county. II
is now one of the most reliable democratic
counties in the State. TO this result it will
not be questioned that Mr. BREsLIN's la.
bors as editor have mainly contributed.
At The meeting OF Inc General Assem-
bly, Of Ohio for the session of '46-7. Mr.
BREsLlN was elected clerk of the Senate
He was known as the youngest man who
had ever received that honor, and we have
frequently heard it remarked, that at no
time previously had the duties Of the office
been discharged with more care, proprie-
ty and fidelity. In this position, Mr. BREs-
LIN won upon the regard and esteem Of
all with whom his position brought him
into personal intercourse.
In the Fall of l848, Mr.. BREsLIN re-
ceived the nomination Of the Democrats
of Seneca county for the House Of Rep.
resentatives. and was elected by large
majority. Upon his arrival at Columbus
the democratic caucus unanimously con.
ferred upon him the nomination for the
Speakers chair. After the close of the
scenes of violence created by the whie