Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-10-13

lines of care, the face unfurrowed, or the form
unbent-let labor put her own mark of distinc-
tion on these-they are all well and fitting
there.
Selfdebasing habits, the low slang phrase,
the common customs that certain associations
beget-these we would have them forego. Let
their badges be yet the mason's apron, The car
penters overall, the box of tools,-only let
them cherish habits of neatness, politeness, deli
cacy-lct them be scholars, equally TO cope
with statesmen, able to read critically, and re-
ceive or reject, according as aripened judgment
shall direct.
Let them fit their sons for students, and then
MECHANICS, for there is no really nober calling
search the Wanted professions through. Let
them direct the minds of their daughters, that
our mechanics may have wives with cultivated
powers, not mere household drudges, or mere
fashionable parasites. Then shall labor be call
ed "holy," and delight" and then will the
dignity of the true republican American charac-
ter shine in its brightest lustre.
A mason called one day with his working
implements at the house of friend in another
city, where we were in the habit of visiting
There was something striking in his appear
ance, besides the finely developed head Ga CON-
mon feature of American working men,)--a
suavity of address that led one to look up to
him, and receive him with like courtesy With
as much of air as we have seen well, bred gen.
tleman enter drawing-room, he unfolded his
utensils, and proceeded to mend the hearth.
Now it may sound rather commonplace, but
the man conferred dignity upon the act. And
ali the while his conversation betrayed highly,
cultivated powers of intellect and imagination
it was treat to listen to him. Our friend in-
formed us that not only had that gentlemen
gathered what might by considered a good for
tune, but he had so improved and stored his in
tellect, that he was master Of several languages,
a thorough Englinsh scholar, and tolerable
theologian.
This was not at all extraordinary-his intel
lect was no greater than thousands at this mo-
ment possess--the secret lay in application,
that golden word of words--he counted time,
grain by grain-not moment pass unemploy-
ed, nor did he disdain to acquire graceful de-
pertinent The result is that all men are proud
of his acquaintance, and show him, from the
president down, that the gold and silver that
confer honor on any station, are the real, ring
ing coin of intellect--a coin that no cunning
mnt-man can counterfeit.
We want first that mechanics rs class
should be like this man--noble in nature, nigh
ty in knowledge. Then we would see, and we
believe we shall live to see mechanic rule the
destinies of our nation,-a mechanic the Presi-
dent of these United States.
Farmers have taken the helm of state law
yers and soldiers now we must advance me-
chanic to represent alike the vast interests of
a great people, and the living principle in him
self, that labor is the handmaiden of God, wor-
thy the highest exaltation, and that heaven it.
self was not prepared without labor.
We believe that today some thoughtful-fac-
ed man is driving the plane or the saw, holding
the axe or the graver's pencil, sharping the plow
or giving its lustre to the metallic instrument of
labor, who will yet attain the eminence who
thinks above his toll, and reads after it; whose
mind, resting upon the revelations of our holy
religion, seeks for no new and improved truths,
C) who is driven to no fanatcism by one abb
sorbing, overriding idea.
We believe that man is working at this hour
directing and controlling those who are placed
under his charge, and studying those elements
that apply directly to the science of skiful gov
ernment.
The DRUNKARD's CHARACTER.--(From
volume of pamphlets, lettered Miscellaneous
Sheets" presented by King George III. to the
British Museum. The date is IS46).
"a drunkard is the annoyance of modesty;
the trouble of cvity the spoil of wealth /; the
distraction of reason. He is only the brewers
agent; the tavern and alehouse benefactor; the
beggar's companion the constabe's trouble.
He is his wife's wo his children's sorrow; his
neighbors scoff; his own shame. In summer
he is tub of swill, spirit of sleep, picture
of a beast, and monster of man.
"You are from the country, are you not, sr?'
said dandy clerk in bookstore to homely-
Dire sod Ouokor u,ho hod o;van hin onna frouh-