Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1853-03-01
Intelligent Mechanics.

From the means which we have of obtaining
correct information upon almost every question,
we are fully persuaded that we have very few in
telligent mechanics in our country in proportion to
the amount of population, and their own numbers
We are sorry to say this but the truth compels us
10 do it. This should not be for the means are
abundant, whereby they can obtain information to
make them respected for every mental qualifica-
ton. The desire, however, must exist in the mind,
and it is, for the want of this desire-ths mental
quality-to read good works, and study 60 au-
thors, that so mich ignorance abounds. Instead
of reading useful periodicals. and books the great
majority of them are delighted with the fiashy sto-
rles and ippant literature of authors whose names
and fame will never reach above OF beyond the
very garbage of bookdom.
On our advertisement page there are two adver-
tlsements for men capable of conducting two sepa-
rate trades; the one practical chemist for dyeing
and finishing wooden goods; the other practical
machinist. We know it is not easy to find per
son who has toiled as hard working mechanic in
possession of the means required IN the advertise
ment for the managing machinist, and this is the
reason why such an advantageous offer is present.
ed. This very fact should teach our mechanics
how much would be for their own benefit to
employ their leisure hours in acquiring useful in
formation and obtaining such a mastery of their
trades as to be able to conduct the same and thus
be ready to ascend TO higher situations whenever
opportunities like those advertising page are
presented.
We have frequent applications for practical in
telllgent mechanics who can superntend bust
ness, and we know from experience how difficult
tits TO obtain them. Every man who works at
trade, no matter what that trade is should learn it
| so thoroughly as to be competent to conduct the
same in all its branches Every mechanic should
strive to be master of his business. There is phi
iosophy in every trade, and why should carpenters
tallors, machinists, dyers, lwrights coopers &c
not be as intelligent doctors, lawyers and mer-
chants! There Is no use, as many mechanics do,
complaining about ariStocIacy ofths and that class
IT'S worse than foolishness the aristocracy of
mind Is higher than that of wealth, and always
commands respect. A gentleman writing to us
some time ago for machinist to superintend his
foundry and machine shop, said he would give him
ABOVE S2,OOO per annum, but would be willing to
give him more could he get the proper person. az
want good mechanic" was his language "and
gentleman one who is courteous, intelligent,
and with whom can associate as friend" The
elevation OF our working-men is one object about
which VIC are solicitous; we have often preached
about 1t through these columns, and will continue
10 90 so upon every proper occasion. It has been
our object to present chaste literature along with
scientific and other useful information, but our
circulation is only among the intelligent of our
mechanics consequently the great mass for whom
our remarks of this kind are designed will not see
them. We will, however, thank those who do read
them to talk upon the subject from time to time.
with their brother craftsmen, in order that they
may feel the force of the old adage, "knowledge
is power" and may be led TO see the error and
foolishment of their ways, and adopt course OF
life which will lead them to ascend to the front
ranks OF intelligent mechanics.-Scientifc AmeTi-