The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-01-17

MT DEAk SlR-A few days since received yoW
invitation in behalf of the members of the Mechanics
Institute OF the city of New York to deliver IN a.
dress before them at such time during the ensuing
season as might he most convenient to myself
lind that neither my health nor official duties WIN
permit to avail myself Of the honor 80 aatteraa
rendered.
This / deeply regret for it would afford me plea
sure to address the members of the Institute and fer
the reason set forth in their invitation, that they re-
cognize in me the true friend of the mechanics and
workingmen." In this they have not mistaken M
character for could be nothing else, when reoog-
nzng in them the real and substantial benefactors Of
the human race; among whom have appeared des-
tors lawyers juriss, philosophers, orators states
men and heroes 1t may not be altogether uninter.
estng, nor at this time out of place, to bring to s
recollection of the members of the Institute few of
the many mechanics and workingmen who have ap-
peared as shining lights, and who have by their e.
MUS, skill and great industry, contributed SO much
to the Improvement progress and great prosperity r
not only their own country, but Of the civilized
world.
In the 10y who traversed the streets of Phladel-
PIMA with loaf of bread under his arm we discover
the printer, Benjamin Franklin, who "played with
the iorked lightning as with a tanned snake" In
his day he stood first among philosophers and states
men; and his genius is now daily and hourly OK
hibited in the transmission of the thoughts of nea,
with the speed OF lightning from one extremity q
the Union to the other. No person commanded
greater respect confidence ut home or abroad than
the printer, Franklin. His influence was every
where felt throughout the period that tried the souls
of men, and which called forth the nerve and enernr
of every patriot who desired liberty more than op-
preston. He was no less tenacious of his countrys
honor than his own, and rigdly maintained the
faithful discharge Of all national obligations Where
liberty dwes there is my country was the DECLARE
ton Of Franklin.
In Roger sherman we saw the shoemaker. BY
his genius, industry and great virtues he rose
to cmnence. Whilst bending over the last
he meditated the freedom and independence
Of his country Being fond of reading and
study, at the age OF twenty-one he abandoned
the awl and lapsone for the law and at the age IL
thrtythree was admitted to the bar He soon be-
came Judge of the Supreme Court Of his State and
was Of the signers Of the Declaration of ndepeu-
dence. Afterwards he was elected member OF the
House OF Representatives, and then Senator In Con-
gress In every situation he was distinguished for
integrity, sound sense. and great practical wisdom.
No man of his time commanded more of the conf
dence of his cOuntrymen than Roger Sherman, tho
shoemaker.
George Walton Of Georgia, was carpenter. Az
ter he was wentyone years of age, he abandoned hs
tools for the law. BY perseverance and great indus
try, he placed himself among the great men of tha
Revolution and was one of that galaxy of patriots
who signed the Declaration of Independence. In
ITS he was appointed a colonel of militia. and was
severely wounded at the siege of Savannah He
twice became Governor OF Georgia, several times
elected to the House Of representatives. and thee
Senator to Congress- He died whilst Chief Justice of
his State-a distinguished and noble career for car
penter.
In Nathaniel Greene we see the blacksmith. Like
Roger Sherman, whilst bending over the anvil. he
meditated the freedom Of his country. The bat
tie Of Lexington reused Greene and called forth the
latent energies of his mind. He gave up the sledge
hammer for the sword, and went forth to fight Ma
1~nkx1n as -.
the time, Rhode Island appointed him Brigadier-
General. and gave him command Of three regimenta
Of militia. With these he reported himself to the
Commander-in-C Chief, Gen. Washington. whose head
quarters were at the time at Cambridge near Boston.
His interchangeable exertions to qualify himself to play
well his part in his new profession, very gained
him the appreciation and confidence OF Washington
which continued during their lives. From that Hme
until the close Of the revolutionary war; all his ener-
gies were devoted to the accomplishment of the OBJ
jects and wishes of his countrymen-a separation az
the colonies from England, and their independence.
With very limited education, his genius with ex-
allied patriotism, perseverance and intense applica-
ton, made him in the estimation of friends what
he really wassecond only in character and standing
to the great and good Washington. Except the lat
ter to Major General Nathaniel Greene, the people
of the United States more indebted than TO any
other individual for the enjoyment of their present
privileges and unparalleled prosperity At the CLOSE
of the revolution rs manifestation Of their high an
precatonlOf his character and distinguished services
It is said South Carolina presented him with $50 O00
Georgia with $2),O00 and North Carolina with
% 900 acres of land.
Eli Whitney was manufacturer of nails, and then
of long pins. He invented the cotton gin, after
which he became an extensive manufacturer of mus
kets Few men have done more to promote the pros
of the cotton gin more than tripled the wealth II
the cotton growing States of the South. He was to
those States what Arkwright, the barber, was -
England.
Fulton, by his application Of steam to navigatio.
more than quadrupled the wealth Of the United
States The benefits Of his genius to the civilized
world are beyond calculation and the inhabtants az
the valley Of the Mississippi owe him debt Of graft
tude which they can never cancel.
| The genius of Brindley, millwright Watt, .
mathematical N i instrument maker and Askwrght
tunes of England, and placed her ON that high emf
nence which overlOoks the world
| William Shakespeare was wool comber, but, in
the beautiful and truthful language of my departed
friend, Francis Bays, became mighty spirit, whose
influence, like the heavenly bodies, is even now
calling up the tides of human feeling He has thrown
the charm of his genius on the lowest walks of fe
surrounded the throne OF mirth with new delights,
varied into countless varieties the shades and the
shapes OF his humor, given new and graceful dig
NIFTY to the humbest OF virtues, impaired blander
spirit to social life, pervaded the very depth of tina
and impressed upon sublimity itself sterner and
lottier character. Yes, he was mighty enchanter.
who could call forth from the invisible world new
variety OF scenes and beings, and could give t.
these larry nothings local habtaton and Names
:" the ances Of poetry, and the breathings of pro-
phecy.'
To these would add the names of many moro
mechanics and working men, who, by their genius
and skill, have greatly contributed to promote the
wealth, prosperity and happiness Of the world.
But enough has been said to satisfy the members Of
the Institute that am no less their friend than
duly appreciate their importance. As a class, the
mechanics and working men have done more than
any other to humanze, cvilize, and lberaze, the
human family. have the honor to be,
Very respectfully, your obedent servant,
JOHN Il. Wool.
To CHARLES II. DELAvAN, Esq, Corresponding
Secretary of Mechanics Institute.
GOLD AND PAINT.-Prof. Hubbard. of Dart
mouth College, has specimens of gold found on the
Quechee river, Vermont The specimens are not
washings, but from vein. The rock in which the