The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1853-03-11
INTELLIGENT MECHANICS.

! From the means which we have Of obtain
I ing correct informatiorh upon almost every
question, we are fully persuaded that we have
very few intelligent mechanics in our country
in proportion 10 the amount oNpoPulatlon, %
their own numbers. We are 32rry to say
this, but the truth compels US to dS IT, rms
should not be for the means are ae9pdant'
whereby they can ottlin information to maKA
them respected for every mental qualification.
The desire, however, must exist in the mind,
and il is, for the want OF this desre-this
mental quaty-to read good works, and
study good authors, that 50 much ignorance
aJounds. Instead of reading useful periodicals
and books, the great majority Of them are
delighted with the hashy stories and fippant
literature Of authors whose names and fame
will never reach above or beyond the very
garbage Of bookdom.
On our advertisement page there are two
advertisements for men capable OF conduct
ing two separate trades; the one a practical
chemist for dyeing and finishing WOODEN
goods; the other practical machnist. We
know it is not easy to find person who has
toicd as a hard working mechanic in possess
sion of the means required in the advertise
ment for the managing machines, and this is
. the reason why such an advantageous offer is
presented. This very fact should teach our
mechanics how much it would be for their
own beneti: to employ their leisure hours in
acquiring useful information and obtaining
such mastery of their trades as to be able
TO conduct the same, and thus be ready to
ascend to higher situations whenever oppor-
tunitics Ike those on our advertising page are
presented.
J We have frequent applications for practical
intelligent mechanics who can superintend n
/ business, and we know from experience how
difficult it is to obtain them. Every man VIII,
works at trade, no matter what that trade
| is, should learn it SO thoroughly as to be COM
petcnt to conduct the same in all its branches.
Every mechanic should strive to be master of
his business. There is philosophy in every
trade, and why should carpenters, tailors,
machinists, dyers, mill-wri ghts, coopers, SC.
not be as intelligent as doctors, lawyers, and
merchants! There is no use, as many
faechanics do, complaining about aristocracy
of this and that class; it is worse than foolish
ness; the a..-tocracy OF mind is higher than
that of wealth, and always commlnds respect.
A gentleman writing to us some time ago for
a machinst to superin'end his foundry and
machine shop, said he would give him above
81 900 per annum, but would be willing Ito
give him more could he get the proper person.
81 want good mechanic wds his language,
''and gentleman; one who is courteous, in
telgent, and with whomT can associate as a
friend" The elevation of our working-men
! is one object about which we are solicitous;
we have often preached about it through these
columns, and will continue to do so upon
every proper occasion. 1t has been our object
TO present a 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, how
ever, thank those who 20 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, "know-
ledge is power" and may be led to see the
error and foolshment of their ways, and
adopt course of life which will lead them
to ascend TO the front ranks of intelligent
echanics.-Scieatifc American.