Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1854-03-04

WHAT ARE PRINTERS MADE OF? More thaD once
we have had occasion to regard printers as strange
and more than ordinary men, An experience of
some fifteen years with the craft, has offered innu-
merable opportunities to find them out, and study
in measure their natural history" Printers are
to greater extent than any other class of profess
sionaL men, migratory. The printing Office, of it
SELF being literary Institute, few abide la
Dor long in it without getting somewhat enlightened
upon the historical scientific and general intelligence
of the day, and about the apprentice gets
into his freedom suit, OF his head crammed with
knowledge of the craft his ambition tends to go out
into the wide wide world, and see the works of art
and nature he has read and enabled others to read
about. Few seem bent on setting down to make a
fortune and the expense of professional t-out be-
ing mere song, or rather piece of brass rule,
which sort of cabastic sign to the broth
erhood scattered over creation clean dickey, light
heart and equally hefted pocket book, the printer
goes on his way of exploration and adventure. Pos
ted up in "price currents" he can talk business
with the merchant or planter versed in general sta
tistcs of the nation he can hold his own with your
country politician, and for whom, if he takes
tion he set down in fourishng settlement
start paper, replenish his purse and wardrobe,
write and set up patriotic leaders and irresistible
puffs, which sends his patron to Congress or the
Legislature He has long been accustomed to 4" tat
tle," "squibs, "poetc gems" the ladies depart
ment," &C., and proves quite at home in converse
tional circles where he illuminate old ladies' the
girls and children, equal to Pedagogue, Hoods
works, Baron Munchausen or Robinson Crusoe.
He can talk horse or horned cattle, all over the
fields of agriculture. He has had many cases in his
time to attend to- such as law reports, and wonder
fu cures and hence, is something velsed in law and
physic Having set up and proved astronomical Ia
bles he knows something, also, about the starry
heavens waters and winds. And indeed, not to be
too prolix, the printer, if thorough one is man
of science well as art, and backed by his colleg-
ate education, his views expanded by travel, and
himself made practical by the vicisstudes of a mis-
celaneous and pregrnating life, he is often living
wonder and most always whole history of human
nature-under a hat.
In this office are some twenty printers engaged;
only look at them In ages ranging from twenty
to forty; in size and complexion from the ordinary
stout, 1--WE never knew fat printer,) to some that
might crawl through creased flute some white
as Circassians, and others brown rosy-your
Georgia Cracker" or Pennsylvania Publican.
Some bearded like the Pard others smooth-faced as
the Greek Slave. One has Travelled all over the
MATHEMATICIAN continent, hunted bears in Arkan-
sas and the wild horse in the pampas of South
America another has been out on the broad ocean,
and Z" life before the mast; another graduated
at West Point, served in the army, and accompanied
Col Doniphan in his Zenophenc grand campaign
all over New Mexico. What book he can write!
Another has kept tavern, sold goods at auction,
travelled the United States several times, been
well off and been broken-often Two have been
" on the stage" profession printers much ad-
dcted to for about half the actors the American
boards were printers. One we believe, has preach
ed sermons, and another has lectured to crowded
houses Another has served in Mexico with Gen.
Scott. A sixth has been stump orator, member of
the Legislature out West,'' and fought duel, We
believe. Three have practiced medicine, kept store
dealt in horses, cotton and negroes Two have held
municipal Offices Four or five have been officers
and privates in various military companies. One
served with Gen. Houston in the Texan revolution,
and one in the Canadian rebellion. Six eight
have edited and published newspapers in various
parts of the United States One has been first Off
Ger of packet on the "ragin' canawl." One was
wounded-eg of-at the storming of Monterey.
Another has clerked on Mississippi steamer,
blown up and slightly killed Some or have
been married some are old bachelors. All have
seen more or less of life and its changeable
They all live men, good practical printers, speak
various languages, and form newspaper corps hard
to SurpaSS equal. Cincinnati Commercial.