Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1855-02-22
Leisure Moments

James and William Grey were cousins
and were apprentices in a machine-shop
where various kinds Of Machinery were
made. James looked upon his employment
as necessary evil. To him it was mere
manual labor-=u given number of blows, n
requisite degree of heat, certain expendi-
,ure Of strengthen word, it was toll in it,
most literal sense.
William, on the contrary, viewed i, with
the eye OF an artist. There was not merely
the rough iron to be moulded into some un-
cafed for machine, nut, as he tod James, u
plastic material, assuming beauty by the
will of man. He studied therefore, not only
the Mechunical part Of his trade, but his it,:
Ncntive genius was excited. Curiosity led
h m to examine the uses and peculiar udap.
ton Of the machinery he mads, till at myth
his active mind suggested various improve
ments.
All his lcasure time was employed id the
instruction of models, and his room might
| have been taken for. a miniature patent-oilice.
The last year Of his apprenticeship was near
| ly at It's close, and William had not only i'm
proved, but Invented several really ussful
designs. :.
Looking over paper one day. he fea { an
offer of prize OF $1,000 for tile best M 'icl
for peculiarkind of machinery to De used in
a cotton factory.
"Why should not tryr said he.
He understood what was wanted, and day
after day did he study intensely on the sub
ject. At length he grasped the idea, and it
was upon this he was at work when lame 5
urged him to join the sailing party.
Late at night his cousin returned. weary
with pleasure, and found him sitting at the
table a sealed package before him, his cheeks
flushed, an unusual brightness in his eye
and peculiar expression on his counte'
nance.
About a week after this gentleman
knocked at the door. 1t was opened by
Jumes who was alone.
al wish to see Mr.. Grey" said the strun
ger, elnncing with u smile at the pecuia
decoration OF the room.
"My name is Grey;" returned james
placing a chair for the guest.
"Allow me to congratulate you on you
success, Mr. Grey" said the gentleman
pointing to a counterpart Of the model whic'
stool upon the table.
"My success! do not understand you sir +,
said James.
, "Are you no, Mr.. Giey the inventor o
.his delicate and important machinery"
/. 81 am Mr.. Grey. but not the Inventor o
anything" returned James bitterly. "Her
is the fortunate person, my cousin, William
. Grey." he continued, as William entered.
= 81 rejoce in your success, young man,
d said the stranger to William. "Your pla
has met the entire appreciation OF the com
o mttee, of which am one. My name,is Wi
II son, and am authorized 10 pay Won 'th
i thousand dollars aud also to advance yo
c another thousand dollars on Condition thu
n superintend the erection Of the works to b
S established"
e William was astonlshed, oyerwhelme
r and after expressing his thanks, added, Il a
'e yet an apprentice, and my time viii expi'
within some three months. After that
" will accept your offer, if you will wait u
Ie them
~ .An appreDticer, said Mr.. Wilson, "Ho
|ei then, 10. me ask you hags you qb;qiHed sA'
knowledge sf meGhanicsp
to "Ry saying my leisure moments Joined tc
love Of my business, as involving some |.
nd hest inte rests of paH."
! Six months from tina, ,ime cav William