The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1855-02-24
LOCAL MATTHRs.

/ IsrEREsTINa LxcTuRE.-Nr. A. NJ.
Bailey, member OF the virginia Mechan ics. Iustf
tute delivered very interesting and instructive
lecture q Metropolitan Hall, on Thursdsy night,
and we only regret that every mechanic-every
working man-in Virginia and the South, On not
hear II. As might have been expected the audience
was email one, for It seems almost impossible to
awake the mechanics OF the city to their own In
seresss, and induce them TO turn their attention to
matters calculated to improve their minds aud ele
vate their standing In the social circle But we
will not despair oil yet arousins them. The good
time coming" 10 nearly here-the Mechanics Insii.
tute is on the high way to prosperty-the youth OF
the working classes calling Tor intellectual food
and the progressive spirit of the age, has
placed fs shoulder to the wheel of the mechanical
car, and will force 1t onward, despite the apathy Of
its passengers.
self interest If not the pride of State and pro-
fession must speedily work revolution In our
mechanics and compel them to fit themselves for
their calling, to compete with the North, or
drive them from their pursuits, as unworthy mem
bers of the great family of mechanics And this
fitness can only be acquired by union-by concert
of action such as can alone be secured by the
Institute now In existence in this city.
On this subject Mr. Bailey thus speaks Read it..
Mechanics of Richmond, weigh well it's truths,
and then like resolve at once ~ profit by the
remarks and to aid In building up your Institute.
individual effort may do much to advance the
interests OF one concern, and may accomplish
great things for the general welfare, but 1t Is COM
Combination Is absolutely necessary for your sue
cess in this noble institution, whose object is to
develope the mechanical and manufacturing
wealth of the State-and thus elevate and ennoble
those who unite In the effort, while its reflex In
fuence is felt abroad Let no local disaflection
jealousy turn you aside. The anticipated results
are too great to be lost sight OF by you. The
prosperity of your State and country call you to
perseverance, and present sacrifice, no less than
The position and influence OF your children and
wards, for the future
From this combination will proceed those influ.
ences which make up the higher elements OF CAPT"
tai which lie the very foundation Of government
and progress. Being, as class, an element oil
wealth your country it is important that an pro-
portion your capital enters into the co mmon veal
you should share Just distribution OF the common
benefits Your position, your rights, your inilu-
nee tell upon the great body polite OF your State
nd country-and you should see to it, that you are
OF neglected or oppressed or denied those advan
gees which your usefulness, intelligence, and true
welfare eniltle you to. But how are you so realize
them without union-without concert OF action p
How are you to know who understands your inter
ests and who Is worthy to be trusted as your rep
resen,atives and agents unless you have the facii
ties of association How will you ever elevate
those among you whose attachments and charac-
tiers and sympathies would exert beneficial iotiu.
ence upon your progressl Why is it that Rich
mond, the most beautifully situated city in Amerl-
cal mean inland city-possessed OF rare local ad
vantages for manufacturing and commerce, has
been so tardy Ia her progress With her immense
water~power-O. what an element for mocha cal
capital-and her vast and growing resources, she
should this night be the first manufacturing and
mechanical city of America. Think of it. Why
does enterprise slumber under the roar OF her fai
There must be cause. 1t may be that you have
not Brought into play that element of your capital
cOas6iaed social and political Influence, which
would give proper direction to the policy of your
State I"
MIR Bailey then went on to show the cause of the
tardy advance In Southern mechanism, the injus
tice practsed on the mechanics a class, and the
importance of their union for self protection. He
concluded with an energetic summary ofthe quail
ties, and the conduct, necessary to elevate the
chanic to his true dignity, and crown his labors
with success