Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1855-04-28

Of the land. We pray sincerely that such may
rapidly accumulate.
But what, we say, shall create a change for
the better in the social portion of mechanics
and admiration Of the mechanic arts? In the
first place, a great responsibility in this respec,
rests with those who justly stand Ii in the front
ranks of society. Let the learned, the yirtu-
Gus, the wealthy-the pure and beautiful
encourage with their smiles those among the
mechanics whose intellect and moral character
stand forth as their diplomas to usher them
to the notice Of the greatest and best. When
this is done, and we find that amidst The light
enjoyments of lite, the worthy mechanic is
brought forward into the circle of beauty, ad.
m;tted to the conversations of wise men, he
will soon begin to realize the fact that his
trade does not, as formerly, attach to him a
kind of disgrace. Being admitted where Gus.
tom formerly excluded him, his trade is also
advanced in dignity, and an era Of hope will
dawn for the mechanic and the mechanic arts.
In Great Britain, no boy will be taken to
learn u trade unless a certain fee is paid in adj
vance, and he supports himself also for a GER
tain length of time, until he becomes of some
value to his employer. We think that our
Legislatures should pass a law similar to this
for the length of time an apprentice shall
remain at certain trades, and the amount of
the fee to be paid in advance to each. Such a
system or law. would undoubtedly elevate the
responsibility OF the trades; for we all know,
that the more difficult an object becomes of at.
tainment, the more valuable it seems in the
eyes of the world.
Why should labor and its ~votaries be repudi.
ated, in a land which declares equal rights to
all men. and that all men are equal. A me.
chanic who knows his trade thoroughly is by
far the most happy and independent Of all the
professions. He it is who is truly and emphati-
ca!Iy Independent. He cares not for the whims
u fortune; r~everses, however severe, have for
him no terrors; he is fully aware that he has
that within himself which ia a fortune of itself
and he fears not the sheriff 5 writ. His trade
is his stronghold, ever to be resor,ed to when
pecuniary depression falls heavy upon him.
Thus situated, how far superior is he in a
worldly sense to other men. While God and |
his own efforts bestow upon him an indepen-
dence in his knowledge Of some description of
the mechanic arts, the laws preserve his tools
from seizure; and, as an intelligent misceila-
writer well says, if he is intelligent, tenn
perate, industrious and honest, it matters not
of what trade, he will secure at least the res
pect and confidence of the community, if he is
not permitted TO walk in its first circles, and
secure . competency for himself. He may,
too, have the means Of happiness in his own
and the power of communicating hap.
piness to others.
Work ! for it is the mandate of the Eternal!
10 the language Of the Hon. Theo. Freling.
~"resolve to do Notwithstanding
Useful. honorable, dutiful-apd do it heartily
.epel the thought that you can, and therefore
ron may live above work and without il.
the most pitiable objects in society, is
The man whose mind has not been trained by
discipline of labor and education--who has
earned to think, and the value Of his immor.
al powers, and with all these noble faculties
cultivated and prepared for an honorable ac-
ivity. ignobly sits down to do nothing; with
10 influence over the public mind--with no
interest in the concerns of his country or even
'is neighborhood-to be regarded as a drone
object or character, with no hand 10
ii, no effort 10 put forth to help the right hand
defeat the wrong. Who can think with any
Of such q miserable career :! And
it may be with you in active enter
never permit your influence to 90 in
to the cause Of truth and virtue. So
i've. that with the christian poet you may
r%uthfaIly say thai, :
T your country stand not by your skill,
It least your follies have not wrought her fall"
Honor the mechanic who honors himself.
hey are the sturdy bulwark Of our country.
lodest. sensitive and u~nassuming, they rather
old themselves back than push forward in the
'ce Of life. Bat they know how to appreciate
generous sympathy--and how to feel with
for the mind that honors their voca- +.
on; but while the practice Of their afts I'D.
'nc.s peace and civilization, they are neverthe-
- ever foremost when the tocsin Of war :
FUNDS, aud the Republic wants . blow struck :
I her honor 81 her asfsty.
Rlaqusmine Female Seminary.
Vie undersigned is happy to inform the public