Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-11-10
THE REWARD OF COURTESY.
A TRUE ACCOUNT.


few years since, on radiant spring af-
ternoon, two men, who from their converse
tion appeared to be foreigners, stopped be-
fore the gate of one of our large workshops
in Philadelphia for the manufacture of loco
motive engines. Entering small office, the
elder of the two men inquired of the super
intendcnt in attendance if he would permit
them to inspect the works.
ssYou can pass in and look about if you
please 20 said the superintendent, vexed ap
parently at being interrupted in the persual
of his newspapers. He then scanned the two
strangers more closely. They were respecta-
bly, but plainly clad, and evidently made no
pretenton to official dignity of any kind.
ssIs there any one who can show over
the establishment and explain matters TO us ?''
asked Mr.. " olf. the elder Of the strangers.
':You must pick your own way, gentlemen"
replied the superintendent, ':we are all too
busy to attend to every party that comes
along. I'll thank you not to interrupt the
wurkmcn by asking questions"
1t was not so much the matter the man
ner of his reply, that was offensive to Mr..
W off and his companion. 1t was spoken with
q certain official assumption of superiority,
mingled with contempt for the visitors, indi-
eating naughty selfish temper on the part
of thespeaker.
81 think we viii not trouble you,'' said Mr..
Wolf bowling; and taking his companion's
arm they passed out.
ssIf there is anything that I dislike it is in
ciyilty,'' said Mr.. Wolf, when they were once
in the street. al do not blame the man for
not wanting to show US over the establishment;
he is no doubt annoyed and interrupted by
many needless visitors; but he might have
dismissed us with courtesy. He might have
sent us away better content with a gracious
refusal than with an ungracious CONSENT
'sPerhaps we shall have better luck here.
said the other stranger; and they stopped be-
fore another workshop of similar kind.
They were received by brisk little man, the
head clerk apparently, who in reply to their
request to be shown over the establishment.
answered, ssOh, yes! come with me, gentle
men. This way" So saying, he hurried
them along the area strewed with iron bars,
broken and rusty heaps of iron, and fragments
of old cylinders, into the principle workshop.
Here, without stopping to explain any one
thing, he led the strangers along with the evil
dent intention of getting rid OF them as soon
as possible. When they paused where the
workmen we're riviting the external coating of
boiler, the clerk looked at his watch, tap
ped his foot against an iron tube, and showed
other signs of impatience. Whereupon, Mr..
Wolf remarzed-.sWe will not retain you
longer sir,'' and with his friend, took leave
ssThis man is an improvement on the other"
said Mr.. W off; s.but all the civilty he has is
on the surface 1t does not come from the
heart. We must look further"
The strangers walked on for nearly half
mile in silence, when one of them pointed TO
a locomotive with train of cars underneath.
1t overtopped small building, not more than
ten feet high, communicating with yard and
workshop. ssLook," said the observer, here
is machinist whose name is not on our list.
Probably it was thought too small a concern
for our purpose" said his companion. 'Nev-
ertheless let us try it,'' said Mr.. Wolf.
They entered, and found at the desk a mid
die aged man, whose somewhat grimy aspect
and apron around his waist, showed that he
divided his labors between the workshop and
the counting room.
.sWe want to look over your works, if you
have no objection"
s.It will give me great pleasure to show You
all that is to be seen,'' said the mechanic with
a pleased alacrity, ringing bell and telling
the boy who entered to take charge of the
office. SIX.
He then led the way, and explained to the
strangers the whole process of constructing
a locomotive engine. He showed them how
the various parts of the machinery were man
ufaetured, and patiently answered all their
questions. He told them of an improved
mode of tubing boilers, by which the power
of generating steam was increased, and show
ing with what care he provided for security
from bursting.
Two hours passed rapidly away. The
strangers were delighted with the Intelligence
dispIayed by the mechanic, and with his frank,
attentive and unsuspicious manners. "Here
is the man who loves his profession SO well,
that he takes pleasure in explaining its mys-
tcries to all who can understand them, ," thought
Mr, Wolf :