Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1858-01-22
miscellaneous.


in Philadelphia for the manufacture of loco
motive engines. Entering a small office, the
elder Of the two men inquired of the super
intcndent if he would permit them to inspect
the works
"You can pass in and look about if YOU
please, said the superintendent, vcxed, appar-
emily, at being interrupted in the perusal Of
his newspaper. He then scanned the two
strangers more closely. They were respecta-
bly, but plainly clad, and evidently made no
pretension to official dignity of any kind.
as there any one who can show us over
the establishment and explain matters to us p
asked Mr. Wolf. the elder of the strangers.
"You must pick your own way, gentlemen"
replied the superintendent "we are all too
busy to attend every party that comes along
I'll thank you not 20 interrupt the workmen
by asking questions"
It was not so much the matter as the NAM
Her Of this reply that was offensive to Mr.
Wolf and his companion. It was spoken
with certain official assumption OF superb
ority, mingled with contempt for the visitors
indicating naughty and selfish temper on the
part Of the speaker. 81 think wen not
trouble you" said Mr.. Wolf bowing; and
taking his companions arm passed out
"lf there is anything heartily dislike it
is inciyility,' said Mr.. Wolf, when they were
IN the street Il do not blame that man for
NOT wishing 10 show us over ms establish
neht he ls' no doubt, annoyed and inter
rupted by many needless visitors but he
might nave dismissed MS with courtesy. He
might have sent us away better content with
a gracious refusal than with an ungracious
consent.
Perhaps, said the other stranger, "we
shall have better luck here - and they stop
ped before another workshop of a similar
kind. They were received by a brisk little
man. the head clerk. apparently. who. in re-
ply 10 their request to be shown over the es-
tablishmont, answered, go yes come with
me. gentlemen. This way" SO saving. he
hurried tbem along an area strewn Win IRON
bars broken and rusty wheels of iron. fraa-
monts of old boilers and cylcndcrs. into the
principal workshop. Here. without stopping
to explain any one thing. he led the strangers
along with the evident intention of getting
rid Of them as soon as possible When they
paused at place where workmen were rivet-
ing the external casing of boiler the clerk
looked at his watch tapped his foot arainst
AN iron tube. and showed other signs of i'm
patience whereupon Mr.. Wolf remarked.
I'VE will not de,ain YOU any LONGER. sir and
then. with his friend took his leave.
THAT man is an Improvement on the 9th
er. said Mr.. Wolf; "but all the civiIitv nc
has is on the surface: it does not come from
the heart We must look further" The
strangers walked on for nearly half a mile in
silence, when one Of them pointed to A hum
ble sign, with picture of locomotive en-
gine and train of cars underneath ltover-
topped small building. not more than ten
feet in height, communicating with a yard
and workshop. Look, said the observer,
"hore is a machinist whose name is not on
our list
Probably it was thought too small CON
Germ for our purpose, said his companion
Nevertheless, let us try it, said Mr.
Wolf
They entered, and found at the desk a mid
dle-aged man, whose somewhat grimy aspect
and the apron round his waist showed that he
divided his labors between the workshop and
the counting-room. I've want TO look over
your works, if you have no objection, said
Mr. Wolf
1T will give me great pleasure 20 show
You all there is to be seem said the mechan-
ic, with pleased alacrty. ringing a bell, and
telling boy who entered to take charge of
the office
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
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
ed with what care he provided for security
from bursting
Two hours passed rapidly away. The
strangers were delighted with the intelligence (
displayed by the mechanic, and with his frank, /
attentive, and unsuspicious manners. Here |
is a man who loves his profession so well .
that he takes pleasure in explaining its mys- I
teries to all who can understand them,
thought Mr. Wolf.
81 am afraid we have given you good deal
of trouble, said the other stranger
"lndeed, gentlemen, ] have enioyed your
visit" said the mechanic, land shall be clad
to see you again
perhaps you may" said Mr. Wolf; and
the strangers departed
Five months afterward, as the mechanic.
whose means were quite limited. sat in his .
Office meditating how hard it was to get
business by the side of such large establish /
mcnts as were his competitors. the two stran-
Ho pavo thnrn n hearty wal !