Mineral Point weekly tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1859-1868, 1863-10-14

even the advantages of q truly constitutional
! monarchical government such as England en-
| joys, and as is rapidly developed in the Ger
man States. This could only be Supplied 10
| them by development Of the influence and
by the political education of the inhabitants
of the rural districts
This element has been and is the corner
stone of the establishment and maintenance
OF the free institutions of the people of the
United States, whose prosperity and advance
ment under a republican form of government
have been their pride, as web as the aston
ishment of the world, and the hope of the OPP
pressed of other nations. Favored by large
extent OF country yet unimproYed, whose
natural and vast resources were gradually
explored, developed and turned TO profit
by the rapidly increasing population,
new republics were constantly added to the
Union, thus drawing off the superfuous and
crowding population Of the Oiuer States, in
termixing il largely with tue new and sturdy
Immigration of European countries whose
love of political freedom and Independence
drove them across the Atlantic as the fathers
of this Republic had been driven before them,
and renewing and increasing in strength in
the vast prairies and forests Of the West, a
truly democratic and republican spirit OF in
dependence and political liberty. Glorious,
uneXampled, has been the progress Of this
Republic; seeming TO gain strength in the
truth OF its principles Of political freedom
and equality as il extended II area, in popu-
lation, wealth and civilization
Here let Us pause for moment and not
forget to pay proper and well-deseryed tri-
butte to another important agency III the de-
velopment of the resources and wealth of
this new continent, and in its advancement in
civilization | refer to the Mechanic 1rtS.
Truly has your Society, representing and fos-
40
csts of your beautiful and fertile county,
chosen as its motto: agriculture, the fouu-
datiOn of society; mechanics, the lever Of
civilization !"
1t has been well said, and often proved
true, that necessity is the mother Of inven-
ton. American ingenuity and inventive gen
Jus, so well known and recognized as pecu-
liar attribute Of the American character, owes
its existence undoubtedly in a large measure
to this same and ancient cause OF a great
many things and great many events IN life
and history, necessity. The population OF
this continent, sparse and dependent upon
their own labor, with a vast extent of uncut
tiyated ground and other natural resources
about them constantly inviting their restless
energies to turn them TO account and adyan-
tage, yet deprived to a great degree Of the
ordinary assistance of hired labor, so abund-
ant and so cheaply procured IN older coun-
tries, naturally sought to supply its want by
mechanism OF all kinds Without the mani
fold inventions which cheaper labor and pro-
duce such wonderful and astonishing results
and which we meet III all branches OF Ameri-
can industry, the natural advantages and hid
den treasures Of our virgin oil would OF ne
cessity have remained barren and unimproved
in great measure. Only contemplate tie
effects produced upon modern agriculture on
this continent by the application Of machine
ny unknown to former generations, and which
has taken the place Of thousands OF busy arms
The ingenuity Of the mechanic has supplied
the farmer with improved implements OF az
ricultuEe, and machines, that with their aid
from the ploughing and sowing of the ground
to the reaping OF the harvest and sc uriug
and preparing the fruit ready for the market
the results OF d single mans labor multi
piled to an almost incredible extent. What
picture would this country present with its
present mechanical conveniences in every de-
partment of industry and life, If we we're sud
denly deprived OF the advantage secured by
the inventions OF the last fifty years? Ia the
rapid advancement and growth OF civiliza-
ton, the mechanic arts stand in the foremost
rank. Upon the corner stone Of agriculture
mechanics rear the solid structure Of civilized
society, ornamented with many a beautiful
niche wherein stand science and learning and
all the arts and graces that adorn mankind,
an imposing edItce III which the goddess OF
liberty Will once dwell secure against the
tempests OF time and the Wiles OF the ambi-
tious The greasy mechanic Will occupy a
place in history far above that Of the vain
coxcomb and the supercilious aristocrat who
believes his dignity impaired by touching the
hard, but honest and industrious hand OF his
fellOw-man.
In order, however, that the farmer anu the
mechanic may occupy and maintain the place
which rIghttully belongs TO them in society,
il is necessary that they should eudeavor to
acquire and extend among themselves that
general knowledge OF things and cultivation
Of the mind and manners which We compre-
bend under the term education Conscious
Of the Importance Of their position, and the
influence they may WELD, they shOnld not
cOuhne themselves exclusively TO the study
OF their own particular pursuits, and TO the
increase of their worldly possessions. Intel
Hgence and education are not and should not
be confined to any particular classes in So
ciety. We cannot all be statesmen and men
OF science, but We can all constantly enlarge
the boundaries Of our knowledge and intor-
nation to the best of our ability. True grace
OF manners, even, may be found in every
walk OF life, though too little attention per-
haps Is paid by most men to its development.
l have seen the wild Indian, the uncultvatcd
son of nature, exhibit natural elegance OF
manners, combined with great eloqUence of
speech, that would shame many noted pub
lie speaker amongst Us. lie had not studied
his motions before a mirror, but he had sim
ply retained that natural grace aud dignity Of
demeanor which God has given TO his image,
man, but which we often allow to be des-
troyed by false examples, and by initiating
as peculiar or original what is simply unnat-
ural and ungracetul. Why should we be
rude to our tcllOW-men, when we may as well
be civil There Is no merit in rudeness Of
manner or speech, and no advantage gained
byit. True dignity OF character and courtesy
of demeanor, Is as far from atfectation and
foppcry as it is from rudcness, boorish ar
rogance or asperity; it is simple ard natural,
modest, vet conscious of mans value as a ra-
tional or educated being. 1t can be, and
should be practised by all men, in all classes
of society, for it requires no particular eN-
peusive study; it is truly republican in its
nature, for it recognizes III every
equal who is entitled to our regard and civil
itv, while il adds many charms to the inter
course of men.
Education has, however, a much broader
/ field than the mere cultivation and refinement
of manners; it comprehends all instruction
and discipline which enIghtens and cult
Yates the mind; chiefly applied TO the men
tai training of yOl tn il is taught in schools