The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1864-06-15
The Value of Courtesy.

their conversation, appeareu 10 oe ioieig"
ers, stopped before the gate of one OF our
workshops in Boston, for the manufac-
ture of locomotive engines. Entering n
small office, the elder of the two enquir-
ed, of the superintendent in attendance, if
he would permit them to inspect the
works.
"You can pass in and look about if you
choose" said the superintendent, vexed,
apparently, at being interrupted in the Pc
rnSal of his newspaper. He then scan
ned the two strangers more closely They
were respectfully but plainly dressed, and
evidently made no pretentions to official
dignity of any kind.
4" Is there any one who can show us
over the establishment and explain mat
ters to 81" asked Mr.. Wolfe, the elder
of the strangers.
You must pick your own way gentle
men," replied the superintendent, eve
are all to busy too attend 10 every party
that comes along. Ill thank you not 10
interrupt the workmen by asking ques-
tons."
1t was not So much the matter as the
manner Of his reply that was offensive TO
Mr.. Wolfe and his companion. 1t was
spoken with q certain official assumption
of superiority mingled with contempt for
the visitors, indicating a naughty and
selfish temper.
81 think VIC will not trouble you,"
said MIR. Wolfe, bowling; and taking his
companions arm they passed out.
If there is anything l dislike it is in
civility." said Mr.. Wolfe, to his compan-
ion, when they were in the street. ~ do
not blame the man for not wishing to
show as over the establishment; he is no
doubt interrupted and annoyed by many
needless visitors; but he might have dis
missed us with courtesy. He might
have sent US away better content with
gracious refusal than with an ungracious
consent"
"Perhaps we will have better luck
here" said the other stranger, and they
stopped before another workshop of a
similar kind. They were received by a
brisk little man, the head clerk, apparent
Iy, who, in reply to their request TO be
shown over the establishment, answered,
"Oh, yes, come with me, gentlemen; this
wayP So saying, he hurried them
along the area strewn with iron bars, brok-
en- and rusty wheels of iron, fragments Of
old cylinders, 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
passed where the workmen were riyeting
the external castings of the boiler, the
clerk looked at bis watch, tapped his
right foot on the iron table, and showed
other signs of impatieuce. Whereupon
Mr.. Wolfe remarked: ave will not de-
tain you any longer, sir" and with his
friend took leave.
"This man is an improvement on the
other said Mr.. Wolfe; but all the civil
ity he has is on the surface; it does not
come from the heart. We must look fut.
ther."
The strangers walked on nearly a half
a mile in silence, when one of them point
ed to a picture Of locomotive engine
with train of cars underneath. 1t over
topped small building not more than
ten feet high, communicating with yard
aud workshop.
"Look," said the observer, "here is q
machinist whose name is not on our list"
Probably it was thought too small a
concern for our purpose" said his COM
panion.
They entered and found at the desk n
middle-aged man, whose somewhat grimy
aspect and apron around his waist show
cd that he divided his labors between the
workshop and counting room.
ave wsih to look over your works,
sir, if you have no objection"
at will give me great pleasure to
show you all there is to be seen," said
the mechanic, with a pleased alacrty,
ringing bell, and telling the boy who
entered to take charge of the office. He
then led them the way, and explained to
the strangers the whole process of con-
structing q locomotive engine. He show
ed them how the various parts of the ma
chinery were manufactured, and patiently
answered all their questions. He told
them of the improved mode of tubing
boilers, by which the power of generating
steam was increased, and showed with