Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1866-07-24

The Respectability Of Labor.

The Respectability Of Labor.
At meeting of the working men of Mobile,
dopted, which we commend to the thoughtful
consideration of the laboring classes OF our COM
munity ss .-a@eF e-~5ees- .5sre ~.t
WHEREAS, Experience has demonstrated the
utility of concentrated effort in arriving at spec
tic ends; and, whereas. it is an evident fact
that, if the dignity of labor is to be preserved,
it must be done by our united action /; and, hold
ing the justice and truth of the principle that
merit makes the man, and firmly believing that
industry, sobriety and a proper regard for the
welfare of our fellow menforns the basis upon
which the principle rests: We, therefore, re-
cognize no rule of action or principle that would
elevate wealth above industry, or the profession
al man above the mechanic neither do we re-
cognize any distinction in society, except those
based upon usefulness and good conduct, nor
any superiority. except that granted by the great
Author of our Existence, Therefore, be 1t
"Resolred. Second, That Immediate steps shall
be taken by this meeting, looking to the creation
OF reading rooms, special schools and libraries
for the mental and professional improvement OF
the sons and daughters Of toll; that the me-
chanical arts may be improved, and the powers
of production increased SO that we may better
comprehend and enjoy the blessings bestowed
upon us by wise and benehclent Providence.
In commenting On this resolution, a cOtempo-
rary well remarks, that there should be dig
nifty, nobility about labor, which it does not
possess at present, simply ON account OF the APP
athy and carelessness vi the labOrlng classes.
They are generally content to occupy humble
positions, to fill subordinate stations, to be al
ways 'hewers OF wood and drawers OF water,
as 1t were, only seeking employment for the re-
muneratl0n that it brings, and caring little tor
their own mental and social Improvement, or
the advancement and progress OF the nlechanl-
Cal arts. Experience has, indeed, demon
strated the utility OF concentrated effort on ar
irving at specific ends, in certain cases at least,
and 1t is equally true, that, If the dignity OF
labor is to be preserved, it must be done by uni
ted action, Oh the part OF those who labor
What are the efforts thus to be concentrated,
and the united action necessary to secure this
end I The efforts must consist principally IN
improving the mind and morals OF the lndlvldu-
al man. He must remember that he IS some
thing more than Mere working machine, con-
structed to turn out 50 much work per day that
he is endowed with facillries, which. it properly
cultivated, can make hln the equal OF any other
man In intellectual and moral greatness, at least
tor, after all, 1t is merit hat makes the man,
and the want OF it, not his occupation, that un-
makes him, or lowers him in the scale OF society.
How is this improvement to be effected? Ihe
Mobile resolutions point the way clearly and un
nllStakably !: the creation OF reading rooms, spe-
clal schools and libraries, and with this a strict
avoidance OF the vicious and the prohlgate, who
will not lend their aid to the good cause, but
prefer rather to grope about In the dark ways OF
error and immortality. An earnest attention to
the duties OF each particular calling or improve
Ment, aud determination to excel ID that
branch industry, sobrlety, and proper regard
T. tor the interests and wellaie OF each other
These constitute some OF the efforts which, pro-
perry concentrated by the united action OF the
mechanics and laborlng men OF every commun-
ity, must elevate them In the scale of society
and give to labor the responsibility and dignity
to winch it is entitled. .tss,e{ T. ~ rs7afs8R
+ Labor Is certainly no disgrace. Its enjoined
upon us by Divine command and it matters not
whether man Is a lawyer, doctor, or a, me-
chanc: IT he does his duty, he must labor
The man who does not labor is an idle drone in
the great hive OF society, who does no honor to
himself or good to, his race. He must labor
Whether it be with the hand Or the head, he
must labor. There is, therefore, no disgrace in
labor. Ii any one is excluded from the society
OF the refined and the intelligent, the fault must
be in himself rather than in his calling. To
remedy this, he must go to work to fit himself
for the position to which he aspires. He must
unite himself with the efforts which are being
made to accomplish this purpose and with per-
severance, energy and patience, he will have
accomplished the end desired. Is not the prize
worth struggling for Ii it is, let the platform
laid down by the mechanics OF Mobile be adopt
ed by the mechanics everywhere, and they will
be surprised at the change which they can eff
feet. SIC 9isS a. ssiieA = IA
There may be some, it is true, who could, un-
der any circumstances, turn up their noses at an
| Individual because he Or she had to work for a
living; but those whose good opinions and
whose society are worth possessing, will not re.
fuse their aid and encouragement to the good
work by welcoming to their associations the in
telligent, the moral, the industrious man, even
though he labors for living, believing, as the
resolutions justly assert, that it is merit makes
the man, and that though he has to labor for
his living, in the language Of Robert Burns
| '"The rank is but the guinea stamp,
'it'3i "a A mans man for a that. :" @ i''.1
b. An earnest and heartfelt cooperation in this
work may really improve the mechanic arts, in
crease the powers of production, and elevate la
Dor to that responsibility and dignity which is
| commensurate with it's great importance and
utility. .-LyachbWg Neaos.
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