Delaware Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1843-1874, 1866-09-06
For the Delaware Republican
WORKINGNEN.

There has recently been heli at Baltimore, ~
the workingmen Of this country, what 10 termed
The Labor Congress-" Representatives. 81 the
vacious branches of manual labor from every
State, were present, aad SUBJECTS connected
with the industry OF our land were considered
with due gravity, and principles and measures
deemed advantageous TO the laborlng classes
were set forth and ratified. Among the reso-
lutions adopted was the following
" Resolved, That the formation of mechanics
| institutes, lyceums, reading rooms, and the
| erection OF buildings for that purpose are re-
commended to the working men in ali cities and
| towns, as "a means OF advancing their intellect
| uai culture and social Improvement"
What an excellent suggestion is this How
much needed are such Institutions throughout
our land. Our laboring classes are not as well
educated, as well informed in the arts, sciences,
and literature rs they ought to be. They are
blessed with sound minds, stalwart bodies, and
pecuniars means, but tor want Of proper at
fractions and facilities, and the engagement OF
their thoughts, ald stimulation OF a virtuous
ambition, they fall into vicious habits, and
keep themselves below the high platform which
should ever be occupied by an ingenious, en-
terprising, republican people. The powers
OF their minds, and the goodness of their hearts
for want OF exercise, lose their energiee, aud
, soon sick into letharRyi under the numerous
! aad powerful temptations to evil which dis
g4ace our community. The working classes
numerous as they are, have done but little Il
elevate themselves. Though they are the grea
| majority OF the nation-th9ugh they are thi
J. physical power of the land-though they arc
, the producers OF the wealth. elegance, and com
= tort oil our people yet tor want OF intelligence
and mental power they hold M inferior po-
: sition as citizens as guides and guardians o
social life and protectors of political liberty -
But they have little grounds tor complaint a
4 their condition, Tor themselves have made i,
II aud their indifference or recklessness, keep
: them 10 their interior position. The member
II OF thia " Labor Congress- were fully aware
u the evil and have wisely set before the peopl
n a plan for elevating to usefulness and powe
u this numerous class of citizens And how wi
Is the recommendation OF this body OF working
~ meA be received Wilt be repudiated by ii
ignorant and thoughtless as nonsense Wi
the masses OF work ngmen assent to its philAr
J. throphic spirit, and then sit inactive, be ga
y isEed with the present lethargic condition
al things and crawl forward as in years gone b,
a. Or will the whole mass of producers respond
20 the proposition of their representative bod
CT aud be found moving promptly and energet
u cslly in the path 10 advancement so clear
~ pointed out.
" Hortngmsn If Wilmington will you be four
r. eutaIed 10 this humaLs aud patriotic en,erprs
IT. Will you be among the first to distinguish you
ne selves 10 this excellent movement You ha
et the numbers, you have the minds, you have t
70 money to Immediately commence the go
~ work aud to push it speedily to successful I
," suit And they who engage in this valual
ue undertaking, and carry it to perfection, "
have achieved a deed of highest honor q
distinction, and earned Tor themselves eva
S. lasting admiration and the grateful thanks
nd an improved people. HANDSAW