Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1866-11-30
Mechanics in Society.

n Under this head the Atlanta New Era
gives utterance to the following, which is as
applicable to Lynchburg as to Atlanta, and
which we cheerfully endorse. The rich man
can do much for the good Of the community,
if he has the right sort of public spirit: but
the main stay Of society is its bone and sinew,
It's mechanics. Knowing this. how careful
Of their conduct, Of their good example. of
their education ought to be this class of peo-
pie. They should spare no pains to fit them
selves for the high position to which the work
ing man really belongs The Era says:
Shoddy may turn up his nose at the smell
Of the workshop, and lay his kid glove lightly
in the hand Of the horny-fsted son Of toll J;
but for all that the mechanics arc among the
stoutest props Of the social fabric. Some of
the most prominent luminaries in the world s
gallery Of science have strobe from the work
shop Of fame. Roger Sherman found it no
disgrace to be reminded of the lap-stone on
which he hammered out his fortune, The
humble Collier who applied steam to the pur-
pose Of land transportation Isl greater bene-
factor to the human race than half the mil
lionaries Of the world The great instrument
which brings planets within reach almost Of
Dolland, the London weaver, who was too
poor to afford tallow dip to furnish light for
the prosecution Of his studies. Hugh Miller,
a stonecutter, has enriched science BY the ire
mendous truths that he quarried from the
earth. Clark Mills, an humble house-plast-
erer, ranks among the first artistsin the world.
Few who are familiar with the name Of Sir
Humphrey Davy, know that at one time he
was boot. black and errand- boy in the Royal
Academy, in which he was first professor
when he died. The great philosopher Of our
country was at one time an humble disciple
Of ssthe art preventative. yet he drew voice
from the thunder storm which is now breath
ing intelligent whispers throughout the length
and breadth of the civilized world 4
The list could be pursued further for the
armies in itare legion butitiis unnecessary.
The examples we have given are sufficient to
prove that no man is BUNDLED by his voca.
ton that from some Of the most mental en-
pigments have arisen geniuses which aston
ished the.world with their brilliancy.
But apart from these prominent examples,
mechanics, as a mass, are among the most
useful and profitable. members Of society
Whether hewing the beam, rearing the mas
sive walls, shaping the shoe or heavy bar,
delving in mines, guiding the engine on his
track, or toiling amid the heat and smoke of
the furnace, they are the architects of our so.
cial fabric, and occupy positions entitled to
the highest consideration. Theirs is an in
dependence Of heart and hand. They shape
their own fortunes, and shape the destiny and
influence Of a country or community. The
sweat which streaks their brows brings an
emolument of wealth to the society in which
they reside. Show US a city where there is
large element Of mechanics, and we will
show you one that is in high degree pros
porous. Our own city is an evidence Of this.
We have among US not less than five thous-
and mechanics, and it is admitted by all par
ties that we are going forward with marvel
Gus strides. r fsr D. r...-
Mechanics are direct source of revenue.
They attract money to their community and
disburse. it among home tradesmen. Deprive
Atlanta of this class Of her population, and it
would have a woeful effect upon her trade.
Their hebdomedal or monthly expenditures
keep an almost incredible amount of money
in circulation, and is the support Of many
prosperous merchants. We are not Of those
who look upon the mechanic as an under
member Of society We see in him far diff
ferent being one whose horny hand and
sooty face is badge Of honor-whose strong
arm is a capital that returns a dividend of
real worth and unimpeached honor. -Lyuch
burg Meas.