The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1866-12-15

Mechanics In society.
Under this head the Atlanta Ne,c Era
gives utterance to the following, which
is as as applicable to Wheeling as to
Atlanta, and which We cheerfuliy en-
dorse. The rich man can do much for
the good of the community, if he has
the right sort of spirit; but the main
stay of society is its bone and sinew, its
mechanics. Knowing this, how careful
of their conduct, Of their good exam
pie, of their education, ought to be this
class of people. They should spare no
pains to git themselves for the high po-
sition to which the working man really
belongs. The Era says:
Shoddy may turn up its nose at the
smell of the workshop, and lay his KID
glove lightly in the hand Of the horny
listed son of toll; but for all that the
mechanics are among the stoutest props
of the social fabric. Some of the most
prominent luminaries in the worlds
galleries Of science have strobe from
the workship of fame. Roger Sherman
found it no disgrace to be reminded of
the lap-stone on which he hammered
ont his fortune. The humble Collier
who applied steam to the purpose OF
land transportation is a greater bene-
factor to the human race than half the
millionaires of the world. The great
instrument which brings planets within
reach almost of astronomers was invent
cd over the loom of Dolland, the Lon
don weaver, who was too poor to afford
a tallow dip to furnish light for the
prosecution of his studies. Hugh Mil
Ter. q stone cutter, has enriched science
by the tremendous truths that lie quar-
ried from the earth. Clark Mills, an
humble house-plasterer, ranks among
the first artists in the world. Few who
are familiar with the name of Sir Hum
phrey Davy, know that at one time he
was boot-black and errand-bOy i'll the
ROYAL Academy, in which he was first
professor when he died. The great phi
losopher of our country was at one time
an humble disciple of the tart preserv-
ative," yet he drew voice from the
thunder storm which is now breath
ing intelligent whispers throughout
the length and breadth of the civilized
world.
The list could be pursued further
for the armies in it are legion-but it is
unnecessary. The examples we have
given are sufficient to prove that no
man is humbled by his vocation; that
from some of the most mental employ
ments have arisen geniuses which as
tsnish the world with their brilliancy.
But apart from these prominent e1-
amples, mechanics, as mass, are among
the most useful and prominent men,
bers Of society. Whether hewing the
beam, rearing the massive walls, shap-
ing the shoe or heavy bar, delying III
mines, guiding the engine on his track,
or toiling amid the heat and smoke of
the furnace, they are the architects OF
our social fabric, and occupy positions
entitled to the highest consideration.
Theirs is an independence 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
of wealth in the society III
which they reside. Show rs a city
where there is large element of me-
chanics, and we will show you one
that is in high degree prosperous.
Our own city is an evidence of this.
We have among us not less than five
thousand mechanics, and it is admitted
by all parties that we are going forward
with marvellous strides.
Mechanics are q direct source of rev.
enue. They attract money 10 thelr
community, and disbursc it among
home tradesmen. Deprive Atlanta of
this class of her population, and it
would have 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 ner-
chants. We are not of those who look
upon the mechanic as an under-member
of society. We see in him far differ
ent being-one whose horny hand and
sooty face is q badge of honor-whose
strong arm is a capital that returns
dividend of real worth and unimT each
ed honor.