The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1866-07-17
The Reward Of Courtesy.
A TRUE ACCOUNT.

I
A few years since, on a radiant spring
afternoon, two men, who from their con
versation appeared to be foreigners, stop
lped before the gate of one of the large
workshops in Philadelphia for the manu-
faeture Of locomotive engines. Entering
a small Office, the elder of the two men
inquired of the superintendent in attend
ance if he would permit him to inspect
the works.
"You can pass in and look about if you
please" said the superintendent, vexed
apparently at being interrupted in the pc
rusal Of his newspaper He scanned the
two strangers more closely. They were
respectfully but plainly clad,and evident
ly made no pretensions to official dignity
of any kind.
"Is there any one who can show us
over the establishment and explain mat
ters to us?" asked Mr.. Wolf, the elder of
the two strangers.
"Yeu must pick your own way, gentle
men," replied the superintendent; awe are
all too busy to attend every party that
comes along. I'll thank you not to in
terrupt the workmen by asking ques-
| tions.n
It was net so much the matter assthe
manner of the reply, that was offensive to
Mr.. Wolf and his companion. 1t was
spoken with a certain official assumption
of superiority, mingled with contempt for
the visitors, indicating naughty and
selfish temper on the part of the speak
or.
81 think we will not trouble you," said
Mr.. Wolf, bowing, aud taking his COM
panion's arm they passed out
"If there is anything l dislike, it is
Iincivility,n said Mr.. Wolf, when they
were in the street. 81 do not blame the
man for not wishing to show us over the
establishment; he is no doubt annoyed
and interrupted by many needless visitors,
but he might have dismissed US with
courtesy. He might have sent US away
better content with a gracious refusal
than with an ungracious consent"
perhaps" said the other stranger,
tive shall have better luck here, and
they stopped before another workshop of
similar kind. They were received by
a brisk little man, who in reply to
their request to be shown ever the es-
tablishment answered, 80, yes! come with
me, gentlemen. This way" So saying,
he hurried them along the area strewed
with iron, brass, broken and rusty heels
of iron, fragments of old boilers and
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 casing of the boiler, the clerk
looked at his watch, tapped his foot
against the boiler, and showed other signs
of impatience, whereupon Mr.. Wolf re-
marked eve will not detain you any
longer, sir" and with his friend took
leave.
"This man is an Improvement on the
other, said Mr.. Wolf, "but all the civil.
Iity he has is on the surface; it does MOI
come from the heart. We must look fur.
ther."
| The strangers walked on for nearly {
half-mile in silence, when one Of then
pointed to an humble sign, with picture
Of locomotive engine with train O
cars underneath. It oyertopped small
building not more than ten feet in hight
communicating with yard and workshop
I"Look," said the observer, "here is ma
chinist whose name is not on our list
Probably it was thought too small con
Germ for our purpose, said his compan
lion. Nevertheless, let US try" said Mr.
/ Wolf.
/ They entered, and found at the desk 8
middle. aged man, whose somewhat grim,
aspect and apron around his waist. SHOWED
| that he divided his labors between th,
workshop and the counting-room.
"We want to look over your works, i
you have no objections, y said Mr.. Wolf.
cit will give me great pleasure to shoy
!. you all that is to be seen, /" said the me
chanic with a pleased alacrity, ringing
bell, telling the boy who entered to tax
charge of the Office.
: He then LED the way, and explained t.
the strangers the whole process of con
structing alocomotive engine. He show
f ed them how the various parts of the ma
r chinery were manufactured, and paticntl
5 answered all their questions. He tol
. them of an improved mode of tubin
t boilers, by which the power of generatin
: steam was increased, and showed wit
r what care he provided for security froi
: bursting.
t Two hours passed rapidly away Th
s strangers were delighted with the intelli
!. gence displayed by the mechanic, an
I with his frank, attentive and upsuspiciou
: manners.
}. Here is man who loves his profes
0 sion SO we'll, that he takes pleasure in ez
}, planning its mysteries to all who can vi
!. derstaEd them, said Mr.. Wolf.
II am afraid we have given you gre
deal Of trouble" said the other strange
al Indeed, gentlemen, I have enjoye
il your visit, !" said the mechanic, Hand
1t shall be glad to see you again.
le "Perhaps you may, said Mr.. Wolf,ar
y the strangers departed.
d Five months afterward, as the mechal
N 10, whose means were quite limited, sat
IF his Office meditating how hard it was
get business by the side Of such large e
y adjustments as were his competitors, Il
y two strangers entered. He gave them
W hearty welcome, handed chairs,a and all $
,el down.