The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1866-05-26

Tor book-study. cannot get at Hbrsries--
iounsains Of thought and learning THAT In
Consequence they ~ doomed 10 mentsl dull
ness, stupidity. ineltnsss. II is sAid there
must be rank--spseifs class Distinctions
caste in society to keep up the best order
and symmetry Of arrangement in human
affairs. Again, many contend that the Ia
borer must constantly be engaged in toll for
mere subsistence. Not one Of these objsc-
tons has any great amount Of significance
As TO libraries, books, II needs but few
There "a no man, be he lahorer, scholar, OF
philosopher, to make most vital, fundamental
Roadway in the vast realm Of thought who
more than 3 few Of the works Of great and
needs select minds. Singular as 1t may seem
thsre are bus few vast ideas. thoughts. that
with living, hlpresnating Hre--dart beal.s
send Illumination through the vast variety
Of things. They are what awaken stir
vitalize, set the intellectual world in motion
The vast amount Of books--popular reading
is trash-the time spent in the perusing
worse than ost-Ther" Ia not a laborer but
an bring himself in contact with the work
Of some most distinguished genius-drink
from some inexhaustible fountain--yei
quickeniDg, that will enable him to handle
his own powers which is the great end o.
book knowledge, as Of all other. Then think
in what close contact all are, especially the
agricultural portions of community with ma
tpre. This vast unbounded scene of CONT
nents and oceans-of air and sky-vast,
-=disnt, majestic systems, rolling in ceaseless
measnreless grandeur so adapted to
quicken, expand, build men-give new force
of thought-deepening consciousness, en-
ergy of being. This grand scene Of nature
was made for mind-for culture adjoining
-embellishing. The study Of the energies
forces of nature, as they are exhibited in the
-ceaseless play Of its grand economy-is
one Of the sublimest, grandest, in which
men can be interested Nature is Gods
vast book Of knowledge to man. We rarely
think how much nature does for Us. The
arts, the professions, 70 great
extent, spring from connection with the
material world. fhe fsrmer-the mechanic
has al the chances Of the natural historian,
the philosopher, the lawyer, the artisan. The
poet draws grand images from nature. Al
most infinite thoughts came to the world of
through nature. 1t is the great
quickener Of mind. There is nothing in the
way in this respsc; What is wanted is
that tho laboring classes should come truly
to respect themselyeS- the dignity of intel
own real opportunities gain a
passion-an enthusiastic desire for true aG-
That there slways have, ever
viii be, distinctions among mankind we by
no means deny; that there has been gross
ignorance, superstition, prejudiceswe know.
There have been ages Of feudslism-of high
overgrown and corrupting arristocracies-
arbitrary caste distinctions. They have
inwoven their influence into; they framed
the general life SO much that deep-seated
conviction exists in many minds that such a
state is preferable. This is An age Of light,
Of advancing Observation-Disclosures preju-
dices-thoughts not whins are the great
Rank, distinctions arise
more and more from intelligence, sound
judgment, great practical wisdom than from
any other sources whatever. Men must
now think--talk sense-to be princes, lords,
that's all. This opportunity is as open to
the laborer as to others.
Nor are the laboring classes without much
spare time. We know there is much con-
slant drudgery Of tcA. But this age Of in
vention by thousand labor-ssving methods
hss greatly alIevisted matters in this respect
Let the hborer truly systematic his time
and work. Take proper time for sleep--to
eat When be works he ought 10 work
with definite energy and aim; then stop
remember that merely to get something to
cover his nakedness, ICED natural hunger
shelter him is not all, nor the great thing
That to build, enlarge his mind, get insight,
scope, power, TO labor on for grander scale
--thaG is the high calling
We want strength Of principles -poweriof
cultivated intellect, incorruptible high patri-
,tic purpose, Enlarged views, nobleness,
K
generosity, maehaninity Of feeling and not
arbitrary nonsetica distinctions. The lab
'ring classes may get II the elevation, wear
IS signal honors here as any class in the
The way is now open for their
elevation The grandest motives prompt.
The loftiest distinctions allure-crowning
prizes satisfaction in their own at
influence good accomplished
n their day and generaticn--an immortality
4 fame in history for signal services rem
Tered mank I'd.
TRADES UNIONs..-II.