The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1864-1911, 1866-07-18
ESTABLISHED A. D. 1882.
THE REWARD OF COURTESY.
A TRUE ACCOUNT.

A few years since, on radiant spring af
ternoon, two men, who from their CONVEX
sation appeared to be foreigners, stopped
before the gate of one of the large work
shops in Philadelphia for the manufacture
of locomotive engines. Entering a small
office, the elder of the two men inquired of
the superintendent in attendance if he
would permit him to inspect the works.
You can pass in and look about if you
please" said the superintendent, vexed ap-
parently at being interrupted in the persual
of his newspaper. He scanned the two
strangers more closely. They were res
pectably but plainly clad, and evidently
made no pretentions to official dignity of
any kind.
lis there any one who can show us over
the establishment and explain matters to
ne?" asked Mr.. Wolf, the elder of the two
strangers.
"You must pick your own way, gentle
men, replied the superintendent; I'VE are
all to busy to attend to every party that
comes along. I'll thank you not to inter-
rupt the workmen by asking questions.
1t was not so much the matter as the man.
ner of the reply, that was offensive to MIR.
Wolf and his companion. 1t was spoken
with certain official assumption Of superb
ority, mingled with contempt for the visi-
tors, indicating naughty and selfish tenn
per on the part OF the speaker.
II think we will not trouble you" said
Mr. Wolf, bowing, and taking his cowpan-
ion 9 arm, they passed out.
"If there is anything dislike it is civili-
ty," said Mr.. Wolf, when they were in the
street. II 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, I'VE
shall have better luck here" and they stop
ped before another workshop Of a similar
kind. They were received by brisk little
man, the head clerk apparently, who in re-
ply to their request to be shown over the
establishment answered, 30, yesl come
with me gentlemen This way" So say
ing, 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.
one thing he led the strangers along, with
as soon as possible. When they passed
where the workmcn were rivetiug the exter-
nal casing of the boiler, the clerk looked at
his watch, tapped his foot against the boiler
and showed other signs of impatience,
wherenpon Mr.. Wolf remarked: 1--WE will
not detain you any longer, sir" and with
his friend took leave.
This man is an Improvement on the 9TH
err said Mr.. Wolf, ''but all the civility he
has is on the surface; it does not come from
the heart. We must look further,'' :.
The strangers walked onSor nearly half
mile in silence, when one of them pointed
to an humble sign, with picture of loco
motive engine with train Of cars under
meath. 1t over topped s,na, building not
more than ten feet in hight communicating
with a yard and a workshop. look,
said the observer here is a machenist
whose name is not on our list. Probat ly it
was thought too small concern, for our
purpose, said his companion. 'Neverthe
less let us try said Mr.. Wolf.
They entered, and found at the desk a
middleaged man, whose somewhat grimy
aspect and apron around his waist, showed
that he divided his labors between the
work shop and the counting room.
1--WE want to look over your works if you
have no objections" said Mr.. Wolf.
ut will give me great pleasure to show
you all that is to be seen," said the me-
chaoic with a pleased alacrity, ringing a
bell, telling the boy who entered to take
charge Of the office.
He then led the way, and explained to
the strangers the whole process of contruc-
ting locomotive engine. He showed them
how the various parts of the machinery
were manufactured, and patiently answered
all their questions. He told them of an
improved mode of tubing boilers, by which
the power of generating steam was increased
and showed with what care he provided fol
securitSfrom bursting.
Two hours passed rapidly away. The
strangers were delighted with the intelli
gence displayed by the mechanic, and with
his frank, attentive and unsuspicious man
ners
Here is man who loves his profession
so well. that he takes pleasure in explaining
its mysteries to all who can understand
them, said Mr.. Wolf
II am afraid we have given you deal o.
trouble" said the other stranger.
Indeed, gentlemen, | have enjoyed YOU
visit" said the mechanic, land l shall b'
| glad to see you again.
Perhaps you may" said Mr.. Wolf, auc
| the strangers departed.
Five months afterward as the mechanic
whose means we're quite limited, sat in hi
| Office meditating how hard it was to ge
business by the side of such large establish
ments as was his competitors. the two stran
| gers entered. He gave them hearty vel
come, handed chairs and all set down.
"We come, said Mr. Wolf, with al pro
position to you from the Emperor Of Russia
! to visit St. Petersburg"
From the Emperor? Impossible!'
Here are your credentials. F"
"But, gentlemen" said the now agitatet
mechanic, "what does this mean? How
have earned such an honor?'' .....
Simply by your straightforward courtesy
and frankness, combined with professiona
intelligence" said Mr.. Wolf "Becaust
we were strangers you did not think i
necessary to treat us with GOODNESS or dis
trust. You saw we we're really interested ii
aoauainting ourselves with your works, enc
you did not ask us, before extending to Vi
your civilities, what letters Of introduction
we showed, and not by the dignity we nigh
have exhibited
The ,aechanic visited st. Petersburg, aut
soon afterwards removed his whole estab
lishment there, He had imperial order
there for as many locomotive engines as h,
could construct. He has lately returned t
his own country, and is still receiving larg'
returns from his Russian workshop. Ant
all this prosperity grew out Of his unselisi
civility to two strangers, on, Of whom wa
the Secret Agent OF the Gar of Russia.