Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1867-02-12
Hu'pc'.'S Ferry.
The Reward Of Courtesy.
A TRUE ACCOUNT.


a few years since, on n radiant snrinn af.
ternoon, two men, who from their conyersa-
tion appeared to be foreigners, stoppcd before
the gate OF one Of the large workshops in
Philadelphia for the manufacture of Iocomo.
tive engines. Entering small office, the
older OF the two men inquired of the super
lntendcnt in attendance if he would hermit
him to inspect the works.
''YOu can pass in and look about if YOU
please" said the Superintendent, vcxed, an
parently, in being interrupted in the perusal
Of his newspaper. lie scanned the two stran-
gers mGCe closely. They were respectfully
but plainly clad, and evidently made no nre,
tensions to official dignity of any kind.
SIS there any one WHO can show us over
the establishment and explain matters to us?''
asked Mr.. Wolfe, the elder of the two stran-
gers.
You must pick your own way, gentle
men," replied the Superintendent; Eve are
al 100 puSy TO attend to every party that
comes along. I'll thank you not to intcrrupt
the wOrkmea by asking questions"
1t was not so much the matter as the man
ner OF the reply, that was offensive to Mr..
Wolfe and his companion. II was spoken
with certain official assumption of SUPERIOR
lty, mingled with contempt for the visitors
indicating naughty aud selfish temper on
the part Of the speaker.
~ think we will not trouble you" said Mr..
Wolfe bowing and taking his -comDauion's
arm, they passed out.
"lf there is anything dislike, it is inciv-
ility," said Mr.. Wolfe 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 bv
many needless visitors, but he might have
dismissed US with courtesy. lie might have
sem % US away better content with gracious
refusal, than an ungracious Consent
Perhaps" said the other stranger sswo
Shall Oe BETTER treated here - and they stop
ped before another workshop of similar Kind
They were received by brisk little man tho
head clerk, apparently, who, in reply TO their
request to be shown over the establishment
answered 20, yes! come with me, gentle
men. This way" So saying, he hurried
along the area strewcd with iron. and hrass
fragments of old boilers and cylinders. into
the principal workshop.
, HerG 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 cas-.
ing OF boiler, the clerk looked at his watch
tapped his foot against an iron tube. and
showed other signs Of impatience. where
upon, Nr. Wolfe remarked: "We will not
detain you any longer, sir" and with his
friend took leave.
This man Is an improvcmenton the other"
SAID Mr. Wolfe, ''but all the civility he has is
on the surface it does not come from the
heart. We must look further"
The strangers walked on for nearly half =
mile in silence, when one of them pointed to
an humble sign with n nictHra oF = Ioc,
tive engine with train of cars underneath
1t overtoPped small building not more than
ten feet IN height, communicating with n
yard and workshop. :'Look !" said the oh
server, "here is a machinist whose name is
not on our list"
'Probably it was thought too small a con-
Germ for our purpose" said his companion.
Nevertheless, let US try" said Mr.. Wolfe.
they entered and found at the desk mid
ole aged man, whose somewhat grimy aspect
ana apron round his waist, showed that lie
GlVlded his Iab0rs between the workshop and
the couptingrocm.
We want to look over your works. if Won
have no obje ctions," said Mr. Wolfe.
1t will give me great pleasure to show; YOU
al that Is to be seen," said the mechanic with
pleased alacrity. ringing bell telling the
boy who entered to take charge of the Office
lie then led the way, and ex xplaiued to the
strangers the whole proccs of constructing a
locomotive engine. He showed them how
the various parts of the machinery were man
utact1Ted and patiently answered all their.
questions. be told them of an improved
mode OF tubing boilers, by which the mower
o. generating steam Wasincreased, and showed
T.!N win what care he provided for security from