The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1868-07-23
THE REWARD OF COURTESY.
A TRUE ACCOUNT.

n few years since, on a radiant sprin:
afternoon, two men, who from their con
versation appeared to be foreigners, stop
ped before the gate of one of the large
workshops in Philadelphia for the manu-
facturc of locomotive engines. Entering
a small Office, the elder of the two inquir
cd OF the superintendent in attendance il
he would permit them to inspect the
works.
You can pass in and look about, il
you please" said the superintendent,
vexcd apparently in being interrupted in
the pcrusal of his newspaper He scan.
ned the two strangers more closely. They
were respectfully, but plainly clad, and cvi-
IDENTIFY made no prctensions to official dig
nifty 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 strangers.
You must pick your own way, gen.
tlcmen," replied the superintendent /;
I'VE are all too busy to attend to every
party that comes along. I'll thank you
not to interrupt the workmen by asking
questions"
1t was not so much the matter as the
manner of the reply, that was offensive to
Mr.. Wolf and his companion. 1t was
spoken with a certain official assump-
tion of superiority, mingled with contempt
for the visitors indicating a naughty and
selfish temper on the part of the speaker
Il think VIC will not trouble you,"
said Mr.. Wolf, bowling, and taking his
arm they passed out
If there is any thing L dislike, it is
incivility," said Mr.. Wolf when in the
street. al do not blame the man for not
wishing to show us over the establish
ment; he is, no doubt, annoyed and in
tcrruptcd by many needless visitors, but
he might have dismissed us with courtesy
He might have sent us away better con-
tent with gracious refusal, than with an
consent"
Perhaps, said the other stranger, "wc
shall be treated better hcrc;" and they
stopped before another workshop of sim
liar kind. They were received by brisk
little man, the head clerk apparently, who
in reply to their request to be shown
over the establishment, answered, 40,
yes! come with me, gentlemen. This
way" So saying, he hurried along the
area strcwed with iron, brass, broken and
rusty heels Of iron, fragments Of old
boilers and cylinders, into the principal
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 workmcn were riviting
the external casing of a boiler, the clerk
looked at his watch, tapped his foot against
an iron tube, and showed other signs of
whcrcupon Mr.. Wolf re-
mark cd -
ave will not dctain you any longer,
sir" and with his friend took leave.
"This is an improvement on the other,"
said Mr. Wolf, "but all the civility he
has is on his surface; it docs 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, picture of a
locomotive engine with train of cars un-
aerneath. 1t ovcrtopped a small build
ing not more than ten feet in height,
with yard and work
shop. Look" said the observer, "here
is machinist whose name is not on our
list"
Probably it was thought too small a
for our purpose" said his COM
panion.
Nevertheless, let US try" said Mr..
Wolf.
They entered and found at the desk a
middle aged man, whose somewhat grimy
aspect and apron around his waist, show
ed that he divided his labors between the
and counting-room.
ave want to look over your works if
you have no objections" said Mr.. Wolf.
"It will give me great pleasure to
show you all that is to be sccn," said tho
mechanic, with 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 con-
structing locomotive engine. He show
cd them how the various parts of the
machinery were manufactured, and pa
ticntly answered their questions. He
told them of an improved mode of tubing
boilers, by which the power of generating z
steam was increased, and showed with
what care he provided for security from
bursting.
Two hours passed rapidly away. The
strangers were delighted with the intclli-
gence displayed by the mechanic, aud
with his frank, attentive, aud unsuspi-
cious manners.
Here is a man who loves his profess
sion SO well, that he takes pleasure in
explaining its mysteries to all who can
understand thcm," said Mr.. Wolf.
81 am afraid we have given you a
great deal of trouble" said the other
stranger.
"Indccd, gentlemen, l have enjoyed
4 Al