The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1871-11-16
AN IMPORTANT MOVEMENT.


AN IMPORTANT MOVEMENT.
A number Of the leading Mechanics of
Stanton have taken the initiatory steps to-
wards forming a Mechanics and Laboring
mans Association. 1t is the purpose, to in
vite the cooperation Of all the Mechanics and
Laboring men Of the county, as soon as
suitable Constitution and Bylaws can be d.
gested. The object is the elevation and i'm
provcment of the laboring class Of our fellow
citizens, and to stimulate them to assume their
proper and rightful position in society, and
in every enterprise that affects the prosperity
and well-being of the community. It is not
only designed to advance their material in
forests, but to develop and improve the mind
As the society progresses and strengthens, a
library will be provided, and savings
bank established, and other suggestions be
adopted in consonancc with the objects of the
association. A society of this kind, where
free interchange of views and opinions can be
had without embarrassment, will speedily in
7est the membership with the true idea of
their influence inspire self-confdence, and
enable them to assert and maintain their
rights and privileges on all proper occasions.
Heretofore, the Mechanics and Laboring
men have been merely silent observers in
public meetings, notwithstanding they have
better practical ideas on every question, bear
ing upon the general interest of community,
than the Glib and superficial intruders who
assume to lead them. They seem to have
rested contentcd with paying their taxes, and
casting their suffrages, as might be suggested
to them.
If ever Labor is to be properly respected, it
must assert its power. All over Europe and
throughout many portions Of the United
States, becoming sense of selfrespect and
commendable pride is animating the laborer.
The expressions of Capital, and its unjust
and tyranuical demands, are being carefully
and boldly canvassed, and determination
announced to become emancipated from the
thraldom Of its power, at whatever COST The
Laboring man begins to feel and realize the
fact that if he does not help himself, there is
no other poEer that will come to the rescue.
His nose has been to the grind. stone long
enough 1t is time that his head were being
held erect, and the intellectual faculties be-
slowed upon him by his creator, divorced
from the paralyzing effects of mental mac
ton.
Sidney Smith very wisely said GA great
deal Of talent is lost to the world for the want
of little courage. Every day sends to the
grave number Of obscure men who have
only remained in obscurity because their tim
idity has prevented them from making FIST
effort, and who, if they could only have been
induced to begin, would, in all probability,
have gone great lengths in the career of fame
The fact is, that in order to do anything in
this world worth doing, we must not stand
shiveiing on the brink, thinking of the cold
aad danger, but jump in and scramble through
as we'll as they can. 1t will not do to be per
petually calculating risks and adjusting the
chances
We regard the present movement of the
Mechanics and Laboring men Of Staunton,
as peculiarly auspicious at this time. Our
Free-school system is now being effectively
put into operation. The opportunities for
mental culture offered to the poor mans chill
dren, are far greater than under the fossilizad
system Of the past. Let the fathers take their
proper position, and the example will st.mu-
late their sons to renewed effort to acquire
knowledge, and acquaint themselves with the /
public questions OF the day. We earnestly
hope that zeal, energy and Judgment will
characterize the deliberations Of the Mechan-
les and Tailoring men OF Stanton and Au-
gusta county, and Of the entire Valley Of Vir-
ginia. and that soon the beneficial effects will
be realized, in their pccuniary, mental and
moral advancement. We will give the move
ment our hearty co operation and aid them
all that is in our power Id the laudable and
praise worthy enterprise. -