The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-07-05
A cood Example.

,f
in the conduct of one Of their own number.
A Young gentleman, native of this city,
had by his mental activity and industrious
application rapidly achieved honors IN
nearly every branch Of learning taught IN
the University Of Virginia, and graduated
with distinction. Upon returning nome
with his honors fresh upon him, like q SEN
s.ble and practical gentleman, fully appre-
ciating his obligations to society as wen as
his own personal welfare, he conslae'eu
what was best for him to do. In vie" o.
the great social revolution brought ABOUT
by the war, and the great necessity IL occa'
stoned for the practical application oil the
physical sciences in the regulation OF lndus-
| try and the development of the resources
of his State, he determined to enter the
school OF skilled industry in the mechanic
arts as the very ground ana plilar ol SUE
cess in the future of Virginia.
The process of reasoning by which he
reached his conclusion was very plain, and
may be readily comprchended by nios'
yo,,ng men. But the Grub" was IN bravery
acting upon his conclusions. 1t is easy 10
argue and to "talk" industry but all young
men know that talking is one thing anu ac'-
| ing is another. the more especially when
, the sold man" is pretty strong in the back'
the family is comfortable, and the necessity
for throwing off the coat and wadinS INTO
Jordan is not positive, and pride Is decided
/ ~ against it.
But our Young hero is not made OF That
sclc-induloent stun which is so conliiloh'
and which keeps he son so long idle, hans'
iuu IInou the father consuming tDe res"i''
of his labors and wasting the dearest hours
If life No sooner had he reached the
Iooical deduction of his reflections than ne
rushed Of to take position in the Snasfh
shop of one Of the most complete iron man.
u:Ictories IN the country. There ne mas
swung the sledse-hammer like any laborer,
with spirit and perseverance that do MN
infinite honor. lie proposes TO graduate Win
the slcdge. lie has already acquired con-
siderable ingenuity in fashIonlng the most
important of all metals-iron-and mas
made by his own labor hammer which ior
practical use and beautyiS modcl, anu
which may yet be considered an heirloom
to his successors more precious than @oicl
and jewels.
Our young friend proposes, a'er grad
uating in the class Of the ANVIL, TO enter
| the school Of MOULDING: and after graz
uuting there he will pass through the
PATENT-RooM, and thence to the DRAWING
ROOM, where he will take his .feal degree.
| After such course Of cducat on our hero
NAV enter the field Of practical lie lol tlled'
land will in fact be master Of the new situa-
ton.
| Mcditatiug upon the course of This noble
young man, we may consider no" useless
and idle are lessons in the schools Whhou0
practical application. What are the teach
ings of the lecturer in medical science WIN.
out the clinical practice: What the lole OF
the ccologst without the hammer, the
blow-pipc, and the magnifyins glass! What
| the theories of the chemist without the
practical illustrations?
Our young friend gave the answer, ana
dctc mined to acquire the full knowledge
that experiment, manipulation with bis
own hands, would give, and that acquanlt-
auce with metals and the business OF fash
Joining and utilizing them for the good Of
society that would be acquired by working
in them.
Now, the advantage he v I'll have over
others who have not passed through the
school he has entered vii be that he viii
understand thoroughly the whole process
of iron manufacture. From his social posi-
ton he will have means to embark in bust
ness. lie will be enabled TO conduct II
with energy and economy. protecting h's
interests against intdellty and incapaclty oil
employcs. and ensuriug SHE and tn; 'ty
enterprise. In short, business conducted
bv II man so accomplished will he charac-
riZcd by activity, skill, prudence, and
order, and viii command the confidence Of
the public. Therefore it will, rs part OF
he general enterprise Of the locally where
! it exists, be justly regarded rs great pub
| lie benefit.
Now, then, under the social revolution
that is upon us : under the manufacturing
advantages of this city aud the undoubtcd
success that awaits her in manufacturing
enterprise, it becomes matter of general
interest that our young men should follow
the noble example we have recited. We
need above all things experience and skill
IN manufacturing. The minds OF our
young men should be imbued with
the laudablc ambition of winning fame
and success in that line of enterprise
which is hest calculated to swell the pros
pcrity and power of their native State
and its metropolis. Their OWL personal
comfort and welfare Will be best promoted
in that way. They will not only acquire
personal independence by so directing their
energies, but they will acquire, more than
in any other way, that worldly happiness
which all men seek and few iind--viZ: per-
>onal independence, health, strength, good
digestion, good sleep, clear conscience,
and the sclf-approvtl OF having contributeda
liberal share to the promotion Of the gen.
eral welfare and dignity of the State, and
the comfort and order OF society. Such
consoation-such earthly happlness--is
unknown TO the heart of the idler and
lounger who is impressed with the idea
that he is gentleman" and work is q
degradation -..-.-.
We are proud of the young men OF Rich
mond. We love them. They are noble
boys. They have had grand lessons OF per-
sonal courage and intrcpidity in the war
which they should make available i'll the
trials of life, as We believe they Will. They
can, by their strong intellects and brave en-
ersies, build up their city, and find in it a