The Orangeburg democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1879-1881, 1879-06-13

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LOOK UPON LABOR AS WORTHY THEIR
ATTENTION.
A contemporary referring to the
"good old times,' says it was then
the first care Of parents to have their
sons instructed in something useful,
and which could be turned toproflt in
case Of necessity-and it would have
been veil for mankind had the same
care been observed to the present
time-it would have given more real
independence, less hazardous specu-
lation and fewer failures than under
the present system-to say nothing
Of the increased vice and immortality
introduced by idieness and pride.
We may reform our constitutions and
change our laws, but it will all be to
no good purpose, until society shall i
be so constituted that honest labor
shall not be deemed q reproach. But
this can never occur until those who
arc taught mechanical branches Of
business shall learn to place proper
estimate upon education and be re-
solved to take their proper places in
society. There are few mechanics
who cannot obtain education by in.
dustry and application. The deter
mination is all that is wanted. Untii
they take, the steps necessary 10 place
themselves upon an intellectual equal
ity with others, they must expect to
be regarded and treated as inferior in
station, and Ineligible to serve in the
various offices which they assist to
confer upon others. We can see no
reason why q capenter or bricklayeE,
or other mechanic, SHOULD not become
a congressional representative, as, well
"a tie profess ional man il he be as
we'll qualified. And why should hc, not
be thus qualified? Will he admit
that there exists natural incapasi-
ty on his part 10 acquire information,
or that he is physically inferior?
|,Ehcse would be false and degrading
admissions. Will he, then, plead tile
want Of time in eStenuation of lis
Ignorance I'llia would be IN sfss-
neons plea for. generally speaking
more time is- wantonlyg idled away
than woulh suffice to acquire q liberal.
education. 1t is not them, tho want
of time, but the want of disposition.
He dislikes the labor which will be
required 10 become educated, and
sits down selfsatis!ied in ignorance,
rather than use the necessary exer-
tion to cultivate his mind. In this
country poverty and humble birth
are no obstacles in the way Of worth
and talents. AS in Rome, Cincinna-
tus was called frcm his piow TO the
supreme power, SO i'll America the
humblcsL citizen may be elevated to
the highest station. And nowhere
do we meet with examples more nu-
merons and more brilliant, of men
wEo have risen above poverty and
obscurity to usefulness and an honor
able name. Our whole vast conti-
nent was added 20 the geography of,
the world by the persevering efforts
of an humble mariner--lhe great Co.
lumbus, the son Of Gcnoese, pilot,
who at ono time of his melancholy
career was reduced ., beg his bread
at the doors of the converts in Spain.
The story Of the poor boy franklin,
cannot be too often repeated. Gen.
| Greene left his blacksmith furnace to.
command an army in, the Revolutions.
He was the chosen friend Of ,Wasli..
ington. and next to him, perhaps, the-
military leader who stood highest in
the confidence of his country. West,
the famous painter, was too poor OF.
the beginning of his career to pur~
chase canvas and eolors and he rose
eventually to be president Of the Roy
al Academy Of London. Secretary
Knox, the friend and companion Of
Washington, was u book binder.
! Roger Sherman, one Of the soundcst
statesmen and most eloquent orators,
and one of the most. distinguished
five to whom was intrusted the high
honor of preparing the Declaration Of
Independence, was 4 shoemaker, and,
President Johnson, a tailor; Gesner,
the Swiss, was a poet, painter and
engraver, and a bookseller. Rich
ardson was printer, and wrote
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