The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-27
Giving Young Mechanics Timely Bit OF
Encouragement.

The American Institute OF New York
has taken pity, in q praiseworthy way,
on a deserving class of the human race.
generally snubbed and thrust into out
of-the-way places. 1t has taken steps
for bringing to public notice the grow
ing boys and the work they are trying
to do. Heretofore, at the exhibition Of
this institute and of others such rs our
Franklin Institute and the various in
dustrial and agricultural corporations
which hold exhibitions. the desire has
been to display only the handso
finished work of experienced wOrkmen.
This is worthy of commendation as far
as it goes, and it cannot be denied that
such work is more likely to attract at
tention and to command admiration
than the rough attempts of boys who
have received but partial education in
mechanical art-work. But the pleasure
of looking on elegant handiwork is ono
thing and that of encouraging the army
of rising workmen is another. Any ex-
perienced workman ought to turn out
good work. 1t is expected of him, and
the fact that he answers expectations
with it creates no surprise. As to the
partially educated workman it is in some
| degree wonder that he accomplishes
anything in manner fit to be seen. He
is but student who has not completed
his course of study. In some cases he
has had unreasonable and tyrannical
educators. In others, he has been his
own teacher and has acquired infDrnla-
tion and skill under circumstances of
great discouragement. The invitation
now issued by the American Institute
is to all amateurs and young persons
who are beginning to learn mechanical
arts, or who have made any reasonable
progress in them, to exhibit speci.
mems of their work. This invi-
tation covers all branches of effort, from
painting a stick of timber 20 the fabri.
cation Of complete steam engine. Nc
: more direct encouragement to the lad:
can be conceived of than this. 1t is un
derstood that the exhibited specimen:
of work are not expected to be as per
feet as those made by the artisans who
have spent lifetime on what the young
sters are just beginning. Of course the
amateurs are to do their best. NJ
r youth exhibiting work with his name
on it would want to show anything very
inferior. Pride will prevent slovenlines
and ambition will stimulate To the ex
ecution of the best that under the cir
cumstances can be made.
2 Young men who want to be mechan
: les have great deal to contend against
Under the old apprentice system the,
had it hard enough. Then they wer
= in much more intimate relations witt
their employers than under the prcsen
: system. Now lad who is taken L" t
learn the business" finds to his cos
that he is more of an errand boy and
drudge than q student. Much of wha
e he learns is in spite of the people VIII
" IRE supposed to teach him rather tha
as the result of their efforts. II is thci
J. interest too frequently to keep hir
e down 50 rs to continue his wages at Z
:. low figure as possible. Many Il bo
,. in q foundry or factory or mill. VIII
)f manages to pick up some knowledge {
rs the business is for n considerable tim
/. made to do q mans work for boy
III wages. He may demonstrate. but th
remonstrance of q lad against n capita
:; ist or corporation amounts TO vcI
= little. The boy who has Il chance
lr exhibit his work, as contemplated
in the present action of the American i
stitutc, has also chance TO display Ia
ie skill to the people whose good opinic
u OF it may be worth having. It is GOO
:. thing thus to bring boy s forward with
10 wholesome stimulus. The prcsen. ra'
G. Of artisans will not last forever. II
IN world looks TO the coming boys 10 tai
the place Of the going men. H. has
sc direct interest in educating these h,
re so as TO make the most OF them, 10
foe themselves and for society.
&c Stub n hoy is cruel and mean.
es stimulate him TO Gec Is OF excellence
n noble and generous. - IhiIade,ph
Times.
IS, -. -