The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-02-20
The Mill Operatives Lot.
Anpuata Eh ron iole

In th last issue of the Boston Journal of
Commerce there is an editorial notice OF the
death OF Mrs Mary Palmer Banks-"a lady,
who. starting in the lowest position that a
cotton mill could offer, her rose by means
OF pluck, high moral character and eagerness
10 better her lot until she finally attained
state"
The record made by this good woman ought
to be an inspiration TO the young glri whose
life Is cast in the mills. II shows tnat where
TO push forward 10 better things. not even
the environment, long hours, and exacting
physical duties of the cotton mill Can hold
back the man or woman who 1s determined
TO do better. The Journal OF Commerce says ::
"The lady we refer TO is The late Mary
Palmer Banks. widow. of one OF our most
distinguished citizens, Nathaniel P. Banks,
or
from our centre the last OF two persons who
showed. by their own high example, what q
great future Is open 10 those who. through
circumstances are forced TO seek lowly
positions, max 9 the most Of those powers with
which q kindly Providence has endowed them,
may rise to most respected position among
their fellowmen. Both Mr.. and Mrs. Banks
started In the lowest positions that were open
to them, beginning IN mill at Waltham
Mass, in the early years OF the past century,"
Is there not an Inspiration for young men
and women In lives such as these A bob
bin boy comes 10 be governor OF his state, a
general in the army aud member OF Congress-.
A little girl who also started al the bottom OF
the ladder In the same mill rose with HIM to
become one of the most accomplished and
respected women In the state. We hear
much OF the hopelessness OF the life OF the
cotton operative. 1t is claimed that he must
tread the weary rounds OF his daily life with.
to better things. But see how this ls refuted
by the careers OF Mr. and Mrs. N. r. Banks.
The Journal Of Com merce continues thus:
alt is more our Intention in this article to
ftxrnn hot hnt
lot is not necessarily q degraded one and that
they have chance to elevate themselves TO
a much higher standing than 1s theirs today.
There is chance for them, by following such
a worthy course az that pursued by the m ost
distinguished couple mentioned above, to
elevate themselves 10 the highest positions
both socially and economically. IL il true
that the chances are not as plentiful as they
we're fifty years ago; but IL is true, neverthe.
less. thai there ure still many chances and we
read of ouch cases happening in our midst
very often. 1t Is not month since poor
mill operative named John Owen, working
in mill at Oldba N, England, won fellow
ship at Oxford University. Mr.. owen was
made Of the same kind OF metal as the Banks.
es, Although he had bis parents TO support
and lost his young wife but a few week be-
fore the EXAMINATIONS that unconQuerable
pluck and determination TO win, no matter
how great the odds, won out and the future
which now lies before this lad Ia most
bright"
we 10 DOI Iutdu w dIeuo tnat Luo ooy. VI
the girl, shut up all day In cotton mill, has
as good chance TO advance as.tbose whose time
is not thus occupied !; but we do mean TO POM I
out for their encouragement that advance
ment is not impossible where there Is pluck.
deter mination and ami bitioD. In this day OF
cheap books, libraries and free school educa-
tion is within the reach of the boy or girl who
appreciates its value, and determines 10 have
II. or course IL is hard 10 study at odd
moments during the working day, and hard.
er perhaps TO go.Lo night school after the long
days work, but we must be willing 10 max g
the sacrifice and pay The price II We would
succeed. There Ia no royal road to learning,
and the one who succeeds must triumph over
many obstacles. and refuse to be discouraged
by difficulties and hardships.