Year: 1864

There never was a time when n mechanic
was more fully appreciated throughout the
world than he is at the present moment. In
our own country this is most especially true.
The American mechanic has already thrice
revolutiohiZed the world b. his inventive
genius: First with the steamboat, second
with the telegraph, and lastly with the iron
clad monitor. Our war, so full Of present
disaster and so big with future glorious pros
poets, has been most fruitful field for the
display Of our mechanical skill, and cngi-
neering genius. The efforts of our mechanics
in this direction have presented us in an en-
tirely new phrase to the European world.
Notwithstanding the mendacity Of the Lon
don Times and the equally mendacious
BLacktcood, both Of which periodicals have
used every endeavor to rob American me-
chanics Of their well earnedi reputation by
claiming the steamboat, and the telegraph,
and finally the monitor as each and all Eng
lish inventions, the mass Of the English
people, and indeed the people Of all Europe.
are now looking on with wonder and aston
ishment at our present display of mechanical
power and genius.


Our country is young giant; its growth
in material power is modern miracle among
nations. It presents more openings for
young men, not over blessed with compe-
tence or influence, than any other nation on
the globe. Our greatness has its chief foun-
dati0n in the superior intelligence Of our
people. With Americans, emphatically,
"bayonets think" and knowledge is
power" 1t is this which gives our armies
their power and endows them with that won
drous recuperatiye energy which has no
parallel in European history. 1t is this SUI
periority which prevents our great victories
on either side from becoming decisive disas-
tiers. It is this which enables two such
armies as have confronted each other for the
| last three years on the Potomac and still
maintain firm and defiant attitude, in spite
of the most desperate efforts Of each to deS-
troy the other.


The American mechanic, who acquires
master skill in his business, coupled with in
telligence and scientific knowledge, is sure
to rise to wealth and distinction. The re-
verse is the case where there is q lack Of in
telliQence. The public mind in America is
active and progressive. The American me-
chanic, in order to be up to the times, makes
especial effort to keep himself posted. It's
always his ambition to advance. Every APP
prentice, il he is wise, looks forward to the
time when he hopes to become a master
workman, and omits no opportunity to in
form himself especially in everything that
pertains to his calling. A mechanic should
also be posted with regard to the progress Of
general science. He should be ambitious u
become intelligent in every industrial inter
est. No better means to acquire such infor-
nation is presented than in the periodical
publications Of the day devoted to the diiil-
sion Of practical information. There are
many publications, indeed majority of our
weekly and monthly publications are ola
/ .a,to;ns matter which not only
imparts an unhealthy excitement to the
mind. but oftentimes gives a wrong, and not
nnfreouently disastrous bias to the mind OF
the Young reader. There is another class
which is devoted to science and practical in
formation, which appeals only to the intellect
and Judgment, and the influence Of which is
always eleyating and useful to every class Of
readers. Our mechanics and young men will
profit much If they bear these facts in mind
and make wise selection in their reading
matter-both Of books and periodicals.