Year: 1871

For tie Information of employees, we
would make a few practical suggestions
which have been of benefit to us, and we
think. If we'll followed, may prove the
same to others. As | have worked fifteen
years as a journeyman mechanic. and have
never been discharged for incapacity or
neglect of duty, propose to give some of
the rules have been governed by from
my boyho,d.


When was quite small boy, L found
little tract IN the road, which | carried
home and read carefully, entitled "Hon-
esty the best policy" which gave very
interesting Ito me,) account of little boy
who found gentleman's purse, and up
on tho return of it to the owner. was hand
somely rewarded. This made an impress
sion upon my mind, which have never
forgotten. Althongk | have like all 9th
men erred, / have always tried SO far as l
was able, to act honestly with all men at all
times, though they might not have thought
so, have done what | conscientiously
conceived te be my duty. This was my first
rule. In thenext place, Inever was satisfied
unless my work was as well, if not better
done, than that done by any other hand
in the establishment. This was my great
est pride to have my work aceu and nice
Ia done-a thing which is little followed
by mechanics at the present day.


always made it an invariable rule.
when employed to do job, to ask my
employer if he had any particular style or
manner in which he wanted it done, and
if so. L always used my utmost skill and
ability to do it just as he directed, but if
left to my own judgment and skill, L used
nv best efforts to do it in handsome and
workmanlike manner, and scarcely ever
failed to please nay employer. When you
are employed always found your terms up
ON the principles of equity and justice. and
never work for any man for less than your
4


labor is worth-rather than that break
rock on the street for fair compensation.
But if you are competent and faithful
mechanic, your labor will always command
good price-if you are not, you should
not offer your services. for incompetent
workmen, have done more to degrade and
break down mechanics than any thing
else I know of. When you have engaged
yoKr services, you can then no longer con,
slider your time your own, SO longas your
employer complies with his contract. de
has the right to expect your whole time
and attention to his business. You may
be working by the job. but that makes nc
kind of difference, for he wants bis work
done or he would not have employed you
and YOU have no right to loiter away youl
time and keep him waiting for his work


Be careful of your employers materia
and tools, for as Poor Richard says ga lit
tie leak will sink great ship" Be stu
QlOuS anu NdlcHiui Vi Ills iutC1Soe, ~ =
is your duty to do so, and aside from tina
nothing passes the notice of an observing
employer; and when he finds you are faith
full and honest in the performance OF you
duty. it is his intesest togiveyou employ
ment and pay you good wages.


| Necer ask for money before you hav'
earned it; when you have earned it,
is yours and you have not only the rlgh
to ask, but to demand it, and if he fail
to pay you be has no right to EXPECT you
services longer.


I would advise you never to quit tn
employment of man, who has been Jus
and kind to you, and paid you your wage
promptly. to work for some one else DC
cause he promises to pay you small DC
nus or little larger wages, for such me