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Literary
April 15, 1865
The Independent
Oskaloosa, Jefferson County, Kansas
What is this article about?
A cautionary tale for children: Young James ignores his mother's warning and visits a steam-powered factory. Fascinated by the machinery, he touches a rapidly spinning circular saw, severing his hand and becoming a lifelong cripple. Despite the tragedy, he gains an education and becomes a successful teacher, learning patience.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
For the Little Folks.
WE THE CRIPPLE.
"James do not go near the machinery; be sure of that; you might get caught and killed or crippled for life in it."
"I'll be careful."
These words passed between a mother and a son, as the latter was on the point of visiting a manufacturing establishment where there was heavy machinery run by steam.
When James arrived at the manufactory, he was deeply interested in all that he saw. The ponderous machinery had an attraction for him that was almost fascinating. He observed very closely, from the huge wheel making slow movements on its axis, to the small shafts which moved so fast as to make it impossible for him to count the revolutions.
At first he was timid and very careful, and kept aloof from every part of the running works; but gradually the feeling of fear passed off: he became accustomed to the din and rattle of the place and began to examine things more closely. Familiarity soon turned to boldness, and he began to touch and handle things that came in his way.
Presently he came to a circular saw which was moving so rapidly, that to his unpracticed eye it seemed not to be moving at all. It looked very bright and beautiful, and before any one noticed what he was about (for the men were not using the saw just then) he put out his hand to touch it. As soon as the hand came near the saw it was drawn towards it, and the next moment, was severed, the saw cutting it right in two, the fingers and thumb falling down leaving but a bloody stump behind.
It was done so quickly James could hardly realize the fact for a moment, but the pain and spouting blood quickly made him feel the loss, and he gave a wild cry of pain and fright which brought the men to his aid.-- They immediately carried him home.
It was a sad sight for his mother and James suffered greatly for not heeding her admonitions. His wound was gradually healed, but he remained a cripple for life; and so dark a cloud settled upon his before bright future, that it often brought tears to his eyes; but at last he became patient, and his gentle disposition made him a general favorite.-- He obtained a good education, and became a successful teacher. Let our readers learn a lesson from this story.
WE THE CRIPPLE.
"James do not go near the machinery; be sure of that; you might get caught and killed or crippled for life in it."
"I'll be careful."
These words passed between a mother and a son, as the latter was on the point of visiting a manufacturing establishment where there was heavy machinery run by steam.
When James arrived at the manufactory, he was deeply interested in all that he saw. The ponderous machinery had an attraction for him that was almost fascinating. He observed very closely, from the huge wheel making slow movements on its axis, to the small shafts which moved so fast as to make it impossible for him to count the revolutions.
At first he was timid and very careful, and kept aloof from every part of the running works; but gradually the feeling of fear passed off: he became accustomed to the din and rattle of the place and began to examine things more closely. Familiarity soon turned to boldness, and he began to touch and handle things that came in his way.
Presently he came to a circular saw which was moving so rapidly, that to his unpracticed eye it seemed not to be moving at all. It looked very bright and beautiful, and before any one noticed what he was about (for the men were not using the saw just then) he put out his hand to touch it. As soon as the hand came near the saw it was drawn towards it, and the next moment, was severed, the saw cutting it right in two, the fingers and thumb falling down leaving but a bloody stump behind.
It was done so quickly James could hardly realize the fact for a moment, but the pain and spouting blood quickly made him feel the loss, and he gave a wild cry of pain and fright which brought the men to his aid.-- They immediately carried him home.
It was a sad sight for his mother and James suffered greatly for not heeding her admonitions. His wound was gradually healed, but he remained a cripple for life; and so dark a cloud settled upon his before bright future, that it often brought tears to his eyes; but at last he became patient, and his gentle disposition made him a general favorite.-- He obtained a good education, and became a successful teacher. Let our readers learn a lesson from this story.
What sub-type of article is it?
Prose Fiction
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Cautionary Tale
Factory Machinery
Accident
Cripple
Moral Lesson
Child Safety
Literary Details
Title
We The Cripple.
Key Lines
"James Do Not Go Near The Machinery; Be Sure Of That; You Might Get Caught And Killed Or Crippled For Life In It."
"I'll Be Careful."
As Soon As The Hand Came Near The Saw It Was Drawn Towards It, And The Next Moment, Was Severed, The Saw Cutting It Right In Two, The Fingers And Thumb Falling Down Leaving But A Bloody Stump Behind.
Let Our Readers Learn A Lesson From This Story.