Indiana State Sentinel

Messrs. Editors: Your excellent and interesting sheet has been a constant visitor in our village and vicinity for a great while. And we may truly say that it has not been an unwelcome one. We never open it but we find something useful and instructive to all persons, whatever their occupations may be. We would beg leave, therefore, to present a few lines for your "favorable consideration." Although they are neutral in politics, yet we hope they will be acceptable in the way of amusement.

C. L. A.

MORGANTOWN, Indiana.

For the Indiana State Sentinel.

The Humble Servant.

Countrymen:—Your humble and unworthy companion would ask permission to dictate a few lines to you, hoping it will be no offence. I am no candidate for any office either of honor or profit. But I have silently borne the contempt of selfish and aristocratic men long enough. I think myself bound to speak out. I have been the means of helping man on to fame. I have been his constant attendant in his efforts to gain knowledge, and to sup at the Pierian spring. I have been by his side when he was consuming the midnight oil in poring over his pile of books. I have been the ready friend of the bashful lover—in communicating his or her thoughts to each other. In short, all are acquainted with my kindness in lending my help to my countrymen whenever called for.

But Oh, base ingratitude! how have I been repaid for my services? Is there a marble monument constructed in honor of me! Or have poets woven my name into their melodies? No. Like the pump handle I am continually helping others to fame, yet never thought to be thirsty myself. 'Tis true I am no aspirant to office, for I have enough of official business to transact now. There is scarcely an office in the country but I have more or less to do in it. And yet the student, the historian, the poet, and all the numerous scribblers have scarcely once had condescension enough to hand one line of praise, in my behalf, down to posterity. And shall I go thus "unhonored and unsung," when fame is so justly mine! Oh selfish man! thou art false to thy best friend and benefactor. I have been a silent, though constant, observer of thy iniquitous acts; not only to myself but even to those who have placed confidence in thee. Well did the poet say:

"Man is practis'd in disguise,

He cheats the most discerning eyes."

My younger brother, the Press, receives many tributes of praise, such as the "enlightened press," "glorious press," &c. &c. But what an awful appearance the press would make without my assistance and direction; and yet man is so blind as not to see this, and so ignorant as not to think of it. Like old Keimer and young Franklin, all cry out "what a clever fellow this Press is," when in fact the more discerning know that the Pen is at the head of the concern.

But perhaps I have said enough and maybe more than was called for; but be this as it may, I am determined to vindicate my own rights, and not only my own, but the rights and privileges of others, whenever an opportunity offers. And although you may not now perceive my point, yet some day you may, likely to your sorrow, feel it.

My address has been very concise for the reason that I ever have hated a show of long unmeaning phrases and superfluous words. Because first, they weary the patience of the reader; and secondly, they darken and perplex the subject under consideration, and more than this, they blunt the extremity of your most humble servant,

The Pen.