Phenix Gazette

ALEXANDRIA, (D. C.)

WEDNESDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 7.

The cultivation and improvement of the Mechanic Arts, in all communities, should not only excite the emulation of Mechanics themselves and ought to meet with the encouragement of all who are interested in the welfare and prosperity of the public.

Mechanics form the great body of the population of all towns and cities they have been most appositely termed the "bones and sinews of a nation:" they are the men who bear the "heat and burden of the day" in all cases of exigence or danger: they supply most of the comforts and even necessaries of life; and are constantly engaged in exercising their labor and skill to benefit, directly or indirectly, their country. In the United States, the Mechanics form not only a numerous, but a very respectable, class of citizens; and, whenever properly encouraged, never fail to increase the wealth and stability of the place of their location

Indeed, wherever we see numerous industrious and thriving Mechanics, we are always sure to find indications of growing prosperity. They add to the business as well as the convenience of a city. The policy that would dictate a course of stinted encouragement to Mechanics is not the true one. They ought to be well and liberally supported. What is expended with them is never wasted, and seldom leaves the circle of the community in which they reside. It not only enriches the Mechanic himself, but every one around him; for on him principally depends the success of other classes engaged in trade. Every one would wish to see the Mechanic Arts everywhere flourish and prosper, and obtain that reward which ought to be extended to industry.