376 [Assembly 



By the humble mcchnnlc cf tlie South, hirlh is given to a novelty 

 in mechnnism. immoita]iicin<^ to his nnmr, brcnusCj pcr(.ht'<l upon an 

 einuiencc near his lather's residence, Avas the disliict school-house. 



From the rude cottage of the distant West, issues an invention to 

 astonish the refined of Atlantic cities, because the school-master had 

 been abroad in the land of its occupants. 



Now, and to our country's fame and honor be it said, intelligence 

 stands at the wheel, commands the lathe, wields the hammer, guides 

 the saw, and follows the plough. 



But notwithstanding the available and ennobling systems of gene- 

 ral education in the United Slates, so w^ell adapted to enligliten the 

 public mind and supply the exploring inventor with mental torches 

 to illuminate the obscure labyrinths of his researches ; notwithstanding 

 the tendency of the times is utilitarian, and so well calculated to re- 

 lease mind from the charmsof phantasy and direct its efforts to things 

 cf substance J notwithstanding that exalting sense of freedom and in- 

 dependence, a part of the birthright of American citizens, abiding 

 alike with poverty and affluence, and so well adapted to engender 

 self-respect and confidence, elicit original thought and prompt each 

 to strive for merit ; and notwithstanding the honors awarded to labor 

 in this country, and the high respectability and conceded merit of 

 American operatives, so well calculated to swell their ranks with ac- 

 cessions of enterprise from all classes — still, to consolidate the whole, 

 and bring all into active play, and render the influence effectual in 

 accomplishing the great end of developing new discoveries, and en- 

 riching the country by new inventions, something more is necessary. 



It is not sufficient to store mind with knowledge, cultivate its func- 

 tions, strengthen its powers, and habituate it to rely on its own 

 resources, and thus pre/jare it for action, — motive must be had, — a 

 stimulant must be supplied. 



The machinery of a manufactory may be put in perfect order — oil- 

 ed up and ready for successful operation — but still it will not go j 



