through not keeping up with the new inventions:
The very great changes that have been
wrought in machine-shop equipment during
the past few years have hit many of the older
mechanics pretty hard. A good deal of
significance is contained in the remark of
one such man: "I have had to learn over
my trade three times and I'm too old to
learn it again." He had been given a difficult
job to do on a modern engine-lathe
containing the latest useful mechanisms for
saving labor and procuring accurate work,
and because he did not understand the tool
he failed in his efforts until a younger machinist
came to his assistance. (Text.)
(2077)
MODESTY
Colonel Nicholas Smith, in "Grant, the Man of Mystery," gives us the following side-light upon Grant's character:
During a strenuous campaign, the opposition
resorted to every means to discredit
him and made the most virulent attacks upon
his personal character. Grant remained silent
and took no part in the campaign. He retired
to his little home in Galena, received
his friends, drove and walked about the
streets, took tea and chatted in the most
familiar way with his neighbors, and seemed
totally unconscious of the fact that he was
the central figure in one of the great political
struggles of the century.
(2078)
Of Grant's demeanor after the surrender of Lee at Appomattox, Colonel Smith says:
The little man, in the dress of a private
soldier, who commanded the armies which
brought about this glorious consummation,
was not among those who joined in the
demonstration of joy. When he reached
his camp that night he was none other than
the real Grant—modest, quiet, regardless of
the greatness of the occasion. General Horace
Porter, who was with him at the time, says
Grant had little to say about the surrender.
(2079)
A group of church-members, on a tour, were delayed at a railway station. One of them, after looking at a locomotive engine, asked his friends what part of the engine they would choose to be if it represented the Church. One replied, "I would be the brake, for that is often needed for safety." Another said, "I would prefer to be the whistle, calling people's attention to the fact that 'the King's business requireth haste.'" "And I would like to be the boiler, for that is an essential part of the engine." "What would you like to be, brother?" said one to a quiet man who had not replied. "Oh," said he, "I think I am only fit to be the coal, ready to be consumed so long as the engine moves."
(2080)
A story is told among the friends of Gen. Samuel S. Sumner, U.S.A., retired, who was until recently the commanding officer of the Pacific Division.
General Sumner, after the San Francisco
earthquake, went to San Rafael.
There he was informed by one of
the guiding spirits of the village that he
must aid in patrolling and guarding against
fire and unruly refugees. Something in General
Sumner's bearing evidently imprest the
man, for after a moment's thought he said:
"I think I'll make you a second lieutenant."
"Thank you," answered General Sumner. "I
don't think any rank ever conferred upon me
ever pleased me more unless it was when
I was made a major-general in the regular
army." (Text.)
(2081)
The grace of modesty seems sometimes rare and its exhibition is always pleasing. An instance of modest reticence is given in this concerning a well-known author:
They had met in Brooklyn at a little
evening party—the young man and an older
one—and were coming back to Manhattan
together. The young man inquired the
elder's vocation in life, and the elder replied
that he had practised law for eighteen years.
"And, later," he added, "I have done a little writing."
"Ever get anything published?" asked the young man.
"Yes, a few things," replied the elder.
"Write under your own name?"
"Yes."
"By the way, I don't believe I quite caught your name."
"Thomas Nelson Page," replied the other quietly.
(2082)
See Humility of a Scientist.
