Daniel Webster on Teaching Sons a Trade
DANIEL WEBSTER is credited with having said: “If I had as many sons as old Priam, I would have them all learn a trade, so they would have something to fall back on in case they failed in speculations.” A Philadelphia paper moralizes thus sensibly thereon: The number of young men who are brought up to no useful trade or calling, is on the increase. The effect of this is seen in political life, where thousands of men are begging, as at present in Washington, for ‘position’ with a vague idea that their untrained powers and ignorance can find shelter in some cosy nook where they may at least draw their pay. Being practically of no earthly use to themselves or any one else, they only hope to find some place where they can continue to exist without benefiting any one. A destitute young man, without a trade, and who is not qualified by practice to fill any position, is in a condition to become a tramp, and the chances are that he will become one, or fare even worse by becoming a criminal.