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 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.