_7, Hill-street,_
_Southwark._
* * * * *
The editor has given the “ode” without Mr. Johnson’s alterations and
additions, because its original state is better suited to convey a
notion of his predecessors’ manners; for the same reason, his
suggestion to “polish up” has been declined. The homeliness of those who
preceded him is not discreditable to him, or any of the brethren of his
trade. They are daily increasing in respectability, and ought to be a
thriving branch. Compared with those who lived before them, they have
extraordinary means of becoming acquainted with the _principles_ of
their varied manufacture, by becoming members of the _Mechanics’
Institution_. Many blacksmiths have already joined that society. A
diligent and good hand who knows more than his fellows, will be the
best workman, and get the most money; and frugality abroad, and economy
at home, will secure his independence. Attendance at the _Mechanics’
Institution_ will teach these things: and St. Clement cannot be better
honoured than by observing them.
ST. CLEMENT, _at Woolwich_.
R. R. obligingly communicates with his name, the following account of an
annual ceremony on the evening of St. Clement’s day, by the blacksmiths’
apprentices of the dockyard there.
(_For the Every-Day Book._)
One of the senior apprentices being chosen to serve as _old Clem_, (so
called by them,) is attired in a great coat, having his head covered
with an oakham wig, face masked, and a long white beard flowing
therefrom; thus attired, he seats himself in a _large wooden chair_,
chiefly covered with a sort of stuff called buntin, with a crown and
anchor, made of wood, on the top, and around it, four transparencies,
representing “the blacksmiths’ arms,” “anchor smiths at work,”
“Britannia with her anchor,” and “Mount Etna.” He has before him a
wooden anvil, and in his hands a pair of tongs and wooden hammer which,
in general, he makes good use of whilst reciting his speech. A mate,
also masked, attends him with a wooden sledge-hammer; he is also
surrounded by a number of other attendants, some of whom carry torches,
banners, flags, &c.; others battle-axes, tomahawkes, and other
accoutrements of war. This procession, headed by a drum and fife, and
six men with old Clem mounted on their shoulders, proceed round the
town, stopping and refreshing at nearly every public house, (which, by
the by, are pretty numerous,) not forgetting to call on the blacksmiths
and officers of the dockyard: there the money-box is pretty freely
handed, after old Clem and his mate have recited their speeches, which
commence by the mate calling for order, with
“Gentlemen all, attention give,
And wish St. Clem, long, long to live.”