It is not long since I served as an apprenticeship of five years at one of the most laborious trades pursued by man, a trade that from its nature devotes its follower to thought, but debars him from conversation....I am the son of an artisan and have been a mechanic....If I were inclined to forget my connection with [the working people] or to deny that I sprang from them, this chamber would not be the place in which I could do either. While I hold a seat here, I have but to look at the beautiful capitals adorning the pilasters that support the roof to be reminded of my father's talent and handiwork.