Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-02-25
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY IS, 1926.
For the Phenir Gazette.

For the Phenir Gazette
MEssRs. EprroRs-Within a few weeks, two
works upon the subject of English Grammar,
have fallen into my hands. These productions
] have read; and as am anxious that other in
structors of youth, should do the same, have
ventured to obtrude myself upon the notice oil
the public through the medium Of your valua-
Bile paper. These works are both by the same
author: the Joint undertaking ofthe two, aims
at revolution in the principles OF our present
popular systems of English Grammar. SINH
lar revolutions have taken place. Even within
few fears the science of chemistry has under
pone a radical change The revolution with
which this science has been beauti6ed, produc-
ed new nomenclature complete set OF new
and significant technical names. In the works
before me however, the grammatical names
common to all languages, are retained; SO that
by the introduction Of the new grammar no oo-
s,acle will be created in passing from the Eng
lish to other languages. These remarks being
promised will present the titles OF the BOOKS
which have undertaken this hercuean, though
important enterprise. One, the province OF
which is to pave the way for the substitute, is
entitled Gan appeal from the popular systems
of English philology to common sense"
The appeal is judicious. and think well sup
ported. The other which is designed as a sub
stitute for that now in use is entitled SIN fine
rican System of English Grammar, Developing the
principles of the English language and impressing
them upon the memory, by exercising the judgment
of the learner, by JAMES BRowN. This title
page is replete with meaning; and am decld-
edly of the opinion, that the autho" has fuiiy
redeemed the pledge made in it, and has there
by produced triumph in the science OF Eng
lish Grammar This work from its very title,
salu,es the teachers in our own country: and
in accordance with this, its author has given
formal dedication, which challenges, upon the
principles of gratitude alone, fair, iuii, a
candid investigation from the fraternity. This
dedication is no less fit in its place than proper
in its diclion 1t concludes thus:
"AH that relates to man is matter OF profession:
We see the commencement Of christianity IN
mere rituals and symbols; we find its perfection
in CALvARY's cRIMsoNED TOP. Are you ready
10 reject this work because you have been
brought up at the feet Of M,~rayS Remember
him who was brought up at those oil Gamaliei:
listen to the cry Of the christian, and be remind
ed of Paur's journey to Damascus: education
had drawn film over his eyes; and miracle was
necessary to restore his sight"
Can it be said that Mr.. BIS undertaking will
be defeated by the length of time which the pop
ular system has been in use? Time never es-
tablishes error; haste and necessity merely a.
dept it. But it is the province Of time to over
throw it. "Opinionum eommenta delet dies;
na,prae iudicia confrmat. "Time overthrows
the illusions Of opinion, but establishes the de-
cisions of nature."-Blair
Having been long accustomed to test every
position of grammatical inquiry, by Murray's
rules az by an iniallible standard, ! was Predls-
nosed to reg ard as highly presumptuous any
;rrovator. / have risen however from the exa-
uination of the works before me, no less NOR
tilted at nv long subsection to the falsehood oil
arbitrary dogmas than delighted with the new
and satisfactory truths advocated by our able
author.
With the aid of this common sense system
shall hereafter be Ineligible to my pupils, and
not disgust aud tire them by attempting TO JUS
tify the application of definitions and rules, the
inconsistency Of which, is evident even to their
feeble powers.
Finally whether we consider the genius OF
our language, the narrowness of youthful ca
pacity; the pleasure of the learner, the ease of
the teacher or the expense of the parent, the
American Grammar ranks far above all Others
JOHN THOS. WHEAT,
ST. PauPs Lecture Room.
Shutting doors BY Wsights.-I have often been
SURPRISED az the silly way in which doors are
shut by a weight and pulley. You. hear a
&c., noise every time the door is opened. In