Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1847-10-23
TO THE EDITORS.

have observed for time but especially Of late
that certain words and expressions which had better be omit
ted altogether substituted by Others frequently used by
respectable writers among This but think often
proceeds from careessness and naenon yet furnishes
but slight excuse if any, to who aspres all who write
ought perfect degree the language Of his country
need scarcely say that the words and expressions alluded
almost all, if not entirely, A,aericdnisms They
properly be called Propncasms, for with reference to
other nations any thing but what ordinarily meant by
proriace but good writer Of country who
writes in the English language them Even in the
works of the late Dr. Channng-who, although American
but whose writings bear honorable comparison with those of
any country-they but rarely if ever
The rule with regard to what have particularly in view
take be this technical word expression, when
writngon science which properly belongs
ought be used when conveying the meaning,
but easily and generally understood be had Thus
the word endorsement, with all its derivatives strictly
technical wordproper enough, nay unavoidable treatise
bills Of exchange and will be well understood by lawyers
and those who deal much in bills especially those countries
where the endorsement law what does with But
it would sound oddly in moral or historical political ea
se and in those countries where there may be endorse
ment law or where may have different meaning what
it has here translator might be led into mistakes and diff
cuties by it.
May we not include under this rule, too, take action
heard almost every congress ana IN ecce
sastica meetings. where expect the best language
nothing popular assembage where common
the wind And in nearly every newspaper that take
up-and those having the widest and the influential
cuaon in such matters furnish exception at all remark
abe-we find expression like this Congress took
no action an ecclesiastical body took action such
such subjects.
There certain barbarous expressions among which no
good will admit into his pages, go for, or he
goes for his hook, going the tchoe, &C. Even
good speaker good takcr, will use them very charity,
and in such manner show all that he has peculiar
claim to them.
that long may make restricted and
technical application of word subordinate general
but who would be read other countries beside his
will not employ questionable word if he well do without
it, Nor am that good writerone who appears
almost forced by his subject TO coin word-must the
license spangy wisely wisely, indeed, that all will at
once see and approve his wisdom.
will not 60 further paricuarizing words and express
sions improperly introduced by writers amongst trusting
that the rule will be sufficient for them.
reported of Dean Swift that he said " no man despsed
good pun who able make one" am not prepared
to say that every desper the r have given will
sariy use babarous words and phrases against which
was intended to guard him But let value too lightly
this attempt for franklin, of best writers,
arkabe his careful choice OF words and Quinlian COM
mends Cicero for his " clecio verborum.' A.