Litchfield enquirer., 1850-09-19
For Me Enquarer.
Languago-NO Standard,

Ae -
 In considering this subject, I shall proceed upon the acknowledged princi- pie, that the the best may err, and the worst may sometimes do right. Accor> dingly the greatest scholars may some times use language incorrectly. Hence the need of some test by which it's cor~ rect use may be determined The ad- vocates of the authority of custom pracs tically admit this in their decisions upon accuracy, by resorting, not always to custom, but to analysis and derivation. Why does the critic on definitions resort to derivation, if not to decide with accu- racy the meaning, and hence the correct use, of words (see the various works on the synonyms of language.) Why does the Lexicographer give us the pa rentage of the words of the English Lan- guage, if not to show the genuiness of the progeny? (see most of our best dic- tiollaries.) To what purpose did the inn mortal Webster spend lifetime in the study of foreign languages, but to arrive at the highest possible degree of accu-- racy in the meaning, and hence in the use of words |?
 But, says one, |" What is this but a resort to custom ?' l answer, it is test ing custom by a resort to first principles. When names were first given to objects, the adaptation of the name to the thing was consulted. This constituted one of the very first principles of language; and the business of custom is, to follow it out. In the introduction and use of descrip- tives, connectives, representatives, &c., the same adaptation was followed as far as the nature of the subject would ad~ init. Hence .oth6l principles of lan- guagc, in regard to which custom has generally done her duty. au .s
 Inaccuracies in the use of language arise from the neglect of first principles : in other words, from the deviations of custom from these principles. This, though theoretically denied, is practicaIly acknowledged by all writers on Gram mar and language for in attempting to prove grammatical inaccuracy, they will not orly quote standard authori- ties," but more frequently resort to anal ysis and derivation. .4 r
 The independent autho 'ty of custom is seen in the changes sometimes madt in the use and meaning of words; as it the use of nervous" (which originally signified "having strong nerves, &c.,, for "excitable 7 in the affected and un, meaning use of "either" for "each ;'' andsthe modern unclassical use of the word "grow," or.'cultivate, or "raise, , &c. In such t<es custom will rule, right or wrong md the grammarian may as we'll undertake to swim up the Falls of Niagara, as to control these freaks of custom by set or system of rules.
 I have said, that errors arise from the neglect of first principles. Whenever these are known and acknowledged, there | is no essential difference of opinions among grammarians. They in agree all that is practically important. Disputes, or essential differences of opiuion exist only where the parties, one or both. have departed from first principles. Hence arise also the multiplicity and diversity of Rules of Syntax; different and often contradictory modes of analysing and parsing different sentences, &c. &c. sa
 It is not little remarkable, that men who appear to be acquainted with the principles of language, should overlook their practical application, in constructs ing their systems of English Grammar. have yet found no work on the subject of Grammar, in the construction of whicf they are fully acknowledged and carried out. Such work believe would be come a standard l..