The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-10-02
The Enslish Language and the Word .Bai-
ameo.V
WAaHIaoros. %. @. septe

r.. Z. . d ra
f. wAsHIsoros, d. G. September %, 1862.
To the Editor Of the Republic: .s.-.-..s..
S,R: Permit me through your columns to notice
an article that appeared in the Repu5ic few days
since on the proper use of the word Balance. The
author Of that article ia certainly correct in his
marks touching this word. ! also concur with
him when he urges the importance Of preserving
the English language pure, even though II should
never prevail to the extent it now promises. For
as language furnishes the signs or our ideas, and
10 also the medium through which VIC receive the
most of them, II ia evident that their character for
correctness depends, in great measure, upon that
Of the language employed. But when the author
of the article alluded to speaks of transmitting
the English language to those who come after us
pure and uncorrupted, does he, mean that no alte-
ratons ought to be made in III This would be TO
say that it 10 perfect; that the present gene.
ration understands 1t better than it's descendants
will. It would also imply that We are more
thoroughly masters of il than were our ancestors;
for we have introduced words and made innova-
tions upon it that they would doubtless have
condemned corruptions. We have nlso rejected
many words which they deemed good, and per-
haps necessary. II is enough to read very little Of
Shakespeare, or any Of the old English authors, to
verify this last remark. Now, are our ancestors
to accuse US of corrupting their language Igrant
that to some extent we have. But certainly all our
innovations and additions must not be rejected
corrupons. II Is obvious as the fund of ideas in
they certainly do, with the advance Of knowledge,
and also since language Is the medium Of convey
ing and receiving ideas, that it must necessarily
undergo corresponding changes.
think also that the ground of "Noah Web
ster's'' fears for the language 10 not very good.
This however will depend upon what is to be con.
sidered the medium through which 1t is trans.
mitted from one generation to another-whether
by the pen or mouth. If by the latter, our de-
scendants truly to be pited but if by the for
mer. then, by his own declaration, we need appre-
bend no danger but that they will have pure
language. For he thus reasons whilst speaking Of
the use of the word Balance: All who use words
correctly are preserving the language pure. Pres
colt (who OF the present age, and therefore this
e. the present age, for he is ofit) il preserving
the language pure. - .>..I. g.. .aFa,r
This syllogism is not perhaps the one he would
use, yet IL is the only valid one to which his rea
soning can be reduced, because in quoting authors
to exempify the meaning of Balance, he selects
Prescott. f"+'F..
However. although our language is to be trans
mitted by our authors or in its written character,
yet Mr.. "Webster" may still have fears for it's pu.
rity, since most Of our political and legislative
speeches will be handed down in q written form.
sions will vanish. He will remember in moment
that political speeches and newspaper articles are
deficient in every respect that will entitle any
writing to the notice. much less study, of posterty
In this light, then, they to be classed with oral
language. Those Of our authors whose writings
will survive them, and exert influence upon
posterity, arc men who use the language correctly,
and, where it is inadequate for their purpose. will
coin whatever words they need, and such will DO
deserving of and receive currency.
The common slang alluded to in the article no
ticed, used in conversation and public speaking,
should be banished all polite and decent society.
The only way however to accomplish this, is to
teach the English language in our schools, for il ia
now most shamefully neglected all over our coun-
try, and by no means confined to the Wcst and
South. L.
[NoTE.-It is due TO the writer Of the communi.
cation signed Noah Webster to say that he
transmitted to US examples of the incorrect we'll
as the correct use of the word Balance" but that
an accident those of the incorrect failed
to reach until his communication wac in print;
and under those circumstances, as the citation of
the sentences in which the word was incorrectly
used might have had personal bearing, we for.
bore to publish them.-ED. REPUB.l