The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1854-03-18

the letters, and in spelling words, memory
has nothing to do, at first, it becomes solely
an act of the judgment.
! This alphabet was first brought into use by
Isaac Pitman and A. J. Ellis of England.
about the year 1S47. Nearly at the same
time, another alphabet based upon the same
principles was published by DR.. A. Comstock
of Philadelphia, but the English alphabet
(Which resembles the old one much more
nearly than Comstock's) has attained far
more widespread diffusion, and will doubt
less supcrsedc the adoption Of the Philadcl-
plia invention.
Perhaps the practical advantages of this
words than by citing the progress Of partic-
ular class that was instructed in Boston.
The pupils were children between the ages
of 5 and years; some Of them ignorant of our
language. During the first four months they
learned to read books printed in the phonetic
alphabet with case. Then books in the COM
mon print were introduced to them, and in
two months they could read these also-could
read both systems with fuency. Besides this
attainment, these children had during this
time learned to read and write short hand,
(Which is the system for reporting now in
general use i'll this country and is based upon
phonetic spelling.) After this period they
commenced learning our common Orthogra-
ply, and even here they made such progress
that III the end of nine months from the time
tlnN 1nor hal lace, h., -, ,f
Boston was challenged to produce their equals
in scholarship, from among children not oldcr
but :.the children could not be found" who
could compete with them. A committee of
the Legislature before whom they were soon
after examined, remarked Of them, after no.
fleeing several other points Of excellence,
that the distinctlc>s of their enrnciation was
remarkable, 'sthey had never seen class Of
children Of any age to equal them in this re-
spcct.'
The results obtained with this class, have
been uniformly met with wherever the system
has been fairly tried. A child may be kept
at home until or eight years CID, altogether
ignorant Of books, then let him he put under
Il course of instruction, commencing with
phonetic spelling, and at the end of one year
he will ovcrtakc the child who has been at
his books ever since he was four years old,
and far surpass him in scholarship at last.
This system applies with peculiar force,
where persons have grown up unable to read
and write, and to all who have yet to acquire
knowledge Of our language. The length Of
this article will not admit more of the numer-
Gus arguments in favor Of its adoption. Suf,
flee it to say, its Importance is so great it can
hardly be overratcd. Parents, if you would
save time, money, and have your children
lore learning and become accomplished schol-
ars, lend this movement your patronage. 1t
was in use in about 10 schools in Massachu-
sets six months ago. 1t is coming into use
throughout Ohio, and has been planted more
or less in almost every State in the Union.
Lonslcy Brothers OF Cincinnati, publish
paper i'll this type, and will supply at snail
expense by mail, instruction books for chill
drcn. But any wanting further information
on the subject may be gratiled by address: ing
l.. B.
Port Deposit, Cecil Co, MI.