New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-07-13

We are glad to see that the controversy on the
utility of correct spelling grammar and rhetoric
is continued. There is god in it; and we dare say
the blunders of Mr. Principal Hazeltine may in the
end prove Of benefit enough to the public TO bal.
ance all the BARN caused by the humdrum routine OF
misinstruction which, in the safe seclusiOn OF the
school room. that Uniformed teacher has hitherto
pursued We are glad to say that the writer who
now enters the lists, and whose communication
with the expressive signature of $50 AheadSome'
how" will be found in another column, while put
ting forth a witty apology for incorrect spelling,
does not in any manner attempt defense OF that
sin when found in the principal Of Normal School,
who has long been engaged in the pretended work
of teaching others to write as well as speak cor
rectly. Our correspondent admits, and, as we can
testify without exaggeratiOn, that he does not
know how to SPELL but he does himself some in
Justice when he seems to allow the imputaton that
he is equally ignorant in respect Of grammar. In.
deed, it is often only by the excellence Of grammar
and of composition which bis sentences uniformly
exhibit that it is possible to arrive at o correct
Judgment as 70 the significance of bis chirography.
Our correspondent addresses shout Of encour-
agement and consolation to the other bad spoilers
and bad writers of the world; and when we ADD
that. in spite of the faults he so humorously con-
fesses he is person of literary distinction and ex'
tended fame, they may perhaps think their case
is reason for satisfaction rather than regret. We
trust, however, that they will take more reasona
bic view of ~ and above all remember thas
one is ga to learn. Meanwhile, we COM
mend the confessions of Go Ahead Somehow TO
the consideration of all persons charged with the
education of young people, and especially to the
Board of Education of this City. Here is gen
tleman, otherwise accomplished and well-informed,
who does not know how to write his own language
correctly. Nor is he an exception. Only yester-
day. for instance, we received letter from cler-
gymsn who wrote mayraeule, Demoe!attiek, &C.;
aud physicians are prOverbial for such errors.
Now how is this to be accounted fort Does it
come from any intellectual depravity in these other.
wise excellent persOnsl Are they weak in that
corner of their minds Not at all. It's true that
the irregularities and incongruties of English
orthog1 apply have much to do with it; but the great
difficulty with these individuals comes, no doubt,
from the fact that their early education, like that
Of so many young persons in this city, was conded
to teachers who did not know the language, and Of
course were unable to bring up their pupils in cor.
rect habits with regard to it. In this point Of view
$50 Ahead Somehow is seen to be an example
and warning. And let school teachers and school
committees be convinced that the fault they now
inculcate or tolerate in the mental discipline of
their charges, will bear much disagreeable fruit
hereafter.
We hope yet to hear that the Board of Educa.
ton has taken action on this subject.