The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1857-01-07

e,-....s.e -.... For the spirit" J"
GRAMMAR, PRACTICALLY,

Read By d. S. Spriggs, 6etore tie Calcis
literary dissertation, Dec. 1855.
If preference in the study of sciences
in our common schools is due any one
branch, that branch is English Grammar.
We may search in vain the whole circle OF
science to find another branch, knowl-
edge of which is so frequently called into
'requistion as this. Whether we are en-
gagged in public speaking or private con
vcrSation, in reading or writing on any
subject, or engaged in thinking, knovl-
edge of this branch, is matter of the
first Importance.
We by no means wish to see other
branches of science neglected.; for they
are all highly beneficial in their respective
places, but we wish to see proper esti-
Imtte put npon this one that is so vel
calculated to adorn all other intellectu
requirements, and present at the same
time bouadiess field for investigation
aud thought; to see the rules which gov
ern Cor should govern) our language oh
served, not only by the public speaker,
but by those engaged in private conver-
Saiiou, also; then, and not till then. will
this important branch be properly under
stood and appreciated. We viii then
see carried out in practice, what is now
Taught only in theory, and behold as the
result the practical benefits that must in
evitably follow such course. Consider
but for moment the benefits that would
result to the student who is engaged in
the study of Grammar, to hear those with
whom lie converses constantly apply the
rulesgand principles which he is laboring
to learn But instead of this, the child
is taught to murder the "King's English y
as soon as it can lisp a name, and thus it
goes on until & practice is acquired which
is seldom abandoned, though months and
years be devoted to the study of rulps by
which errors in language may be detected
and avoided. : As a proof of this fact,
we need only refer to the gross errors and
lgdierous blpnders SO frequently commit
ted, not only by persons engaged in pri-
vate conversation, but by the public speak
er also. low often do we hear the nom
NATIVE used instead Of the objective, and
Hsiee versa?' The pronoun them instead
of the adjective those, and many other
errors equally gross, by those who have
devoted months and years to the study of
Grammar 3aI 5ss9I 0
Now, what is the reason of this II
must be admitted that in many cases, is
not attributable to want of knowledge
in this science, but it is because they have
been so long accustomed to using such
expressions that they are unable to over
come the force of habit; or at least they
do not. But we will pass TO the schoo
room where students are engaged III the
study of English Grammar, and what dc
We there hear? The plainest rules viola.
ted, the most shameful and ludicrous blum
ders committed, and whole sentences spo.
ken, the correct Specification of which,
exactly the reverse of what is intended
Nor will we exclude the teacher from thi:
charge, for violations of the same kinc
are almost as frequent with him as witt
the student, and that too when engaged
perhaps in hearing the recitation Of ;
lesson containing an explanation of th'
very same rules he is violating. The in
Iqniry win naturally arise how can thes
faults Gf faults they may be called) b
remedied? The answer is easily given
Let us have Grammar taught PRACTICAL,
as well as theoretically teachers ant
parents labor to improve themselves ant
become better, acquainted with the rule
of language, and make an application Q
the same at all times, in all places, ant
under all circumstances. BY so doing,
great amount of time and labor would b
saved, and we would have much bette
Grammarians and mauy more Of them.
I Published by request of the Associa
tion j. p. SPRIGGS. Secy
! IRISH .SpR,ATEGY!-I engaged says
ltrayeler, "a chaisel at Galway TO conduc
me some few miles into the country, an
HAD not proceeded far when it pulled II
. at the foot of hill, and the driver con
ing to the door opened it. What al
you at, man; this isn't where ordere
1 you to stop?' said /. Whist, your hor