Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1858-12-31
Bad Spelling and its Consequences.

Some years ago teacher pI resented him
self as a candidate for the mastership of a
school, of which the salary was fifteen
hundred dollars. His qualifications were
deemed satisfactory in all respects except
in spelling. On account of this deficiency
he was rejected. See, now, what ignorance
in this elementary branch cost him In ten
years his salary would have amounted to
fifteen thousand d liars, throwing out of
the calculation the increase which by in
yestment might have accrued from interest.
Besides the salary of the same school has
since been advanced two thousand dollars
But he might have remained in the posi-
ton twice or three times ten years, as other
teachers in the same place have done, and
that large amount might consequently have
been increased in proportion.
A gentleman, of excellent reputation as
a scholar. was proposed to fill professor
ship in one of our New England colleges
not many years since but in his cores
pondence SO much bad spelling was found
that his name was dropped, and an honor
able position was lost by him. The corpo-
ration Of the college concluded that, how
ever high his qualifications as professor
might be in general literature, the orihogra-
ply of his correspondence would not add
much to the reputation of the institution.
A prominent manufacturer in a neigh
boring town received business letter from
an individual who had contracted to supply
him with a large quantity Of stock bat SO
badly was it spelled, and so illegible the
penmanship, that the receiver found it
nearly impossible to deeipher the meaning.
An immediate decision must be given in
reply; and yet, so obscure was the ex-
preston that it was impossible TO determine
what they should answer. Delay would
bring loss a wrong decision would lead
to more serious result. Perplexed with
uncertainty, throwing down the letter, he
declared'that this should be the last busi-
ness transaction between him and the writer
Of such an illiterate communication, for,
said he, i am liable to lose more in this
trade alone than can make in lifetime
Of business with him."
A gentleman, who had been book
keeper some years, offered himself as
for the office of secretary TO an
company. Although a man of
character, possessed of many ex-
,ellent qualifications. he failed of being
elected because he was in the habit of leav-
ng words misspelled on his books. The |
position would require him to attend to
portion of the correspondence of the office,
md il was thought that incorrect spelling |
would not insure the company very ex-
.ellent reputation for their method Of doing
business, whatever amount might be trans
lcted.
Inability to spell correctly exposes one
o pecuniary loss. 1t is, moreover, an OBJ
tacle TO an advancement to honorable sta
ion. Such instances as those recited above |
re satisfactory proofs but that this defect |
n ones education is productive of mortifi-
alton and mischief, is illustrated by the fol- |
owing actual occurrence:
A young teacher had received assistance |
rom friend in obtaining school, and
vrote letter ovcrfiowng with gratitude to
lis benefactor, but closed it thus Please |
rcept (accepD my thanks for your kind |
avors in my bchalfi "-Lifa Illustrated.